Winter Acne Woes: Dermatologist Tips for Clearer Skin in Cold Weather

As winter chills slowly settle, let’s not let our cold season skin routine take a backseat. Despite a common misconception regarding acne and its association with summer season; winter weather, low humidity and dry air also conspire against your skin's health. Let’s tackle those seasonal acne woes by delving into a few dermatologically recommended tips to maintain clear and radiant skin during this final cold season countdown.

> Understanding the culprit- dry skin

While cosy indoor heating and long showers are everything you love about this season; little do you know that these lazy additions take away moisture from the air and your skin- causing excessive dryness. 

With dry skin, there becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to inflammation, cysts and irritation. Through a weak skin barrier, your skin can no longer defend its health-allowing bacterial growth to thrive. To make matters worse, the skin responds to this limited moisture with an excessive production of sebum, leading to clogged pores and ultimately, a canvas for breakouts.

What we can do about it- combat and prevention

• Cleanse gently 

A light, creamy face wash that works towards maintaining your skin's natural oils- goes a long way. Use a non-foaming solution to help save your skin from dry skin and acne outbreaks.

Remember, however gentle the cleanser is, you must cleanse your face no more than two times a day. Doing so can aggravate skin irritation and dryness.

• Exfoliate habitually 

Exfoliation is what keeps skin reactions at bay. Opt for products with retinol, retinoids or salicylic acid to carefully equip your skin against any breakouts. 

While this may be a crucial skin step, also remember that exfoliation if not done in intervals- can lead to excessive dryness especially during winters. To avoid this, make sure you limit the number of times you exfoliate to 2-3 times per week, and apply moisturiser as soon as you do so. 

• Moisturise generously 

Truly your skin's BFF. Keep applying creams with glycerin and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, and provide moisture even when it's chilly. Also, make sure this is a non-comedogenic formulae- this means it's made to not block pores. 

On a side note, don’t forget to immediately apply your moisturiser post-cleansing. Lock that moisture in as quickly as you can, to avoid your skin from drying out.

• Hydrate plentifully 

Winter, summer or monsoon, this remains a skin mantra. Your skin needs its water intake from inside-out. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Add a slice of lemon or spoon of lemon juice to your water to give it an instant hydration boost. Avoid caffeinated drinks and foods as they can make your skin dry, flaky and irritated. 

• Handle cautiously 

We know how difficult it is to resist the urge to pick your pimples, but simply, don’t. Your hands and nails carry a host of bacteria and dirt that could easily trigger acne. Popping them while momentarily satisfying, worsens your skin's condition in the long run- permanent scars, inflammation, swelling and redness. 

Avoid complicating the process and refrain from touching your face often. Allow your skin to naturally heal by ensuring you keep it clean at all times.

As you follow these simple tips and maintain your skin’s balance during the cold season, remember that every season is a new skin challenge. Address these issues by learning and adapting your skincare and daily routine accordingly and let your skin speak a new story as each leaf turns. Bid adieu to winter season breakouts and embrace a confident and luminous you!