Why Do We Get Acne in the Winter?
If we breakout during the summer months because of excess sweating and heat, then why do we get acne in the winter? Why does acne sometimes worsen during the months when we are neither sweating or hot? Dr. Schweiger explains that, “Every patient that we meet with is different, but we often find that our patients do not stick with their normal skin care regimen during the winter months. The result is worsening acne breakouts, in addition to dull-looking skin.”
After speaking to many of our patients at the Clear Clinic, we have realized that during the frigid winter months, its difficult to stick with your normal skin care routine. After returning home from a cold evening, many people prefer to avoid washing their face with potentially cold water, and simple put on their coziest pajamas and get in bed. The result is a buildup of sebum (oil) and grime from the environment that becomes trapped in the follicles, which in turn can attract acne-causing bacteria.
Another winter skin care ‘no-no’ that we see is the urge to over-moisturize dry skin during the colder months. It is important to find a great moisturizer that is appropriate for acne prone skin. If you use your acne medications properly (usually only a pea-size amount is necessary to treat the entire face!) and moisturize regularly with an appropriate lotion, there is no need to slather on an acne-causing greasy cream. However, when skin gets dry it can be tempting to pile on layers of your thickest moisturizing cream. The truth is that not all of these creams have been tested to be non-comedogenic, and many of them can actually contribute to the development of acne.
Click here to read more about acne during the winter months.
