Dealing with sub-zero temperatures and slush during winter is a true torture. If you add breakouts into the mixture, you’ll experience the cold winter days on a whole other level. Many factors trigger the appearance of blemishes during winter. Dieting and holiday stress, indoor heating cause to sweat and aggravate acne. Although your first reaction might be to apply all the acne-fighting products you’ve heard, our advice to you is to lay off the products. Applying too many products on your acne clogs the pores and irritates your skin more, which will lead to more and more breakouts.
We consulted with Jennifer Chwalek, M.D, a dermatologist and she has the perfect tips for you on how to easily get rid of your low-temperature acne breakouts!
1. Watch Your Diet
Since the holiday season is finished, it’s time to get back on a balanced diet that consists of nutritious meals. A good diet will help you have a clear complexion and prevent the appearance of breakouts. Dr. Jennifer advises you to avoid sugary and processed foods since they trigger acne.
2. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
No matter the season, it’s extremely important to keep your skin moisturized. It’s especially important to moisturize during cold, winter days because cold, dry air caused dry skin and breakouts. If your skin gets extra dry, don’t be afraid to apply a moisturizer twice a day.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Social commitments and work deadlines can interfere with getting a good night sleep, but if you want to have a good looking skin, we recommend you to have 8 hours of sleep every night. Getting enough sleep will make your complexion brighter and your skin radiant and healthy.
4. Ease Up On Retinoids
If you decide to use acne-fighting products, use them with caution.
“Many acne medications are drying because they target the sebum production in the skin. In the winter, you may not be able to tolerate using them everyday. I often warn patients using topical retinoids that they may experience more dryness and irritation in the winter, even if their skin was tolerating the medication previously,” explains Dr. Jennifer.