Are There Anti-Acne Seasons?

Every season brings new possibilities including anti-acne possibilities.  The weather has the potential to change skin along with how and why acne forms. Have you ever experienced less acne in the winter or have you noticed that your acne increases during the colder seasons? Your skin and your acne will change with the weather and the variables that go along with it.

Anti-acne Weather: Baby, It’s Cold Outside

The winter months typically bring along cold days, winds, and even snow. All of these environmental factors can contribute to dry skin. As you know, dry skin is not one of the best things for acne. Dry skin can lead to dead skin cells that, combined with oil and dirt, create acne. While most of us love the winter and the holidays, some acne suffers view winter as one of the worst acne times of the year.

More often than not, acne suffers will over-moisturize during this time of year. They believe that the excess moisture will help to combat dry skin and turn winter into an anti-acne season. Unfortunately, this is not true.  Misuse of moisturizers can cause a whole new set of issues and concerns. Mainly, acne suffers can turn to other lotions and moisturizers outside of their normal anti-acne skin care routine. These changes can lead to excess oil and acne. In addition, most anti-acne treatment combinations, including cleansers and moisturizers, are designed to be used in limited amounts only twice daily. Anyone dealing with acne must carefully follow these instructions regardless of the season.

Anti-Acne Weather: Heat Storm

On the other hand, summer is questionable as an anti-acne season too. Summer brings along beach days, outdoor activities, high temperatures, exposure to the UV rays, and sweat. Acne sufferers sometimes dread excess sweat.

Sweat, oils, dirt, and dead skins cells are some of the leading factors for acne. When an individual sweats and does not clean their skin, the sweat can clog their pores. Summer is a hard time for acne sufferers. They might feel the need to cleanse more than normal to remove the constant layers of sweat secreting from the body. The excess cleanser can actually cause more issues including dry skin and over use of products.

The Seasonal Anti-Acne Lesson

The lesson is regardless of the temperature outside you must follow your specific skin care regime. Do not take new steps without guidance! Benzoyl peroxide can easily dry out your skin with overuse. Other products and prescription medications also have specific drugs that should only be used as prescribed.

If you are experiencing severe acne issues only during specific seasons you can reach out to your dermatologist to find out if your regime should be altered. Acne can be a difficult subject with no easy answers. It might help to keep a journal about your acne changes and note the season and changes in weather. This can only help you and your dermatologist find the cause and effect.