Dry skin with spots: what can you do?

The combination of spots and an oily skin is common, but you can also get spots with a dry skin that feels greasy. Paula's Choice has tips and products that can effectively tackle both problems simultaneously.

Hormonal changes

Just because you are no longer a teenager does not mean you can completely escape spots. Neither does it mean that if you have (or had) fewer spots as a teenager, or none at all, that you won’t get spots as an adult. Hormonal changes (especially in women) can cause spots at any age.

The wrong skincare routine

An oily skin, dry skin or acne-prone skin are almost always made worse through the wrong skincare routine. Soap, aggressive scrubs, skin brushes, skincare products containing alcohol and products with irritating ingredients attack your skin. It is better to use a lightweight day or night product (for example in gel form) that contains healing ingredients than a rich cream. This is because the ingredients that give a product a full or thick texture can block the pores even more. Furthermore, it is essential for your skin that you apply a sunscreen product every day.

As if it is not troublesome enough already, many cosmetic brands sell products for spots that are full of irritating and dehydrating ingredients. These only worsen the condition of your skin. Watch out for ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, which hazel, peppermint, eucalyptus and sulphur.

Don’t apply too much or too often

Scientific research has shown that products containing retinol, salicylic acid (BHA) and possibly benzoyl peroxide play an important role in combating spots. But do not use these products excessively: more is not always better. The Clear collection for spots consists of mild yet effective products. If you feel that these products dry out your skin, we advise you to use them less frequently or to add an extra product such as a serum. If you want to start using a benzoyl peroxide product (available over the counter at the pharmacy) then start with the lowest possible concentration to see how your skin reacts to it. If you are oversensitive to benzoyl peroxide, our Clear Skin Daily Clearing Treatment is a perfect alternative.

Don’t forget:

• Some people cannot tolerate retinoid (vitamin A), which irritates their skin.
• For other people, benzoyl peroxide causes a dry or flaky skin, however little they apply.
• If you are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), then BHA can cause a reaction and you are better off trying an exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).

So always experiment with the various products to see what your skin responds well to and what is less effective.

A good skincare routine

A dry skin with spots will benefit from light creams (in gel form), toners, serums or thin lotions with antioxidants, restorative, anti-inflammatory substances and calming ingredients. Use these products on top of each other for the best result. The aforementioned products are all suitable for a dry skin with spots. For an exceptional result, you can combine the Clear products (for spots) with products for a dry skin such as Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, Skin Recovery Moisturizer or Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol.

Don’t expect immediate results!

Your skin will improve gradually. When you use the right products at the right intervals you will see a change within a few weeks. Consistent, daily use of the products is essential. Be patient! If you have followed all the advice but still suffer from a dry skin with a lot of spots, consult a dermatologist.

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