Reasons that skin break out in the winter
- Published in: Winter Skin Tips
- Permalink
As temperatures drop and cold winds start to blow, many of you notice your skin reacting to the changing seasons by breaking out. This might seem strange – after all, breakouts are more associated with oily skin in summer, whereas winter often dries skin out.
So, why skin break out in the winter? In this article, it is been explained the causes of winter breakouts, and what you can do to help keep them at bay.
Why does skin break out in winter?
- Changing weather effects skin
In winter, your skin is subjected to harsh wind, rain, low temperatures and perhaps even sleet and snow. The combined effect is that your skin becomes stressed-out and less able to maintain its balance – leading to an increase in skin concerns like blemishes.
What to do
Listen to your skin – if you’re experiencing breakouts after prolonged exposure to the elements, you may need to cut back on your time outdoors to keep it calm and comfortable.
- Central heating and dry air
To combat the cold and stop winter skin breakouts, most of the people turn up the central heating in our homes. It’s the same story in offices, restaurants and shops, too. Artificial heat means there’s less moisture in the air, and staying in this environment over time often dries your skin out.
What to do
One solution is to invest in a humidifier for your home to avoid winter skin breakouts. It will rebalance the moisture levels in the air and give your skin a break from the effects of air-conditioned or centrally heated spaces.
- Dry skin builds up
If your skin is getting dried out by external factors, and you’re compensating by treating your skin very gently and adding a rich moisturizer, you could end up with a build-up of dead skin that clogs pores.
What to do
Make sure you’re still exfoliating your skin. Don’t go too heavy – there’s no need to dry out your skin further.
- Stress and lack of sleep
The winter months can be a hectic time, with holidays and events crowding your calendar. It’s also the time of year when there’s less natural daylight around, prompting your body to be less active.
What to do
Pace yourself as much as possible. Know your own limits – don’t burn the candle at both ends, and rejoice in lazy winter evenings in front of the TV.
- Changing skincare products
As the seasons use to get changes, so does your skincare routine. The moisturizer that worked well for you in summer will need to be swapped for a more nourishing formula in winter. But swapping products can itself cause problems if you don’t choose the right formulas for your skin type.
What to do
When choosing a new product, always make sure it’s formulated for your skin-type and is non-comedogenic, to reduce the risk of clogged pores. Look for a light, fluid texture that sinks into your skin easily without leaving a greasy film