Winter Acne

During the winter months, cold weather, wind, and dry indoor air can dry out your skin. Using acne fighting products can intensify this effect, causing skin to become tight, uncomfortable, flaky, or even peel. The skin is made up of several layers of cells and thousands of oil glands. The oil that these glands produce is what helps keep skin from losing moisture to ensure it stays supple and soft. Winter can also exacerbate other skin conditions, so to avoid winter acne, keep your skin hydrated with these cold weather acne-fighting tips.

Could your cleanser be the culprit?

While many people use the same products year-round, changing products based on the season could help moisturize and protect your skin during the colder winter months. If you feel your skin is tight and dry after cleansing, consider switching to a milder cleanser to help hydrate your skin throughout the winter season. Remember to wash your face with mildly warm, rather than hot, water.

Go for more moisturizer.

For individuals with or without winter acne, moisturize regularly as part of your daily routine. Nearly all acne products can dry skin to some extent. To avoid flaking and peeling, finding the right moisturizer is key. Avoid choosing thick, greasy products. Instead, try a moisturizing gel or lotion that is lighter than products marked “moisturizing cream.” Remember to look for non-comedogenic products, designed to avoid blocking pores.

Hydrate from deep within.

It is important to drink plenty of water throughout the year, but this is especially important during the wintertime, when dehydrated skin is likely to feel more tight and dry. Try to drink the recommended eight glasses of eight-ounce water each day to stay hydrated. If, however, water does not appeal to you, try getting enough liquid through decaffeinated tea. (Caffeine further dehydrates your body.)

Start a new schedule — moisturize morning and night.

Many people suffering from winter acne think that applying lotion to skin will only exacerbate breakouts, when in fact, it can help keep the skin from producing excess oils. Try applying a light, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic cream with sunscreen in the morning. Then, after cleansing face in the evening, apply moisturizer to skin in the evening to keep it hydrated while you sleep and your skin rejuvenates.

A few more ways to fight winter acne:

• Take shorter showers lasting up to 15 minutes at most. Use mild soaps that avoid drying the skin. Apply acne products immediately after the shower when your skin is still wet to help your skin be less dry and to prevent it from cracking.
• The skin on the lips is extremely thin and that is why in that place the skin is really sensitive, so try a moisturizer made especially for the lips that contains vitamins and Aloe Vera.
• Try out a small humidifier in the room where you spend the most time. Humidifers help add moisture to the air itself and can keep your skin moist, as well as make it easier for you to breathe. Make absolutely certain that you keep the humidifier clean, as mold can quickly build up within it.
• Consider taking a fish oil supplement at least twice a day to keep skin smooth, supple, and moisture-retaining.Another winter tip for acne prone skin is to switch to a more moisturizing cleanser, especially if you are currently using one that is especially made for acne prone skin. Maybe switch to a creamy cleanser instead of a clear one, or if you currently use bar soap as a cleanser, you definitely want to switch to a gentler liquid cleanser, perhaps infused with vitamin C. You want to make sure you are not washing your face with overly hot water. I know it’s great to take a nice hot shower in the winter, but it really isn’t doing your skin any favors. Hot water dried the skin out, and you may notice that after
• If, for any reason, your skin is peeling and flaking from your acne treatment products, be sure to consult your doctor on what to do.