Are you suffering from winter acne? You’re not alone. Acne affects 95% of us in the UK at some point in our lives, with over one in ten of us reporting our acne gets worse in the winter months.
Why Do We Get Winter Acne?
Adult acne is also extremely common, with over half of us affected by the condition. But why is our skin more likely to break out in the winter? This article outlines why we get winter acne, and how to prevent winter breakouts.
“Acne breakouts are common during winter months’ ‘ Pharmacist Stuart Gale from Oxford Online Pharmacy tells Powderrooms.co.uk.
The weather, your natural body cycle and diet can all lead to winter breakouts.
Read on to find out the top causes of seasonal acne.
What You Eat And Drink Can Be A Factor
The winter season brings with it many warm beverages, from mulled wine through to hot chocolate. But how many of us stay hydrated over the winter months? Our recommended intake of water is 8-10 cups a day. Yet many of us drink warmer beverages like coffee, which can dehydrate us. We are also less likely to drink water over colder months as we are less thirsty. In addition to this, as we wear increased layers, our bodies may release excess sweat. When our body is dehydrated we see an increased chance of dry skin, which can actually block our pores and lead to an acne breakout.
But it’s not just what we drink that can lead to acne breakouts. Certain foods may also lead to an increased chance of acne. As our diet and routine is forgotten about over the colder months, we may be more likely to eat junk food, chocolate and drinks with increased sugar content. In fact, eating sugary food over a fortnight can increase the chances of acne by as much as half, a recent French study suggests.
Hormones Changes in the Winter
In winter, we get less natural light than we would over the summer months, which can affect our body’s hormones. One of the main hormone cycles that changes in the winter is our body’s production of a natural oil called sebum. The colder the weather, the more sebum our body produces, which may block pores and cause acne.
The stress hormone cortisol may also lead to an increased chance of acne. The colder months can actually impact our mental health, as our cortisol levels rise in winter. The increased costs of the winter months, like heating and the holiday period, can impact our stress levels. Additional pressures like the run-up to the end of the year at work, or decreased access to the outdoors can also increase stress.
Cold Temperature & Dry Air
The cold weather can dry out our skin, causing acne. We also tend to forget the impact of the sun over the winter months, and not wearing sunscreen can damage and dry out the skin. However, wearing too many layers of clothing can have the same effect, as our bodies have to sweat to avoid overheating, causing moisture to evaporate from our body. Even overuse of central heating or hot showers can dry out your skin, as it saps moisture from the air, reducing the amount that can reach your skin.
How Can I Prevent Winter Acne?
Although acne is very common over the winter months, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of seasonal acne this year. From your skincare regime to the clothes you wear, there are many things you can do to reduce the impact on your skin.
Avoid Heavy Cleansers And Moisturisers
Over the winter, medicated and heavier cleansers can dehydrate the skin, stripping it of moisture. Applying a lighter cleanser with SPF can really reduce the impact of the skin. Meanwhile, excessively applying heavier moisturisers can have the same effect. While we may need to up our moisturising regime over the winter, avoid heavy products where possible.
Stay Hydrated
While you don’t need to over hydrate in the winter, maintaining 8-10 cups a day should give your skin the moisture it needs. Try not to overdo the alcohol or warm caffeinated beverages, as these can also dehydrate. If you are drinking the mulled wine to stay warm, try to intersperse it with a glass of water to stay hydrated.
Try To Reduce Touching Your Skin
Touching and washing your face are things we do all year round, but as our skin produces excess oil in the winter, we may be more likely to wash our faces over the colder months. Step down on the number of times you wash your face (once a day or less), and try to be aware of how often you touch your face in the winter. The same goes for reducing the amount of time you spend under a hot shower, or how often you have a shower in the winter. Touching your face can spread contaminants to your skin which blocks pores, while excessively washing your skin can sap it of moisture.
Make Time To Relax and Put Your Feet Up
As the winter period comes with its own stresses and pressures, make sure you’re being kind to yourself and taking time for yourself. If you’re at work, take regular breaks and pencil in time to do things you enjoy. Apps like Headspace and Calm have guided meditation sessions that can help you to relax and bring down those stress-inducing cortisol levels.
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Poor sleep can lead to stress, so make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Oversleep can also lead to stress as it can cause a lack of concentration and increase fatigue, so fight the draw to spend those extra hours in bed due to the cold weather. Turning off your phone at least an hour before bed can help the brain relax and make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Dry skin due to the weather, central heating and extra layers can block pores and cause acne. Our diet and hormones also play a factor in winter breakouts. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to prevent winter acne, like staying hydrated, implementing a light cleanser and moisturiser regime, and making time for yourself. Look after yourself and your skin should stay fresh all year round.
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