How To Prevent Winter Acne Breakouts?

No one likes to see pimples forming on their face, whether it’s summer or winter. It might seem that your acne is worse in the humid, summer months, but that is actually just a myth. Blemishes are common for just about everyone, especially in the winter.

Acne breakouts are primarily caused by an increase in sebum production, a type of small oil gland in the skin that becomes secreted to help the skin retain moisture. When too much of this sebum is produced, skin cells are more likely to stick together, clogging up the pores, which then leads to breakouts.

A common trouble area for sebum build-up is the “T-zone,” an area on the face that includes the forehead, nose, and chin. This area contains more sebum-producing glands than nearly any other part of the body and is therefore more prone to pimples. The dryer the season, the more sebum is created, which leaves many of those at risk for breakouts who don’t typically have skincare concerns throughout the year.

Even though these types of conditions are common, they still aren’t fun, and can be mentally draining to wait for them to retreat on their own. What can be done in the meantime to leave your skin supple and radiant for those annual holiday photos?

What causes winter breakouts for your skin?

Since so many fall victim to winter acne breakouts, there are numerous causes as a result that can lead to these annoyances. Touching your face is perhaps one of the greatest causes of breakouts. Throughout the day, you are touching countless surfaces and objects (your smartphone, doorknobs and handles, public transportation handles, etc) which can contribute to different types of germs, dirt, and bacteria remaining on your hands.

Not only are you attracting invisible damage to your hands, but greasy hand lotion that is commonly used in the drier months can further exacerbate and lead to breakouts. If you find yourself touching your face often in the winter and are regularly moisturizing, you might want to cut back on a habit that many of us are guilty of partaking in.

A lack of moisture in the skin, as well as dehydration, are common causes of acne. Though typically mistaken for the same treatment, it’s essential to focus on moisturizing and hydrating the skin independently from one another.

In the winter months, our skin is constantly losing moisture. There is naturally less moisture in the air during this time of year, compromising the skin’s natural protective barrier. This makes for the skin’s barrier to not stand as much of a chance of fighting off bacteria and infections that can be harmful to the skin.

Once indoors, we are still not safe from the lack of moisture in the air. Modern central heating, while keeping us warm, further contributes to moisture loss, both in our environment and our skin. With all of this moisture leaking out of the skin in dry months, the skin loses its essential oils, leading to further dryness.

Stress is often a primary factor when it comes to skin-related issues. Those with chronic inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema, can lead to further inflammation and irritation. Cold exposure during the winter months alone is considered a form of stress, especially if your body is not yet acclimated to the frigid temperatures early in the season.

Given how your skin feels in the winter and its craving for moisture, let alone the fact that most people are self-conscious when it comes to acne breakouts, it is tempting to cleanse the skin and apply as many products as possible to rid yourself of these occurrences once and for all.

There is, however, such a thing as too much cleansing, especially in the winter months. Lukewarm water should always be utilized over hot water, despite the temptation to be warmer in colder climates. Bathing in hot temperatures for too long can further dry and irritate the skin.

treatments to prevent acne in the winter

Thankfully, for most people affected, acne breakouts are temporary and there are several resources available in the modern skincare industry to combat these issues, particularly seasonal conditions that may worsen depending on the time of year.

Staying hydrated in the winter is of utmost importance, as your skin is constantly losing moisture and dehydration can cause other symptoms, such as aging signs. Make sure you are drinking enough water in the drier months to ensure your skin is retaining as much moisture as possible.

In terms of skincare products, gentle cleansers and exfoliators, as well as oil-free moisturizers, are all great additions to any medicine cabinet. Mild products with humectant ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) and even certain retinol products can help with clearing up the skin during breakouts.

Hyaluronic acid and glycerin, in particular, are ingredients that naturally attract water, further assisting in keeping the skin balanced and healthy. By utilizing these types of products on your skin daily, you will leave your skin better equipped to fight against the dry air and other external factors that can damage the skin during our daily lives.

depology products for the winter season

• Multi Peptide Complex Anti-Wrinkle Serum

Our carefully-formulated peptide serum is a must for anti-aging treatment in the drier months. Able to be utilized with our Matrixyl 3000 serum (linked below), they work in conjunction to halt aging signs, hydrate and retain moisture in the skin, and stimulate collagen production, further providing your skin with a protective barrier for the colder climates. It is most effective when applied two times per day, after using cleanser and toner.

• Cica Hyaluronic Acid Calm & Repair Serum 

Relaxation and de-stressing are vital for skin health, and our Cica Calm & Repair Serum is no exception to that rule. Crafted to calm, repair, and soothe the skin, in that order, hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient in this serum that works to absorb water, bind it to collagen, and retain that moisture for a plumper appearance. Your secret to smoother, nourished skin in the winter has arrived.

• Deepcare+ Serum-Infused Micro-Dart Patches

A peaceful remedy that can be enjoyed after a meticulous skincare regimen, our Deepcare+ formula is always working at full efficiency to target multiple skin conditions at once. Anti-aging, hydrating, decreased puffiness, an extra protective barrier - our micro-dart patches show results in all departments, turning the microneedling trend into an innovative recipe for beautiful skin in drier seasons.

• Matrixyl 3000 Collagen Boosting Serum

Containing both glycerin and hyaluronic acid as core ingredients, this serum is a must for daily protection in the winter. These ingredients are powerful together, ensuring enough moisture is retained in the skin and collagen is continuously produced, leaving you with a plump and hydrated appearance. Recommended to apply twice a day after cleanser and toner to achieve the full benefits, Matrixyl 3000 is a peptide you’re not going to want to leave out of your skincare routine.

Given that our skin is naturally stressed while battling the colder temperatures, focusing on mental health and stress intake could not be more important in the winter. Consider incorporating more physical activity and exercise into your daily routine, even if for twenty to thirty minutes. Other practices, such as yoga and meditation, have also been found to help those with chronic skin conditions. It may not seem like it, but your body will be thanking you for any amount of stress hormones you are ridding the body of acting upon.

This tip could not be more crucial, but it will be stated again and again: stop touching your face. An increase in hand lotions during drier months can further contribute to acne, especially for those who are more prone to breakouts.

When venturing outside, layering up is an extra step you can take not only to stay warm but to keep your skin protected as well. If your skin isn’t able to react to the cold weather by being covered by a hat, scarf, or other winter accessories, this will keep more moisture locked in throughout the day.

Conclusion : acne breakouts during winter

Acne breakouts are always a burden no matter the occasion, but they shouldn’t be feared or dreaded. There are numerous resolutions available to users nowadays that ensure you won’t be suffering for long, assuming you know where to look or which professionals to reach out to for consultations.

Certain skincare ingredients, lifestyle changes, and remaining hydrated are all incredible lengths you can go to in order to prevent breakouts in the winter months. Depending on your condition or skin type, you should always seek out a medical professional if your case is severe or not going away so that you can enjoy the winter season with loved ones and pose confidently in group pictures.