Winter can be such a tough time for those with acne-prone skin (hi, it me 👋🏼). The combination of cold weather, indoor heating, and dry air can wreak havoc on anyone's complexion. However, with the right skincare routine and some tips tailored to the winter season, maintaining clear and hydrated skin can be easier than securing a table for six during the brunch rush.
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Below, are a handful of skincare tips that worked for me when I was struggling with acne:
Go Gentle:
Avoid harsh cleansers that strip away natural oils and irritate the skin further. Instead, use a gentle facial cleanser with active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target acne. For me, I like to cleanse only at night to avoid dryness. Only caveat here, is when I use active ingredients the night before, THEN I’ll cleanse in the AM. Of course, being selective about beauty products will help a lot here too.
Don't Forget to Exfoliate:
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and improves skin texture, plus it helps prevent clogged pores from turning into zits. Avoid physical exfoliants and instead include a chemical exfoliant with ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) which gently dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation.
Hydration is Key 🗝:
It's so important to keep your skin hydrated during winter. Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that provide deep hydration. Look for products that have superstar ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides which lock in moisture and maintain a healthy barrier function. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and use a humidifier to combat dry air too!
Sunscreen Is A Must:
You need to wear sunscreen 24/7! The sun's harmful UV rays can damage your skin all year round, meaning it can worsen acne scars or hyperpigmentation. Chemical or mineral - as long as it's oil-free and non-comedogenic you can slather it on.
Don't Pick:
I know this is harder than it seems but avoid touching, picking, or popping can make acne worse. I don't trust myself, so I always have zit stickers on hand to cover breakouts which help with the temptation.
Winter skincare for acne-prone skin requires a delicate balance of hydration, gentle cleansing, and targeted treatments. And hopefully, some of these tips will help you achieve that balance. Remember, consistency is key but if you feel like nothing is working reach out to your dermatologist.
And if you’re having a hard time figuring out if your products are non-comedogenic use this website to double-check: acneclinicnyc.com
Let me know in the comments what tips you're trying!
