It might still be 28 degrees outside but before we know it, we will be unearthing the cosy jumpers, the Autumn scented candles and getting ready for our yearly re-watch of Hocus Pocus. As quickly as Summer came around, it will be gone and with the – sometimes dramatic – change in the seasons, temperature and weather, can come a change in our skincare, too. Especially for acne prone skin.
I’ve always suffered from hormonal acne which can mostly flare up in times of stress and anxiety. So typically this year, my skin was the worst it’s been in months the week before my wedding. Typical.
You might typically associate breakouts with the Summer months; with your face getting hot and sweaty but breakouts can happen just as frequently in the colder months too.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at some cold weather skincare tips, more specifically for acne prone skin to hopefully help balance the skin throughout the change in seasons. Skincare and looking after the biggest organ in your body should be an important part of your Winter self care routines!
Cold Weather Skincare for Acne Prone Skin:
Adapt your skincare routine to reflect the season
This is something that’s easily forgotten, especially when we get into a routine with our skincare and find products we love that we just don’t want to let go of. But not all products are suitable for year-round use and adapting your skincare routine to reflect the weather outdoors can have a fantastic impact on your skin.
It’s best to avoid anything that’s too harsh on the skin in winter, such as exfoliants (or exfoliating too much) and instead of alcohol-based toners, try a more clarifying toner instead – especially if you have combination skin.
Use a more nourishing moisturizer
We want less harsh products in the winter but moisturizing is still such an important part of your skincare routine. Try a gentle eye cream, perhaps one for sensitive skin, to tend to the delicate areas around the eyes and a nourishing moisturizer that you use every single day to combat dry winter skin.
Wearing hats and scarves can cause breakouts
The addition of certain fabrics, especially those that you wear near and around your face such as hats and scarves can definitely cause break outs in the winter months. Of course we want to stay warm and be cosy but this just means we have to be extra regimented with ensuring we do our skincare routines day and night.
Invest in a humidifier to combat dry air
If the dry air caused by using heaters plays havoc with your skin, investing in a humidifier for your home or office can be a great way to counteract those effects.
Stress can play havoc with your skin!
We all know stress can play havoc with your skin – I definitely do! And what’s one of the most stressful times of year? CHRISTMAS. That combined with colder temperatures can definitely prompt a breakout or two, especially those with acne that’s often prompted by hormonal changes.
Skincare aside, make sure you’re also practicing self care over Christmas, taking time for yourself and limiting your stress as much as you can. Which we all know isn’t easy.
Don’t forget about your body too!
This is one I’m dreadful for. I forget that my skin doesn’t end with my face! But the rest of your body is dealing with the harsh change in temperature as well, so don’t forget to tend to that. If you’re stripping back your skincare and the products you’re using, opt for gentle, nourishing and unscented body cream.
Key Takeaways
- Switch up your skincare products to reflect the season
- Limit your end of year stress as much as possible
- Opt for gentle and nourishing products and avoid harsh exfoliants
- Make time for your skincare routine day and night during the cold month
Of course we can’t avoid breakouts completely, especially if you do have acne prone skin like myself. There are times where I can be religious with my skincare routine but still get spots daily which could be due to other factors.
And I don’t always think that more = better. And expense certainly doesn’t always = better. You don’t have to use 10+ products, all of which cost a fortune to establish a quality skincare routine that works for you.