When it comes to treating breakouts, many people instinctively reach for drying creams that promise to zap pimples overnight. These products often contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are known to dry out blemishes quickly. And while they might provide that short-term relief, what happens in the long run? Spoiler alert: they do more harm than good.

The reality is that drying creams disrupt your skin’s natural balance, often leading to increased oil production, irritation, and more breakouts. It’s like putting a band-aid on a deeper issue, only to find out you’re making the problem worse. Let’s dive into why these drying creams aren’t your friend and how you can find real, long-term balance for your skin.

The Problem with Drying Creams

Most drying creams are packed with harsh ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. While these ingredients can dry out a pimple, they also strip your skin of its natural oils. And guess what? When your skin loses those oils, it freaks out. 😱 It goes into overdrive to compensate for the sudden dryness by producing even more oil than before. This excess oil clogs pores, leading to—you guessed it—more breakouts. It’s a vicious cycle that’s tough to break.

A study on acne treatment reactions confirmed that drying ingredients can lead to irritation and an increase in sebum (oil) production, which can worsen acne over time (Gollnick & Finlay, 2010). So, while that drying cream might seem like a lifesaver in the moment, it could actually be making your skin worse in the long run.

Source: Gollnick, H., & Finlay, A. (2010). “Adverse Reactions to Acne Therapy.” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2867697/

Why Balance is Key

Your skin has a natural barrier that serves two crucial purposes: it helps protect your skin from environmental damage and retains moisture. When you use products that dry out your skin, they damage that barrier. Once compromised, the barrier can’t function properly, leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, and—ironically—more breakouts. 😬

Research shows that when your skin’s barrier is disrupted, it loses moisture rapidly, leading to inflammation and irritation (Elias & Wakefield, 2011). The key here is not to eliminate oil production, but to balance it. Your skin needs a certain amount of natural oils to stay healthy. So, the goal should be maintaining that balance—not trying to strip your skin dry.

Source: Elias, P. M., & Wakefield, J. S. (2011). “Skin Barrier Function.” Journal of Clinical Investigation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5677584/

How to Find Balance in Your Skincare Routine

So, if drying creams are out, what should you be doing? It’s all about balance, hydration, and listening to your skin’s needs.

Use Gentle, Hydrating Products:

Opt for natural, gentle products that don’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Ingredients like aloe vera, hemp oil, and walnut oil are fantastic for maintaining moisture while keeping your skin’s barrier intact. Natural moisturizing factors are key to keeping your skin balanced and hydrated without clogging your pores.

Source: Plourde, R. (2017). “The Benefits of Natural Moisturizing Factors in Skin Care.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486594/

Avoid Over-Cleansing:

Cleansing your face too often—or using harsh, sulfate-heavy cleansers—can strip your skin of its essential oils. Stick to cleansing once a day with a gentle & nourishing oil cleanser to avoid disrupting your skin’s natural barrier. This helps your skin retain moisture and avoid overcompensating with extra oil production.
Source: Draelos, Z. D. (2016). “Skin Care Formulations and Cleansers.” Dermatologic Clinics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/

Moisturize Daily

Yes, even if your skin is oily! Moisturizing helps regulate your skin’s oil production and prevents the overproduction of sebum. Use a lightweight moisturizer or an oil-based product that balances your skin’s hydration without clogging pores. Keeping your skin moisturized keeps your barrier strong and your skin healthy.

Drying creams might feel like a quick fix for breakouts, but they can wreak havoc on your skin’s ability to regulate itself. By stripping away essential oils and damaging your skin’s barrier, these creams often cause more breakouts, irritation, and dryness in the long run.

The real key to clear, healthy skin is balance—and that starts with gentle, hydrating skincare products that support your skin’s natural processes.

Instead of reaching for the drying creams, focus on nourishing and protecting your skin with hydrating products, proper cleansing, and consistent moisture. Healthy skin isn’t about drying it out—it’s about giving it the care it needs to stay balanced. And that’s the kind of clear skin that lasts.

References:

Gollnick, H., & Finlay, A. (2010). “Adverse Reactions to Acne Therapy.” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2867697/
Elias, P. M., & Wakefield, J. S. (2011). “Skin Barrier Function.” Journal of Clinical Investigation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5677584/
Plourde, R. (2017). “The Benefits of Natural Moisturizing Factors in Skin Care.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486594/
Draelos, Z. D. (2016). “Skin Care Formulations and Cleansers.” Dermatologic Clinics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/

Finding Balance: Why Drying Creams Are Not the Answer for Clear Skin