Do you get more pimples in winter? This is why

For many, winter feels cozy. Warm indoors, a thick scarf around your neck, applying a bit more cream in the evening because your skin feels tight.
But if you suffer from acne, you might notice something different. More pimples. More redness. More skin irritation. And that's despite doing everything right.

As a skin expert, I see this every year. Not because your skin suddenly becomes difficult, but because winter brings different stimuli. Dry air, friction, and well-intentioned adjustments to your routine that can have the opposite effect.

In this article, I will calmly explain why acne often worsens in winter, which three winter triggers I see most often, and most importantly, what you can do without completely overhauling your skincare routine.

Why do you get more acne in winter?

Acne-prone skin is inherently more sensitive and reactive.
In winter, this skin faces extra challenges: cold outdoor air, dry air from heating, and more friction from clothing.

Your skin loses moisture faster, gets irritated more easily, and protects itself by producing more sebum. This is not a flaw in your skin, but a protective mechanism. However, this extra sebum in acne-prone skin more quickly leads to clogged pores and dry skin inflammation.

Trigger 1: scarves and friction on the jawline

A thick scarf that keeps you warm feels wonderful.

But precisely the areas where hormonal acne most often occurs, such as the jawline, neck, and throat, experience a lot of friction as a result.

Acne-prone skin is more prone to redness and irritation. If fabric rubs or presses against it all day, it can cause extra irritation. Resulting in more bumps or pimples in exactly those spots.

Fabric softener: an often-forgotten trigger

What many people don't realize is that not only the scarf itself, but also what it's washed with, plays a role.
Fabric softener almost always contains perfume. And perfume is a known trigger for acne and skin reactions.

Wash scarves, turtlenecks, and sweaters that come into contact with your face without fabric softener.
A little bit of vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser provides a fresh scent without irritating your skin.

Trigger 2: dry air from heating and cold temperatures

If you turn up the heating, your skin loses moisture faster. Especially acne-prone skin, which often already struggles to maintain its moisture balance.

You'll notice this by a tight feeling, dry patches, or flaking.
The skin reacts by producing more sebum to protect itself. This results in skin that feels dry and produces pimples more easily.

Hydration is therefore one of the most important pillars in treating acne, even in winter.

Why thicker creams sometimes make acne worse in winter

When your skin feels dry, it's logical to reach for a richer cream. That immediately feels more comfortable.

But many rich creams contain ingredients that are too heavy for acne-prone skin. They clog pores more and can trigger new pimples. Shea butter is a well-known example. It provides a creamy texture but contains fatty acids that can worsen acne.

Should you adjust your skincare routine in winter?

In most cases, no.

If your routine is good and you suddenly experience more reaction in winter, it's usually due to external factors and not your products.

Stick to a gentle cleanser, possibly a hydrating serum, your moisturizer, and an acne treatment tailored to your type of acne. What you can do is apply your moisturizer a bit thicker in the evening as a repairing layer. Let it soak in for a while or sleep with it, with a clean towel on your pillow.

Is petroleum jelly bad for acne-prone skin?

No. That's a persistent myth.

A thin layer of petroleum jelly can actually be very helpful for temporary dryness or irritation. Petroleum jelly seals the skin, which helps retain the moisture your skin produces itself. This allows the skin to recover faster.

Only use this in the evening and not daily. One to three evenings is usually sufficient. Always clean your skin well in the morning.

What can you do for acne in winter?

Winter doesn't call for a stricter approach, but more gentleness.
Keep your routine simple, be gentle with your skin, and don't panic about a temporary flare-up.

Acne in winter doesn't mean you're regressing. It means your skin is reacting to its environment.

Are you unsure about your skin or your routine?

Do you notice that your acne flares up every winter and you're not sure if your routine suits your skin type? You don't have to figure this out alone.

At Belskin, we look at your skin, your type of acne, and your lifestyle, so you don't keep trying and doubting. Do you want to know what routine your skin needs, even in winter?

Read here how a personal acne skin analysis can help you or discover which routine suits your type of acne.

Author: Sofie Dewitte