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One common misconception we see in skincare is that acne-prone skin is inherently oily. But what if your skin is so dry that it’s scaly and flaking — and you’re still breaking out?
While dry skin might not be the immediately obvious cause of acne, it can play a big role in triggering the production of excess, pore-clogging oil in your skin. “Since the clogging of hair follicles causes acne, dry skin can cause an excess buildup of dead skin cells,” Dr. Ife J. Rodney wrote for Eternal Dermatology. “This, in turn, can clog your pores. In addition, dry skin makes your pores more likely to break open, allowing acne causing bacteria deeper into the skin.”
Ready to see some of our favorite gentle and non-comedogenic products for addressing dry skin in the winter without leading to further breakouts? Shop below!
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
We can’t even begin to count the amount of times we’ve recommended this cream to fellow dry skin friends. This is our holy grail for winter and well worth the investment. Made with an African oil blend, ceramides and soothing phytosphingosine, it’s incredibly moisturizing and leaves skin feeling protected and plump. Finally, a rich cream that won’t clog pores!
Get the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream for just $60 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 20, 2023, but are subject to change.
Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Skin Essence
This is another product that instantly popped into our heads — one we’ve repurchased time and time again. Adding this extra layer of hydration between your toner and serum — or even just between your cleanser and moisturizer if you’re keeping it simple — can make a huge difference. See how the hyaluronic acid and collagen can give skin its bounce back!
Get the Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Skin Essence for just $24 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 20, 2023, but are subject to change.
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
This serum is iconic in the skincare world. If you want some serious hydration but don’t like using heavy products, this “silky, weightless” formula will quickly capture your heart. It leaves out drying ingredients like alcohol and sulfates but includes complexion-loving powerhouses like niacinamide, a peptide complex and peach extract!
Get the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum for just $39 at Ulta!
Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser
This new release from Glow Recipe came at the perfect time. It’s a gorgeous pick for dry, irritated skin. Serums and moisturizers are very important, but choosing a cleanser that won’t strip your skin at the start of your routine is essential too. This one lathers up into a thick foam to cleanse skin while strengthening your natural moisture barrier!
Get the Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser for just $28 at Sephora!
Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask
When it comes to dry skin, you might want to avoid a lot of wash-off masks. Peel-off and clay masks may help with acne on oily skin, but on dry skin, they can lead to more issues. This Moon Mask, however, is a creamy beauty made with ingredients like honey and aloe to soothe and smooth. It won’t dry and harden on the skin. Rinse after 20 minutes!
Get the Moisturizing Moon Mask for just $24 at Glossier!
LAPCOS Honey Sheet Mask
Of course, sheet masks are also an option and a favorite for dry skin. LAPCOS makes so many amazing varieties, but this honey version is our pick for dry, acne-prone skin. The honey and calendula flower extract have breakout-fighting, anti-inflammatory properties and may help seriously hydrate skin alongside the hyaluronic acid!
Get the LAPCOS Honey Sheet Mask, 5-Pack (originally $17) for just $14 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 20, 2023, but are subject to change.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
Hailey Bieber once called this sunscreen the “only one that doesn’t make [her] skin break out.” It’s a bestseller thanks to its non-comedogenic, mineral ingredients, and it’s even been found to help specifically with acne, rosacea and dark spots. Dry, sensitive skin-approved!
Get the EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen for just $39 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 20, 2023, but are subject to change.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend over $20 on your moisturizer, then we have to point you to dermatologist-favorite brand, CeraVe! This unbelievably popular moisturizer is so hydrating and gentle, it holds the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance. It’s non-comedogenic and allergy-tested too!
Get the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for just $18 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 20, 2023, but are subject to change.
Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel
This is another super inexpensive pick with tons of fans. If you prefer lightweight gel formulas, this is our suggestion for you. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter and chamomile oil work synergistically to calm, protect, cushion and hydrate the skin for a glowing complexion!
Get the Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel for just $10 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 20, 2023, but are subject to change.
The Canopy Humidifier Starter Set
This last pick doesn’t necessarily seem like a “skincare product” at first, but it could make a big difference in your skin’s condition. One way to keep your skin from drying out is to keep the air from drying out. Enter: this beautiful humidifier! It can hydrate rooms up to 500 sq ft., and it even has an auto-mode to provide increased humidity at night!
Get The Canopy Humidifier Starter Set for just $150 at Sephora!
Not done shopping? See more of our favorite beauty products below:
- The Best Self Tanners for Pale Skin That Won’t Turn You Bright Orange
- 12 Best Cellulite Body Massagers to Smooth Out Your Skin — Starting at $6
- The Best Detangling Brushes for Curly Hair — Starting at Just $7
