Dry, Red and Spotty? Why Eczema and Acne Together?

It is frustrating enough dealing with acne or eczema on their own, but both at the same time is even more frustrating and feels downright unfair. Clients ask me why do I struggle with dry, red and irritated skin along with battling breakouts? More importantly, how do I fix it without making one problem worse. Have you been asking yourself the same? First let's run though why this might be happening and then what products you need.

Why Do I Have Eczema and Acne at the Same Time?

The truth is, having dry, sensitive skin does not make you immune to spots. In fact, the combination is surprisingly common for a few reasons:

1. Your Skin Barrier is Compromised

Eczema weakens your skin’s protective barrier making it more prone to irritation and moisture loss. At the same time, when your skin feels dry, it often overcompensates by producing extra oil leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. It is a vicious cycle!

2. Inflammation is a Major Factor

Both eczema and acne are inflammatory skin conditions and if your body is already prone to inflammation, it can manifest as redness, dryness, and breakouts all at once.

3. Using the Wrong Products

Acne treatments often strip the skin of moisture whereas heavy creams for eczema can clog pores. Finding the balance is key.

4. Stress and Hormones

Stress is a known trigger for both eczema flare-ups and acne. Hormonal imbalances can also affect how your skin behaves, making it feel impossible to calm down.

How to Calm Dryness and Redness Without Making Spots Worse

1. Choose a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Skip harsh, foaming cleansers that strip your skin and instead, opt for a fragrance free, hydrating cleanser that soothes and cleans without over drying. Also look for calming ingredients like glycerin or oat extract.

2. Moisturize with Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Products

Hydration is crucial to repairing your skin barrier, but avoid rich, heavy creams that could trigger breakouts. Instead, use a lightweight moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. Products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide are excellent for restoring moisture while calming inflammation.

3. Add a Soothing Serum

Red, irritated skin benefits from calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or centella asiatica (also known as cica). These help reduce redness without clogging your pores.

4. Spot Treat Sparingly

If you use acne treatments, apply them only where needed. Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be drying, so balance them with hydrating products.

5. Avoid Scrubbing and Over-Exfoliating

Gentle exfoliation can help clear breakouts, but be careful not to irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Use chemical exfoliants like lactic acid at low concentrations and only once or twice a week.

6. Protect Your Skin with SPF

Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even if your skin feels sensitive. Look for mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to cause irritation.