Submit your skincare questions to Dr. Agnes, CEO of Herborium and natural medicine expert
As we are still in autumn and winter is just around the corner, temperatures are decreasing day by day while acne is increasingly heating up. People who struggle with acne may experience flare-ups more frequently, and sufferers of eczema or rosacea may experience more intense symptoms such as itchy skin and redness in dry and cold weather. This is why we think your skin may require a little extra care. With the built up stress of school breaks, Christmas & New Year events, unexpected pimples unfortunately are added to the list. Many people repeatedly commit the crime of not knowing that their actions also help to initiate acne breakouts. However, we have a list of common mistakes that will help you during this winter.
After the hard work of dealing with summer and autumn, winter is another challenge. Let’s help you out! Humidity levels decrease as the weather gets cooler both out of doors and in our warmed homes resulting in our skin drying out . Oil production doesn’t stop however, with the mix of excessive dead skin cells accumulating in our pores and upon the surface of the skin, trapped oil and bacteria results in appearance of those pesky pimples.
Did you know that your skin is actually the body’s largest organ by size? It also protects you from the sun’s UV rays that can damage cells. Keeping temperatures at constant levels is also the job of skin. With that being said, much attention and TLC is needed to ensure these tasks are done effectively. Many mistakes are made everyday throughout the winter, however, we have it figured out! Follow these 10 secrets to combat winter acne.
Dehydration and lack of moisture are the reasons for acne breakouts especially during winter. This can be avoided by drinking adequate amounts of water. It’s recommended to drink six or eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other fluid every day. Warm water/room temperature is best! Sodas, juice with high sugar content, coffee and tea should be minimized or even avoided and substituted with herbal teas. Herbal tea is an old remedy to treat dry, patchy skin, rashes, inflammation and even acne.
We all know fruits and vegetables are good for the body. These colorful foods provide the necessary vitamins and minerals for good health and maintenance of the body, especially in the skin. Defending your skin against damaging free radicals is one of the advantages to the skin accorded by eating fruits. Try applying winter masks made from fruits—strawberries, pineapple, ripe mangoes, papayas, along with some plain yogurt directly to your face. If your aim is to have skin glowing and glossy, nourishing your skin during winter is important. You may do this once a week to keep your skin looking its best all winter long.
It's hard to eat perfectly all day every day, so for just one day (at least) stick to these acne-friendly foods. Not only can environmental variables such as dirt clog your pores, toxins from your diet can contribute as well. It is important to understand that, “You are what you eat”. Based on an unhealthy diet, your complexion can suffer too. Starting a daily or seasonal detoxification routine can brighten skin and reduce acne and redness.
When the cold winds are frightening, your skin reacts likewise. Winter winds are the prime reason for dry skin and therefore lots of moisture is needed. Many individuals forget to apply moisturizing lotions and creams to ensure the decrease in itchiness, rashes, and cracks. Check for moisturizers that contain a high content in vitamin E to help keep your skin hydrated, smooth and youthful.
During the winter, the last thing you want to do is irritate your skin — and shaving unnecessarily will do that. The texture of your hair changes with the temperature as the skin on your face becomes drier. As hair grows thicker, always shave after a bath since this will soften the skin and make it easy to shave. Also, using a shaving cream and applying a heavier cream moisturizer after shaving will keep skin hydrated. Make sure to throw out that dull razor and use a sharp one because it will aggravate the skin less.
What happens when your skin is over-dried? An increase in oil production results in clogging your pores even more! Our skin is naturally designed to fight infection and environmental stresses and its ability to do so is affected by its pH level. The skin should be slightly acidic, at about 5.5. A PH balance that is thrown off will cause inflammation, extreme sensitivity, or acne.
Yes, the sun still comes out during winter even though it is not as intense as summer but it can cause rashes that can erupt on your skin. Many people ignore this fact leaving them with sensitive skin prone to tanning. It is much better to apply sun-screen lotion even during the winter. This is due to the fact that the skin is not used to UV radiation and melanin concentration is reduced. It is advised to use sports sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when planning extended out of doors activity in the sunlight like skiing, skating and hiking.
Try beating the winter breezes by covering up your face with a soft, heavy scarf and pulling up those jacket collars and hoods. If you really want to go all out with an Eskimo look, a balaclava could work.
Keeping warm of course is the top priority during the winter season using central heating systems or space heaters. However, with excessive blasts of hot dry air, while it may feel good, is not good for our skin. Dehumidifiers can really suck out the moisture from your skin leaving it extremely dry. Keep temperatures between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit as well as placing several small humidifiers throughout the home; this will evenly distribute moisture.
Being out in the cold for a long time has you thinking of a hot steamy shower or soaking bath. However, your skin will not thank you. Too much hot water can actually cause tiny tears in the skin leaving it prone to, breakouts, and infections. Hot water washes away skin’s protective oils, skin is left dry, tight and itchy. It’s recommended aiming for lukewarm water for 10 - 15 minutes using a natural, moisturizing body wash or soap to prevent skin from becoming damaged and dry.
If you live in a place where seasonal changes are quite normal, the need for your skin changes as well. Finding the best solution during the different times of year can be difficult luckily AcnEase is it. With a proper hydration, moisturizing regime and the AcnEase’s® systemic solution, this trio can achieve beautiful skin, every season during the entire year.
We want to hear from you! How do you keep your skin hydrated during the winter? Did you add the all-new Rejuvel 3D to your regime? Tell us in the comments below!
I noticed that my acne would get worse if I washed my face too many times during the day. Great info. Thank you!