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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- MayoClinic.com: Acne Causes
- MayoClinic.com: Dry Skin Causes
- MayoClinic.com: Acne Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- MayoClinic.com: Acne Alternative Medicine
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Dry Skin & Whiteheads
If you've got dry skin and whiteheads, you're not alone. Unfortunately, even those of us whose skin always feels parched can still have recurring acne problems. As it turns out, acne can even be worsened by dry skin. To alleviate your dryness and make the whiteheads go away, your skin may need special treatment. Luckily, you can probably take care of it yourself by following a few simple guidelines.
Causes of Whiteheads
MayoClinic.com says acne is due to an overproduction of "sebum," your skin's natural oil 125. Sebum is produced under your skin, at the base of hair follicles. When your follicles become clogged, sebum builds up. Then the follicle wall can bulge, producing a whitehead. It's important to note that dirt doesn't cause acne: dry skin cells are more often to blame. According to MayoClinic.com, dead skin cells and sebum are the primary factors in clogged pores 12.
Causes of Dry Skin
What Causes Breakouts on the Forehead?
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Weather, sun exposure, swimming pools, central heating and air conditioning can all dry your skin, MayoClinic.com warns 12.cause:
- Weather
- sun exposure
- swimming pools
- central heating
- air conditioning can all dry your skin
- MayoClinic.com warns 12
Skin dryness can also be due to psoriasis or thyroid disorders, or you may have naturally dry skin. However, you can worsen your skin's thirst by washing it in hot water or by using harsh soaps and detergents. In fact, if you have dry skin and wash or scrub it too frequently, you can increase the dry skin cells on your face, in turn causing acne.
- Weather, sun exposure, swimming pools, central heating and air conditioning can all dry your skin, MayoClinic.com warns 1.cause: * Weather
* sun exposure
* swimming pools
* central heating
* air conditioning can all dry your skin
* MayoClinic.com warns 1 Skin dryness can also be due to psoriasis or thyroid disorders, or you may have naturally dry skin. - In fact, if you have dry skin and wash or scrub it too frequently, you can increase the dry skin cells on your face, in turn causing acne.
Treatment: Cleansing
MayoClinic.com recommends that you wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser 12. Acne.org adds that you should not use soap, and wash only twice a day with at least 10 hours in between washings. Wash your face with your bare hands, not by scrubbing with a cloth, then pat your skin dry without rubbing. Acne.org also recommends applying a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream. However, if this dries your skin too much, try using tea tree oil as a milder solution.
- MayoClinic.com recommends that you wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser 1.
- Acne.org adds that you should not use soap, and wash only twice a day with at least 10 hours in between washings.
Treatment: Moisturizing
How to Get Rid of Sebum
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Whenever you wash your face, or when it feels dry, apply moisturizer. MayoClinic.com recommends choosing a product labeled "water-based" or "noncomedogenic." This indicates it won't add to the oiliness of your skin, and won't clog your pores 12.
According to Acne.org, you should apply enough moisturizer so that your skin isn't flaky. If you want added effectiveness, try adding a few drops of jojoba oil.
- Whenever you wash your face, or when it feels dry, apply moisturizer.
- According to Acne.org, you should apply enough moisturizer so that your skin isn't flaky.
Lifestyle
To cut down on your acne risk, you can keep your skin clean without having to over-wash it. MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, hair products and concealers 12. Once again, look for the words "water-based" or "noncomedogenic" to indicate that products are non acne-causing. Keep your hair clean, and pulled back from your face. Avoid touching your face with your hands or your phone, and stay away from tight clothes or hats that can trap oil and dirt next to your skin.
- To cut down on your acne risk, you can keep your skin clean without having to over-wash it.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands or your phone, and stay away from tight clothes or hats that can trap oil and dirt next to your skin.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic.com: Acne Causes
- MayoClinic.com: Dry Skin Causes
- MayoClinic.com: Acne Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Acne.org: Regimen Instructions
- MayoClinic.com: Acne Alternative Medicine
- Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K. Moisturizers for acne: what are their constituents? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(5):36-44.
- Decker A, Graber EM. Over-the-counter acne treatments: A review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(5):32-40.
- Dréno B, Bettoli V, Araviiskaia E, Sanchez Viera M, Bouloc A. The influence of exposome on acne. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(5):812-9. doi:10.1111/jdv.14820
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
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An award-winning blogger, Jessica Blue has been promoting sustainability, natural health and a do-it-yourself attitude since graduating University of California, Berkeley in 2000. Her work, seen in a wide variety of publications, advocates an environmentally-responsible and healthy lifestyle.