If you’re one of those people who suffer from breakouts in the winter but have clear skin the rest of the year, you may have a hard time figuring out the issue. Our skincare specialists at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates often treat both men and women dealing with hard-to-eliminate acne. Everyone’s skin is different, but we have found two common skincare mistakes that could lead to breakouts in the colder months.
Keep reading to learn more and how to treat winter acne for smooth skin all year round.
Read our winter skincare guide to give your routine a boost. →
Winter Skincare Mistake #1: Your skin is producing too much oil because it’s dry.
Yes, it is totally possible to suddenly have an influx of oil during the winter. Some people take extra oil as a sign to use harsher cleansers to dry out the skin and eliminate oil. It can be especially frustrating if the jump in oil production causes winter acne, and that could lead to scavenging for acne products you may not need.
The solution: We’re going to let you in on a little secret. If your skin isn’t usually super oily during other seasons, dryness may be the culprit. We know that seems a little counterintuitive, but your skin is all about protection. Whenever it needs more moisture, it hikes oil production to compensate.
That means if you’re using a moisturizer that’s too light in the winter, you may notice oil buildup during the day. The cycle only continues if you keep rewashing your face or applying drying products. We highly recommend adding more moisture to your routine (even if you don’t want to). In many cases when your skin realizes it’s getting what it needs, it cuts down oil production, which in turn, can help clear your acne.
Winter Skincare Mistake #2: You’re using ingredients that clog your pores.
Many people understand that winter means it’s time to pull out a heavier moisturizer to combat the dry air. However, you don’t want to pick just any moisturizer without paying attention to the ingredients. Instead of adding hydration, you could be adding nasty buildup you don’t want.
Here are a couple ingredients you should try to avoid:
Silicones: Some skincare products add silicones to their moisturizers because they’re cheaper than higher-quality ingredients, yet they make the skin feel soft and supple after application. On the surface, this may seem like a great deal, but it’s not. Silicones don’t necessarily add moisture, they lock in moisture… and dirt, and oil, and dead cells, and bacteria. They can even affect the skin’s ability to naturally shed skin cells. Basically, they initially give the appearance of smoother skin, but in the long run, they’re doing more harm than good.
Learn more about the problem with silicones in skincare products. →
Mineral oil: Mineral oil is classified as a hydrocarbon, meaning it only contains hydrogen and carbon. Another example would be petroleum. Many products add mineral oil because of its hydrating capabilities by locking in moisture to heal the skin. While this can be great for cuts, with regular use, mineral oil is known to clog pores. So instead of truly getting the smooth, moisturized skin you’re after, you may end up with unwanted breakouts.
Rather than those two pore-clogging ingredients, when shopping for the perfect winter moisturizer, look for:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Occlusives
- Ceramides
Learn more about how to treat winter acne with Amy Brenner, MD & Associates.
Let our skin experts help create a customized routine and give you the skin you’ve always wanted. We will work with you to understand your unique skin conditions and concerns to get you one step closer to reaching your goals. As a medspa and medical practice, we are uniquely equipped with the ability to not only treat your skin, but also help you maintain your overall health.
We’re here to offer a warm, friendly environment while providing the highest quality treatments and procedures to help you look great and feel great.
Get started today by using our virtual consultation tool or scheduling an appointment.