Generally speaking, oily skin is more prone to acne than other skin types. However, this does not mean that combination and dry skin can be thought of as acne-free skin types because while combination skin can withstand the same treatments for acne that oily skin can, dry skin most definitely requires another approach.

People with dry skin tend to suffer from "invisible" pimples. What this means is that when acne affects dry skin it does so by creating itchy and painful nodules that appear underneath the skin. This makes it impossible to pop a pimple, as most people usually do. In fact, any type of pressure applied to the affected area will result in widespread infection and inflammation.

Instead, alleviate your acne by using moisturizer. This sound complete haywire, but it actually works on dry skin and here's why:

Dry skin is synonymous of an absence of moisture which will lead to invisible cracks that allow acne bacteria to enter and proliferate. By moisturizing your skin properly, you can keep it strong and resistant against cracking or breaking.

You can also use oil as a moisturizer for dry skin. However, not just any oil will do. Use non-comedogenic oils, such as olive oil, and massage it into your skin.

Remove it with a warm, moist washcloth and apply your moisturizer as usual. Using this type of product can help balance out the natural oils in your skin. As a matter of fact, it is especially helpful for people with extremely dry skin.

Following a proper cleansing routine that includes a good acne cream will also help prevent acne and treat acne lesions. Don't trick yourself into thinking you can treat dry skin acne problems with the same acne treatments used to treat oily skin. These types of treatment are usually too harsh for dry skin.

Mild and moderate acne can usually be treated with nothing more than a regular cleansing routine, however, if you have severe acne then you should seek medical guidance. Not taking acne seriously will only worsen the problem and lead to acne scarring that will most often require acne scar removal.

Dry skin is too sensitive to withstand products that contain retinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur. Instead of using products that contain these ingredients you should look for products that contain tea tree oil or vitamin B complex. Or if you'd like, you can use products that contain AHAs but do so wisely because they are known to cause irritation in some people.

Tea tree oil should be used once a week so that your skin can become accustomed to it. Or, if you prefer, you can dilute it with a couple of drops of water or by using a few drops of your moisturizer. It doesn't matter which method you use, both will help reduce its irritating power.

AHAs are excellent exfoliators and can reduce the level of flaking that accompanies dry skin. You can either find a creamy moisturizer made with AHAs or mix them into your moisturizer.