How to Manage Acne in the Winter

Posted on December 16, 2023

As the seasons change, so does your skin. You may notice that you start breaking out more often in the winter than during warmer seasons. There are several reasons for this sudden change in your complexion. A decrease in ultraviolet light exposure and the sudden temperature drop in the wintertime can cause some people to experience more acne flare-ups. Following are a few ways to manage winter breakouts so they don’t put a damper on your festive season.

The Change in Weather and Indoor Environment Can Impact Your Skin

Cooler weather and blustery temperatures can lead to wind-chapped skin. In addition, the lack of moisture may cause your oil glands to produce more sebum than necessary. Unfortunately, this can cause an imbalance. As your skin changes throughout the seasons, you need to alter your skincare routine and switch to different products depending on the time of year. In addition, most people crank up the heat during the wintertime, zapping the moisture out of the air, which leads to dryer skin. While some assume acne is due to oily skin, this is a myth. Extremely dry skin is also more prone to breakouts. In addition, taking long, hot showers can dry your skin out, so try to avoid them.

Not Using Moisturizer or Using the Wrong Type Can Cause Breakouts

When your skin becomes especially dry in the winter, you may feel tempted to lather on heavy creams or moisturizers to replenish it. However, it’s best to apply lighter layers of several types of products to offer added protection when weather conditions are especially harsh. Try to stick with skincare products that contain humectants. These ingredients attract water to your skin to help it retain moisture throughout the day. In addition, you should ensure you are using the correct products for your skin type. If you use the wrong ones or even too much of the right product, you may set yourself up for clogged pores, leading to breakouts.

Your Stress Level and Mental Health Can Affect Your Skin

The holidays come with their fair share of exciting parties, along with ample amounts of stress. Worrying about upcoming travel plans and shopping lists can cause plenty of emotional stress. This stress then activates your “fight-or-flight” response, which increases cortisol and androgen production. These hormones trigger your skin to produce more oil, causing acne flare-ups. To combat stress-related breakouts, make some time in your schedule for relaxation. Some great ways to decrease stress include yoga, journaling or meditation. Discovering which activities calm you down can lessen your stress and help you avoid a breakout.

Schedule a Consultation

DWH Medical Spa is conveniently located in Richmond, Virginia, and is staffed by professionally licensed estheticians dedicated to creating the right skincare treatments for each client’s unique concerns. To learn more about DWH Medical Spa and find the proper acne treatment for you, schedule a consultation with one of our professionals today.