28 Dec Winter Acne
Some people struggle with acne the most during summer months due to the heat and increased sweating—but for others winter is the worst for acne breakouts. RefinedMD is here for your acne prevention and treatment needs year-round. If you’ve found that your usual acne regimen isn’t working this time of year, there’s a reason for it. Acne can be exacerbated by a number of factors, both internal and external. The change in weather can lead to breakouts for some people.
The idea that acne only happens in summer or is worse in summer is actually a myth. In reality, acne often gets worse and tougher to treat during the winter months because of excessively dry skin. Some studies have found that most people with moderate or severe acne have found it’s most severe in the wintertime. Since skin has millions of pores, all of which contain oil glands and follicles, we have millions of chances of getting clogged pores. This can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and common pimples. However, more severe forms of acne can also occur (especially in the winter months).
Reclaim Your Skin from Winter Acne
When skin gets dry, the body responds by creating more sebum (oil). This is a natural and very smart thing for your body to do, but you can pay the cost with an acne breakout. Excess sebum is a leading cause of worsening acne, since it leads to skin cells sticking to one another and clogging the pores. Plus, there’s less moisture in the air in the winter months and you’re likely blasting the heat 24/7. Without necessary moisture, your body is going to compensate.
Those who like taking advantage of outdoors sports are also facing freezing winds that further strip moisture from the skin. We’re running in and out of areas that are too cold or too hot (like indulging in extra-hot morning showers), which can quickly remove any last lingering amount of moisture your skin has. Moisture isn’t just to make your skin look young and dewy, though it certainly helps with that. It’s also a necessary barrier. Your skin is an organ, and it needs protection. Otherwise, acne-causing bacteria can more easily get in and thrive.
Moisturizing is Key To Prevent Winter Skin
You should moisturize year-round, but it’s best to have a separate winter and summer skin care routine. You’ll also need to make sure you’re moisturizing the right areas (the areas that breakout). This includes not only the face, but also the neck, chest, and back. The moisturizer should be medical-grade and designed not to clog the pores. Moisturizing right after a shower or bath is also best because you can “lock in” the moisture that way when your pores are as open as possible.
However, you’re going to want to avoid using a shower or bath as a way to flash-heat yourself. It can be tempting, but ultimately going too hot is going to deplete natural moisture and oils. This is particularly true if you’re also using a harsh soap. Lukewarm water is best, as are gentle cleansers. Try to limit shower and bath times to five minutes.
Exfoliation Is Your Friend
In addition to moisturizing, exfoliation is also critical. However, exfoliants come in many types and it’s easy to choose one that’s too harsh for your skin. It’s all about helping your skin attain and keep a delicate balance, and the odds of creating such a regimen without professional help are slim. There are so many products out there, so how can you choose correctly?
Aesthetic consultations are always complimentary at RefinedMD. We carry only the most trusted, tested, and proven medical-grade products to perfectly suit your needs. These are the highest-quality cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers that are designed to give you the winter glow you deserve.
Acne is a medical condition, although it’s often not thought of that way because of how common it is. Over 50 million people in the U.S. struggle with it, but you don’t have to be one of them. It’s a condition that’s 100 percent preventable and treatable, and we can even help you with lingering signs of old breakouts like scarring. To learn more or schedule your consultation, call RefinedMD at (408) 688-2082.