Very Dry Skin

I have been having problems with my skin lately and I'm at a complete loss as to what to do.  I was on the depo provera birth control shot and my acne was fine before I began birth control and after I stopped using it.  I finally got my menstrual cycle back about July of 2009 and my skin started to break out - whiteheads.  I started treating it using the Clean and Clear Acne Spot Treatment gel and a "vanishing cream".  My skin has never had a problem being either oily or dry either.  I was treating the breakouts although it wasn't really working.  I then used the Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser which I think was my downfall.  Ever since I've used that product my acne - as in whiteheads, got significantly worse and it severely dried out my skin.  I stopped using the Blackhead Eraser and my acne has decreased although it is still occurring.  The problem now is that my skin is so dry that I've been using several different moisturizers but none of them are working at all.  I'm using Persagel which has significantly helped my acne when I use it as a spot treatment.  The skin around my mouth and up by my cheekbones and eyes gets so dry that it's really painful.  I am using a Vaseline brand Intense Moisture product and it helps a little but not much.  My skin flakes and it's not getting better.  The skin around my hairline is dry but almost greasy at the same time when I look in a mirror.  There are flakes actually in my hair.  I find this really embarrassing and I do not know what to do.  I would appreciate any help that you could give me.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This dryness of the skin can be due to xerosis or seborrheic dermatitis. Avoid using the soap and instead use soap free products like Cetaphil. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day and apply them immediately after washing the face. You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If still the symptoms persist then possibility of eczema has to be ruled out. Please consult a dermatologist in that case. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.  Warm regards and God bless.