MDacne
Why Acne Worsens in Winter (and How to Combat It)
Ever feel like your skin has a mind of its own, especially when the seasons change? For many people with acne-prone skin, winter brings an unwelcome visitor: more breakouts. But why does this happen?
The harsh combination of cold air, biting wind, indoor heating, and low humidity can wreak havoc on your skin’s natural barrier. These conditions cause tiny cracks in the skin’s outer layer, leading to moisture loss. When the skin dries out, it can become red, inflamed, and irritated. If you’re already prone to acne, this dryness can actually trigger more breakouts—making winter a challenging time for your skin.
How to Treat and Prevent Winter Dryness and Acne
Hands off!
One of the best rules for healthy skin is to avoid touching your face—and it’s especially crucial in winter. The temptation to peel or scrub flaky skin is real, but doing so can thin and irritate the skin, worsening acne breakouts.
Instead of scrubbing away dry patches, focus on restoring moisture and preventing further drying. If you’re using a topical acne treatment, consider reducing the frequency and amount you apply during the winter. At the same time, increase your use of a suitable moisturizer to maintain balance in your skin’s oil production.
Pro Tip: When removing makeup, be gentle and prioritize hydrating products to protect your skin’s barrier.
The Best Acne Treatments for Winter
You don’t need to abandon your acne treatments during winter. Proven ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid remain effective year-round. The secret lies in choosing the right formulations and application methods to avoid over-drying.
Consider switching to gentler variations of your treatment products during colder months. For example, micronized benzoyl peroxide and micronized salicylic acid are excellent options as they penetrate more deeply and are less drying compared to standard formulations.
Brands like MDacne allow for personalized adjustments to product potency, making it easy to adapt your regimen to your skin’s needs throughout the year.
The Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin in Winter
Moisturizing is essential, especially when battling winter dryness. Look for non-comedogenic (pore-safe) products that help lock in hydration without clogging pores.
A dermatologist-favorite ingredient for winter? Niacinamide.
The MDacne Active Moisturizer contains niacinamide and is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and incredibly effective at soothing and hydrating the skin without leaving it greasy. It also offsets the dryness caused by harsh winter conditions and acne treatments, making it a must-have for your skincare routine.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid in Winter
Certain ingredients can make winter dryness worse. Retinoids—including both prescription and over-the-counter versions like adapalene—are known for their drying effects. If your skin feels especially parched during winter, consider pausing retinol-based products until the season passes.
Don’t Skip SPF—Even in Winter!
Think sunscreen is just for summer? Think again! Winter activities like skiing, hiking, or even taking a brisk outdoor walk expose your skin to harmful UV rays, especially at higher altitudes where UV exposure is stronger.
Apply a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30 to protect your skin without clogging pores. Higher SPF sunscreens can sometimes feel thicker and greasy, so SPF 30 strikes the right balance for acne-prone skin.
To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.
