How to Treat Acne If You Have Dry Skin: A Skincare Guide for Women in Their 30s
Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. For many women in their 30s, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and other life changes can trigger those dreaded breakouts. But if you have dry skin, managing acne can feel even more difficult. On one hand, your skin might be sensitive, but on the other, you’re dealing with stubborn pimples that don’t seem to go away.
The good news is, you can treat acne without sacrificing your skin’s hydration and glow. In fact, with the right approach, you can clear up your skin while also nourishing it and maintaining a healthy balance. Here’s a skincare guide that balances acne control with moisture for dry, acne-prone skin.
-
Understand Your Skin’s Needs
Dry skin and acne don’t always go hand-in-hand, but this combination is more common than you might think. Dry skin lacks moisture, which means it can become flaky, irritated, and more prone to clogged pores—leading to breakouts. At the same time, acne treatments that are too harsh can strip your skin further, making dryness worse.
The key to effective acne treatment for dry skin is finding products that gently target breakouts without over-drying or irritating your skin. Aim for products that not only fight acne but also maintain hydration.
-
Opt for a Hydrating Cleanser
When you have dry skin, cleansing is one of the most important steps in your routine—but it’s also where many people go wrong. Harsh, foaming cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it more prone to irritation and flakiness. Instead, look for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes dirt, makeup, and excess oil without drying out your skin.
Look for formulas with soothing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, which help attract moisture to your skin while still providing a deep cleanse. Avoid cleansers with alcohol or strong fragrances, as they can irritate and further dry out your skin.
-
Exfoliate—Gently
Exfoliating is essential for acne-prone skin since it helps clear away dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores. However, with dry skin, you have to be extra careful. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin’s moisture barrier and worsen dryness and irritation.
Choose a gentle exfoliator, ideally one with mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or salicylic acid. This is why we created the Oathology TBH serum, a perfect blend of three alpha hydroxy acids and a plant based retinol alternative, bakuchiol. This product allows one to gently exfoliate the skin without causing friction or irritation, unlike physical scrubs that can be too abrasive. You can being by exfoliating 1-2 times a week but eventually many can tolerate this product daily.
-
Use a Non-Drying Acne Treatment
Acne treatments are often packed with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can be effective but also drying. While you may need to use products that target breakouts, it’s essential to find formulas designed for dry skin.
Consider acne treatments with more hydrating actives, such as niacinamide, which not only targets acne but also strengthens the skin’s barrier, helping to lock in moisture. A large reason we chose to include so many hydrating ingredients in our Oathology TBH serum such as manuka honey, niacinamide, and aloe vera was so it was gentle to use daily for most people as well.
If you’re using a topical acne treatment, be sure to layer it with a hydrating moisturizer to avoid over-drying your skin.
-
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Hydration is key for dry, acne-prone skin. If your skin is too dry, it can overcompensate by producing more oil, which can clog your pores and trigger even more breakouts. A rich, hydrating moisturizer is non-negotiable.
Look for a moisturizer that’s labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means it won’t clog your pores. Opt for a formula with a blend of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. These ingredients help replenish moisture and repair your skin’s natural barrier. If you prefer something a little lighter, you can try a gel-based moisturizer that hydrates without feeling greasy.
-
Spot Treatments Are Your Friend
When a pimple pops up (as they inevitably do), use a targeted spot treatment that won’t dry out the surrounding skin. Choose a treatment with sulfur or benzoyl peroxide—both are effective at drying out blemishes but can be drying on the skin, so make sure to only apply them directly to the acne spots. Additionally, hydrocolloid bandages are excellent as a spot treatment.
A great spot treatment will help to quickly reduce the appearance of blemishes without causing surrounding skin to become red, irritated, or dry. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to maintain balance.
-
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
As a woman in your 30s, you know the importance of sun protection. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially when using acne treatments that may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Choose a sunscreen that is hydrating yet non-comedogenic—look for options that contain physical blockers like zinc oxide, which are less likely to irritate dry skin than chemical sunscreens. This is why we recommend our Oathology Inzincable sunscreen, a curated sunscreen that can function as your daily makeup and hydrating primer without compromising your skin further.
A broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher is ideal. You can even find sunscreens with added skin benefits, like niacinamide, which can help reduce redness and irritation from acne.
-
Be Patient & Consistent
Lastly, remember that clear skin takes time. The process of managing acne with dry skin can be frustrating, but consistency is key. It may take a few weeks for your skin to respond to new products and treatments, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
In the meantime, focus on balancing your skin’s hydration and protecting its moisture barrier. Over time, your skin will become more resilient, and your acne will become more manageable.
Final Thoughts
Tackling acne with dry skin isn’t always easy, but with the right approach, it’s completely possible. By choosing gentle, hydrating products and being mindful of your skin’s needs, you can keep acne at bay while maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. Take a holistic approach—treat your acne while nurturing your skin’s moisture balance—and you’ll find the right balance for your unique skin.
Remember, your 30s are all about embracing self-care, so take time to pamper your skin, and don’t be afraid to invest in the right products for your skin type.
Have any favorite acne-fighting tips for dry skin? And if you’re looking for the perfect products for dry, acne-prone skin, check out our curated collection, check out the Oathology Expecting Essentials trio, designed for those expecting or also with sensitive skin, designed to hydrate and clear your complexion—because great skin is all about balance.