It is a common misconception that only people with oily skin suffer from acne. Although it is true that oily skin types are more prone to acne, people with dry skin can also suffer from repeated acne breakouts. But, how can you treat dry skin and acne when most acne products contain ingredients that are known to cause irritation?

Firstly, dry skin can crack and flake allowing acne bacteria to enter the skin. Harsh products can make your skin even drier. So, keeping your skin moisturized is the key to keeping acne under control.

You should modify your daily cleansing routine to include the following steps:

Step One: Cleanse with Oil

Because dry skin can be sensitive to soapy cleansers, you should try using oil instead. You may think that oil can promote more acne breakouts. But a natural acne remedy can actually help prevent acne if you choose a non-comedogenic oil to cleanse with.

Here is a simple home acne remedy you might want to try. Combine 1/4 teaspoon castor oil with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and apply and massage for 2 to 3 minutes.

You can remove the mask using a warm, moist washcloth on your face for a few minutes. Once the cloth has cooled, simply wipe the oil from your skin.

Step Two: Treat Acne with Tea Tree oil

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most commonly used acne creams on the market. Nevertheless, it can be very irritating to dry skin. Tea tree oil is an effective and gentler substitute for benzoyl peroxide.

This product can be found in cream form or in oil form. You can purchase it at a health food store or online.

To use it, you simply soak a cotton ball in water and add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil to the ball. Apply the diluted oil on the areas that are prone to acne. Once your skin becomes accustomed to the oil, it can be used without being diluted.

Step Three: Keep your Moisturizer at Hand

By using the right amount of moisturizer, the oils in your skin will balance out. This can help you reduce the frequency of acne breakouts. When looking for this type of product, try using an oil-free, non comedogenic formula to control the amount of oil you are applying to your face.

If you find that your skin dries out during the day, go ahead and apply more moisturizer. You needn't worry if you apply more moisturizing cream, dry skin is known to withstand being moisturized more than twice a day.

Other Options for Treating Acne

You might prefer traditional products designed for oily skin types. If this is the case, you should apply this type of product less often until your skin becomes accustomed to it, and follow-up with a thicker moisturizer.