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How to Handle Acne This Winter

Dealing with acne during the winter can present a real challenge if you’re unsure what acne treatment is most appropriate for cold weather and drier skin. If you’re struggling with acne this winter, here are a few tips to help you cope.

Wash Your Face Less Often

Washing your face less often might seem like the worst way to battle clogged pores and acne-prone skin this winter. The truth of the matter is that over-cleansing the skin on your face can lead to dried-out skin. Unfortunately, that can contribute to your winter acne problems. When your skin is too dry, it often overcompensates in terms of oil production, which can lead to skin that feels greasy and pores that easily become clogged. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re cleansing too often, it’s important to speak with your dermatologist. And don’t be afraid of changing up your skincare routine! In fact, you might be surprised at just how common it is to change your skincare routine with the seasons. It’s possible that cleansing once daily while the weather is cold could be incredibly helpful in keeping your winter acne at bay. And if possible, it’s typically preferable to cleanse after your day is done in order to remove dirt, makeup, and oil that has built up on your skin throughout the day.

Change Your Cleanser

Did you know that your cleanser could be contributing to your winter acne woes? As unfortunate as it might be, it’s true. Your cleanser, whether it has acne medication in it or not, could be harming your skin instead of leaving it feeling soft, supple, and moisturized. If you notice that your cleanser makes your skin feel tight and dry afterwards, it’s probably time for a serious skincare overhaul. Winter weather means there’s less moisture in the air, which in turn means less moisture for your skin. Dry and dehydrated skin, as we touched on earlier, may overproduce oils, which can lead to a buildup of oil and sebum, which in turn may block your pores and contribute to acne flare-ups. So if you typically use a cleanser that foams during the warmer months, it might be worth asking your dermatologist about switching to a heavier cream cleanser during the winter. These heavier formulas tend to provide more moisture and help avoid that tight, over-cleansed sensation.

Use the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin

When you want to curb your acne flare-ups during the winter months, your moisturizer is going to be a key part of your skin’s defense. Dry skin can lead to acne just as often as oily skin can, which means it’s all about keeping your skin in balance. For drier skin, a heavier or oil-based moisturizer may be the key to achieving clear, balanced skin. That’s why it’s so important to understand your skin type and how to select a moisturizer for it. If you’re not sure what type of skin you have or what type of moisturizer would work best, trust your dermatologist to help you find a skincare routine that works for you. It might take time to find the right moisturizer, but the investment will be well worth your while.

When you’re suffering from acne during the winter, it can feel impossible to find a solution. If you have questions or want to update your acne treatment program this winter, contact our team SE Dermatology Specialists today.

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