Tips for dry skin?

Jul 22, 2014

Ali N.

So I have really dry skin on my face and I hate having to put lotion on all the time. I also have acne on my face as well and I feel like I get more pimples when I have lotion on. I've tried various lotions and a lot of them I've noticed clogged my pores. Is there any remedies or product that helps dry skin and treats acne at the same time?

Jul 23, 2014

Kayli H.

I have really dry skin as well, but I am not prone to breakouts, but still have some tips you should try!

First off, you have to hydrate your face properly. What you have to do is apply some sort of hydrator (either an oil or serum), then a moisturizer or lotion overtop. What I recommend is finding a product or two with something like salicylic acid or tea tree or something. I know the idea of putting oil on your face when you have acne seems counterintuitive, but your skin really really needs the hydration in order to repair itself. When you apply the hydrator, make sure to press it into your skin, not rub. Let it sit for a bit to soak in, then go over with your moisturizer (you can rub it in if you like). The hydration you will be giving your skin will make it happy, and less prone to producing too much oil in certain places in order to compensate for the lack of hydration you naturally have.

You should also try to get a face wash or cleanser with something that is geared towards your skin type. I have the Neutrogena daily cleanser in the creamy formula and that may be something you'd like! I don't use it every day, just when I break out, and I think it really helps. Exfoliating is also very important, but should only be done 2-3 times a week. Exfoliants essentially make tiny little cuts in your skin to get rid of dead cells and so your hydrator/moisturizer/ other products can get deeper.

After you wash your face before the hydrator and moisturizer, you have to use a toner. I used to not use a toner because I thought it was only for people with oily skin types but EVERYONE needs toner! After you wash your face, your skin's pH balance is off, and the toner will correct it. An upset in the pH of your skin can cause a lot of problems!

I personally only wash my face at night, but I always always ALWAYS apply a hydrator and moisturizer in the morning and at night, but I use different things for different times. I would recommend you go to a Sephora and ask the people in the skincare section to help you out. They will give your samples of everything to try out so you don't have to feel pressured into buying anything, since you never know how your skin will react to different products. If you DO end up purchasing a product and it doesn't work out for you, you can always return it! Then, if you return something and need a different product, you can tell the skincare section employees how you reacted and they can help you find a different product :) They may recommend you a mask, which you should use probably about once a week, but will definitely help!

I'm not a professional esthetician, but I have picked up on these things in my journey as a dry skinned girl, and I hope they help you out! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I know how hard it is to have dry skin when everyone else seems to have oily skin. You are not alone!! Good luck!

Jul 23, 2014

Ali N.

Thank you guys so so much! I'll definitely try everything!

Jul 23, 2014

Stephanie M.

Kayli's answer was really good and I agree with everything she said!!
I have dry skin too and It does feel like everyone else has oily skin!!
I put oil and then a moisturizer and it's really good! I use extra virgin olive oil and then a night moisturizer. (Olive oil doesn't clog your pores!)

For a toner, you can use apple cider vinegar mixed with water! It works so well. it also helps acne and it makes my face smooth.
You could also try using honey on your face! It moisturizes and helps acne as well. I put some on and leave it on for about 10 minutes and I just rinse it off. I also like squeezing some lemon in there too(: I feel like it helps too!
And exfoliating is a must! It will get rid of dry flakes on your face. Just follow with a moisturizer after!

My basic everyday moisturizer I use is the original NIVEA cream... It's really hydrating and I like applying it before putting on makeup. oh and a setting spray helps my skin from getting dry and flakey with my makeup on during the day!