Acne seems something typical of adolescence, but the truth is that there are men and women who have to deal with this problem throughout their lives. If pimples anywhere on the body are aesthetically uncomfortable, and can even be painful, things get worse if they appear on the face.

Sometimes specialized creams are not enough to treat acne , but you have to go to a dermatologist and start a drug treatment. Medicines against acne are usually very effective, and their results are noticeable in a few weeks. However, most of them have an unwanted side effect: they leave the skin dry.

The fat that accumulates in the pores is often the cause of the appearance of pimples, which is why drugs designed to eliminate them are responsible for reducing the presence of oil on the skin. This has a positive effect, as it reduces the presence of acne, but also a negative one, since the skin becomes extremely dry.

Effects of acne medications

By directly influencing the sebaceous glands, acne medications can cause:

The skin becomes dry.
Flaking or redness appears.
Dry eye syndrome appears.
The lips chap more easily.
Hair stays clean for longer.a

What can be done about these symptoms?

Dermatologists have it very clear: what you have to do is hydrate the skin well , especially that of the face and hands, parts that, being more exposed, tend to dry out more.

It is important to choose a good moisturizer for your face. Today you can even find moisturizers specially formulated for dry skin that have their origin in the pharmacological treatment of acne. It is advisable to try until you find one that really provides the necessary hydration. As each person is different, each one can do well with a different product.

But before applying the moisturizer you have to clean your face well. Soap can dry out the skin a lot, so avoid aggressive products . In hard water areas, even water can be harmful. A good alternative to cleanse the face is to use micellar water . This product, which is so famous today, was originally used to treat burned skin, so its effects on damaged skin are more than proven.

For the lips, it is best to get a good lip balm and moisturize the lips several times a day, both in summer and winter. This minimizes the risk that the effect of cut or burned lips may appear. When the lips are dry there is always the temptation to hydrate them with saliva, but this produces the opposite effect and increases the discomfort. If itching or irritation appears in this area, it is best to apply lip balm as soon as possible and ensure that the lips are dry but hydrated.

The problem of dry eye can be easily treated with artificial tears. This product can even be bought in single doses that can be carried comfortably in your bag. Simply apply it when the sensation that the eye is poorly hydrated appears.

The cold is especially aggressive on dry skin, but so is the sun. Therefore, within the daily routine of cleaning and caring for the skin of the face, it is necessary to include a sunscreen that will be applied after the moisturizer. This is especially important during the summer.

But skin care goes beyond the application of creams. Taking some precautions when showering can also help. When you shower, do not do it with hot water , but put it as cold as possible. Of course, it is also not good to spend too much time under the tap. All this will prevent the skin from losing an important part of its essential oils. And when you dry, do not rub your skin with the towel; it is better to apply small dabs .

Traditional shampoos tend to leave the scalp dry, better to use a product that is as gentle as possible. As for the bath gel, it is advisable to choose one made with natural ingredients and free of artificial fragrances and antibacterial agents.

When the weather permits, it is good to stay in ventilated and well-ventilated rooms, as the fresh air prevents the skin from drying out and cracking. Therefore, during the winter, the humidifier can become a great ally. This small device adds moisture to the environment and makes the appearance of the skin noticeably improve. It can be used both during the day and at night. Of course, it is better not to apply essential oils or other products with the smell of steam released by the device.

Finally, good hydration also helps the skin look better, so do not forget to drink an average of two liters of water per day.

Products and treatments to avoid

Dry skin, either by nature or as a result of acne treatment, is one of the most delicate out there. There are ingredients commonly present in makeup and cosmetic products that can be harmful. Thus, when buying creams or cosmetics, try to choose non-comedogenic products . This indicates that they are free of ingredients that can clog or irritate the skin. The more fragrance and odor free the products that are applied to the skin of the face or body, the better.

Dry skin affects the whole body; For this reason, special care must be taken when undergoing beauty or aesthetic treatments that seem as harmless as exfoliation or waxing . Depending on how the skin is, exfoliating or applying hot wax can contribute to further damage, so other methods should be chosen.

As we always recommend, put yourself in the hands of a dermatologist for advice on how to treat your skin to prevent the medications you take from causing dryness. This professional will recommend specific products and advice for your skin type.