Skin

How to treat acne in winter

"Winter acne" refers to seasonal acne that is more severe or difficult to treat throughout the winter. When hair follicles in the skin become clogged, it frequently manifests on the face, back, or chest. Blackheads or whiteheads can develop on the skin in mild situations, but in more serious cases, they might appear as pus-filled patches or cysts that can become infectious. These lesions might leave skin scars even when the acne has been cleaned up.

The extreme dryness of the winter can lead to more serious acne outbreaks, and many individuals find it difficult to recover from acne and keep their skin clear during this time of year. Winter acne may be worse by using drying acne treatments like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids, unlike summer acne, when oiliness and humid air make utilizing skin-drying, acne-fighting products useful. 

Since the skin is drier and less hydrated in the winter, acne may worsen. Sebum, an oily fluid that lubricates the hair and skin to prevent drying, is produced more. Extra sebum clogs the hair follicles, causing lesions that can become infected and result in cysts.

Why does winter acne occur?

Winter is generally hard on the skin. The skin can lose moisture due to the cold, wind, rain, snow, and low humidity (both inside and outside). Sebum, the oil generated by our glands to keep skin hydrated, is produced more frequently by the body when the skin is dry. A buildup of dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin brought on by excessive sebum oil production can result in blemishes.

Winter air is becoming increasingly dry, and using heaters and hotter showers inside dehydrates skin and increases the risk of damage to the skin's natural layer, which can worsen inflammation and irritation. 

Excessive dry skin makes it more vulnerable to bacterial infections frequently linked to acne outbreaks. If these larger flakes of skin are not immediately shed, dry skin may peel or flake, increasing the chance of clogged pores.

Changes in behavior throughout the winter may contribute to more frequent or severe acne breakouts and the effects of the weather and surroundings on the skin. 

Dr. Maher claims that a lot of people enjoy holidays during the winter. These holiday celebrations involve dietary adjustments, increased stress, and a lack of regularity with skincare routines. This combination can harm those with acne-prone skin who are already battling outbreaks brought on by increased dryness.

Tips for preventing acne in winter

Here are some tried-and-tested tips for preventing acne in winter. 

1. Don't touch your face.

First and foremost, refrain from occasionally touching your face. We touch various things and surfaces throughout the day, where we may contract dangerous bacteria. Frequent touching of the face increases the possibility of bacterial transfer to the skin, possibly contributing to acne outbreaks.

2. Keep your skin moisturized.

Cold weather makes dry skin even more prone to breakouts, thus making it even more vulnerable to acne. When exposed to cold air, your skin may lose moisture, becoming dry and brittle outside. Thus, make sure always to keep your skin hydrated. Consider applying nourishing lotions or cold creams, for instance, during the winter.

3. Exercise and rejuvenate

Winter weather allows you to attend to your morning routine. Getting up and walking in the cold might seem like a lot of work, but so what? You can have a workout inside. You could dance or perform yoga. The morning air will renew your skin and prevent winter breakouts, so it isn't a good idea to stay inside all the time.

4. Change your cleanser

Your cleanser might have been a great pick throughout the summer, but now that the winter has come, you might need something else. You should switch to a softer cleanser if you feel tight and dry after cleansing. Whether liquid or bar soaps, foaming cleansers are highly effective at removing excess oil. This is beneficial in warm weather when your skin is likely sweaty and greasy, but not when it feels dry or cracked. Try using a non-foamy or cream cleanser for your foaming wash. 

5. Take sunscreen.

Yes, it does feel strange to be applying sunscreen when the temperature is only 20 degrees. Yet your skin is always sensitive to the sun's harmful rays, whether winter or summer. Use sunscreen every day of the year for the best protection from the sun. Sunscreen serves purposes other than avoiding sunburn. Regular application of sunscreen guards against premature aging symptoms like hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkles, and a rough skin texture.

6. Take only short hot showers.

Taking long, hot showers dry out your skin. Taking a bath in lukewarm water is recommended because it's gentler on your skin. If you want a hot shower, keep it to five minutes to prevent skin damage. You don't need to shower for a long time every day, which could dry up your skin if you don't exercise daily. If you're more active, shower no more than once a day, at most, to prevent skin irritation and moisture loss.

How to treat mild winter acne?

A pharmacist should be able to suggest benzoyl peroxide-containing over-the-counter gels or lotions to you if your acne is mild. Quinoderm and Acnecide are two popularly known brands of medicines. They function by clearing out the blockage from the skin pores and acting as an antibacterial agent. It's advised to start using it at a lesser strength (4-5%) and test it on a tiny patch of skin first if you're using it for the first time because some people discover it can irritate their skin. There are other stronger options available, up to 10%.

How to treat severe winter acne?

Going to your doctor so they can give you a prescription is helpful if your winter acne is more severe. Azelaic acid is used in several therapies that work similarly to benzoyl peroxide, such as Skinoren cream. Another popular prescription treatment for acne is retinoids. 

Epiduo Gel, another prescription-only item, contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Similar to retinoids, adapalene targets the skin's acne-causing processes by preventing the development of blocked pores and acting as an anti-inflammatory. It is required to use both topical and oral antibiotics. If applying products to the skin causes too much sensitivity, Minocin MR capsules, Oxytetracycline tablets, and Tetralysal capsules can be taken instead.