Why Acne is Common in the Winter and How You Can Treat It
As the temperature drops, you may have noticed that your skin has been acting differently. Colder weather is commonly associated with drier skin, but freezing temperatures can also lead to an increase in acne and breakout frequency. The cause of seasonal acne can be attributed to various factors, but, luckily, there are treatment options available. To help, the board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are here to break down the correlation between cold weather and acne and what you can do to help treat your breakout.
Cold Weather and Acne: What’s the Correlation?
In the winter months, the cool air holds less moisture which means your oil glands will start to overproduce sebum in an effort to hydrate the skin. This well-intentioned overproduction of sebum can cause clogged pores and breakouts. Additionally, if you’re using the wrong skincare products to treat your breakouts, this can also lead to dry, flaky and irritated skin. Different seasons generally require choosing two different skincare regimens and products.
Other contributing factors include taking hot showers and your skin being exposed to heated indoor spaces. Both of these factors can cause drier skin because they remove moisture from the air and the skin. Investing in a humidifier can help you add well-needed moisture to the air inside your home. When you take a shower, the water doesn’t need to be freezing, but you need to make sure you avoid standing directly underneath hot water for longer than necessary.
As always, make sure to avoid touching your face. In our current climate this may seem like a no brainer, but even in your home it’s important to limit the amount of time you spend touching your face. In the winter, your hands may be covered in pore-clogging hand lotions as well as the typical dirt and bacteria they normally carry.
How to Treat Seasonal Acne
Determining the right acne treatment for your skin depends on a few factors. Something to pay attention to is your moisturizing habits. Treating your skin with moisturizer is an essential skincare step, but using the wrong moisturizer or using too much can negatively impact your skin. Make sure the moisturizer you’re applying has ingredients that encourage hydration and retain moisture. Look for products that are non-comedogenic, which means that they have been tested and were found to not clog pores. Also, do not over use moisturizer because this can result in your skin becoming clogged and broken out.
Another thing to take note of is what acne products you are using. As mentioned earlier, some acne products can make skin drier and may not be suitable for use during the winter months. Check the ingredients on your products and make sure to steer clear of drying agents such as alcohol. Hydrating acne skincare products are readily available and are highly effective at treating both dry skin and acne.
If you make changes to your skincare routine and still don’t notice a difference, receiving a hydrating treatment may be a great solution for your skin. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we offer specialized treatments that are designed to add hydration to the skin and to minimize the appearance of acne. Treatments such as chemical peels and HydraFacials can significantly improve the look of dry, tired and broken out skin.
We are here to help with your skincare needs. Our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants can assess your skin and recommend solutions for your concerns. If you’re interested in learning more about the skincare products and treatments we offer for dry skin, acne and more, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Additionally, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more skincare insights and recommendations.