Troubleshooting Dry, Irritated or Itchy Skin

If you're working through The Acne Lab's Clear Skin Program, your skin should feel comfortable and hydrated throughout the program. 

But, if you are experiencing dry, irritated, or itchy skin, we've put together a guide below to help you. 

Dry Skin Can't Get Clear

We first want to clear up a common misconception. We know it's often thought that you need to dry out acne. This is a myth.

Dry skin is irritating and can cause more breakouts. In order to clear up acne, you want to make sure your skin is healthy and hydrated.

Use the checklist below to get back to comfortable, hydrated skin. 

Dry Skin Troubleshooting Checklist

If your skin is dry, irritated, flakey, dull, red or itchy, it can be a sign you are not following our skincare routine correctly. 

Are you…. 

✔️ Following your recommended skincare routine 2x a day? 

You should be following your skincare routine 2x a day (in the AM and PM). 

✔️ Using the Skincare 101 products properly?

You also need to apply your products properly and in the correct order. Make sure you watch our Acne Skincare Tutorials to make sure you are following the correct steps. 

✔️ Using the correct amount of your active products? 

You want to avoid over-treating your skin with too much of an active product. 

Depending on your product, you will only one to use
- One pad (for products that come with pads)
- One pump (for bottles with pump dispensers)
- A pea-sized amount (for squeeze bottles) 

✔️ Using Sunscreen 101 every day, even when you stay indoors?

Sunscreen provides a layer of protection that your skin needs. UV rays can further irritate and inflame your skin, so make sure you are applying Sunscreen 101 every morning as the last step of your routine and reapply when needed. 

Next Step: Schedule a Support Call

If you can say YES to all these and your skin is still dry and irritable, we want you to:

- Stop using your active products
- Only use Skincare 101 products
- Schedule a virtual support call

Our Acne Experts may need to adjust your routine and can provide additional advice to get your skin back on track.