Do you have a winter breakout? Even though the seasonal weather and indoor heat may dry your skin, it won’t prevent pimples. If you have acne, take a look at what you need to know about wintertime care and treatment product choices.
Should You Change Your Skin-Cleansing Routine?
Are you tempted to scrub, cleanse, and wash your acne-prone skin several times a day? While oil, bacteria, and debris on the skin’s surface can clog pores and increase breakouts, over-washing may aggravate sensitive skin. Not only can the manipulation and pressure of a good skin scrub irritate your skin, but it can also dry your face. This can leave you with red, flaky, and pimple-prone skin.
To reduce wintertime dry skin and keep acne under control, adapt your cleansing routine for the season and:
· Eliminate alcohol as an ingredient. Toners and astringents often use alcohol. Even though alcohol can decrease or eliminate germs on your skin, it can also irritate or dry your face. Read skin care product labels and look for alcohol as an ingredient.
· Limit the number of times you wash. You don’t need to wash your face several times a day (unless your dermatologist instructs you otherwise). Stick to morning and before bedtime routine.
· Change your cleanser. Does your skin feel tight after cleansing? Switch the product you use in the summer months to a less-drying cleanser. Non-foaming cream products can clean your skin without over-drying.
· Use cooler water. Hot water can dry and irritate delicate skin. Lower the temperature and use cooler water to cleanse and rinse your face.
If you’re not sure what cleansing product can help you to balance wintertime dryness and acne, talk to your doctor. The dermatologist can recommend the best products for your individual skincare needs.
Should You Change Treatment Products?
Whether you use over the counter (OTC) or prescription treatment products, your wintertime skin may have different needs. In the warmer, humid months, your skin can get extra oily. The drying acne-prone skin products that work during most of the year may chap or irritate already-dry delicate winter skin. If your typical treatments suddenly aggravate your acne issues or over-dry your face:
· Talk to the doctor. Even though the irritation or dryness is likely the result of a winter dryness–product combination, you may have an allergy or new reaction. Discuss the issue with the dermatologist before you make any major changes.
· Ask about application quantity. Do you usually use a treatment two times a day? You may need to decrease the number of times you use the cream, serum, or other product. The dermatologist can help you to adjust application times for the winter months.
· Consider another option. A variety of different types of acne treatments are available. If your current treatment leaves your skin dry but still with pimples, ask the dermatologist about another type of topical or oral medication.
Some acne patients use more than one treatment product. If you regularly use a medicated cleanser and cream or other topical, you may need to eliminate one item. The dermatologist will evaluate your acne progress, overall skin dryness, and the need for multiple products before changing your treatment routine.
Should You Use a Moisturizer?
Moisturizers are the go-to products to combat wintertime dryness. But with acne-prone skin, you may not know if this hydration option is the right choice for your skin’s needs. If you have a combination of acne and dry skin, you may need to add an oil-free moisturizer. If you’re not sure which product is the best option, ask your dermatologist for their recommendation.
Do you need a wintertime skin evaluation? Contact Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists for more information.
