More pimples in winter? Here's what you can do about it.
Many people believe their skin improves as soon as the weather gets colder. Less sweating, no thick layers of sunscreen: this sounds like a recipe for clear skin, right? Unfortunately, the truth is different. Acne can actually worsen in winter. In this blog, you'll read why this happens and what you can do to prevent winter acne.
Why does acne worsen in winter?
In winter, humidity drops, both outdoors and indoors due to heating systems. This dry air draws moisture from your skin, causing it to dry out. Dry skin might sound like a solution for acne, but it's not. When skin dries out, your body starts producing extra sebum (skin oil) to compensate. Too much sebum can clog pores, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that cause pimples (1).
Additionally, the colder winter period can also cause inflammation in the skin, one of the main causes of acne. Researchers have shown that temperature fluctuations make sebum more active and worsen inflammation (2). Furthermore, many people experience more stress this time of year, for example, due to busy holidays or a work-life imbalance. Stress can disrupt hormone balance, which can also exacerbate acne breakouts.
How can you prevent winter acne?
The key to preventing winter acne lies in moisturizing the skin and protecting its barrier function. Follow these tips to keep your skin in top condition:
1. Hydrate your skin intensely
In winter, your skin works extra hard, especially if you are prone to acne. The cold outdoor air and dry heating air cause your skin to lose moisture more quickly, making it feel tight and easily unbalanced. It can help to maintain indoor humidity with a humidifier, so your skin dries out less due to the environment. It is also important to choose a cream that hydrates your skin without clogging your pores. A light, non-comedogenic formula with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, urea, or ceramides gives your skin the nourishment it needs without provoking additional impurities.
Drinking enough water remains essential in winter, as hydrated skin starts from within. Try to drink at least one and a half liters of water daily so your skin can better maintain its natural suppleness. You can also supplement your routine with a hydration moment by applying your day cream a bit more generously once and letting it absorb for ten minutes. By massaging the remnants into your skin afterward, it gets an extra boost, making it feel softer and calmer during the colder months.
2. Protect your skin barrier
In winter, your skin can use some extra help to stay soft and balanced. A mild exfoliant with salicylic acid or mandelic acid can help remove dead skin cells without irritating your skin too much. This keeps your pores clear and prevents your skin from looking dull or feeling rough. Also, try to avoid long, hot showers. The high temperature strips your skin of its natural oils, causing it to dry out even faster and become more sensitive. A short shower with lukewarm water is much gentler and helps maintain your skin barrier.
Even in winter, daily SPF protection remains important. UV radiation is always present, even on cold, cloudy days, and can worsen inflammation and hyperpigmentation. An oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen protects your skin without clogging your pores, keeping your acne-prone skin calm, even during the darker months.
3. Minimize triggers
To keep your skin as calm as possible during winter, it helps to limit certain triggers. Try to touch your face as little as possible, as bacteria can more easily transfer from your hands to your skin, potentially triggering inflammation. It's also good to be more conscious about makeup. Choose products suitable for acne-prone skin that won't clog your pores, allowing your skin to breathe and react less quickly.
Furthermore, stress plays a significant role in flare-ups. Therefore, make time for moments that bring you calm, such as a short yoga session, meditation, or simply conscious breathing. By lowering your stress levels, you also help your skin become less prone to inflammation or overstimulation.
With these tips, you can help your skin through winter and enjoy a healthy, radiant complexion!
Do you have any more questions about winter acne? Let us know in the comments.
Author: Sofie Dewitte
Sources
- Here’s why you get more acne in the winter - Time Magazine
- Here’s why you get more acne in the winter - Time Magazine
- Seasonal variation in acne severity - PubMed NCBI
- Sun exposure, a relevant exposome factor in acne patients and how photoprotection can improve outcomes - Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
- The effect of local temperature variations on the sebum excretion rate - Japanese Dermalogical Association
- Seasonal variations in the severity of acne vulgaris - PubMed NCBI
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