How your skin adapts to the four seasons is unique to you and your skin, but typically your skin will get oilier in the warmer months and drier during the wintertime. While there’s not much you can do about seasonal shifts, you can switch up some products in your regimen to accommodate your skin’s seasonal needs at least twice per year.
If you find yourself suffering from breakouts throughout the year you may be asking, "Does weather affect acne?" The simple answer is yes. The summer months are known for bringing on acne, but winter weather can bring on new pimples as well. Enter dreaded (and dry) winter acne.
Both summer acne and winter acne form the same way, but the causes of formation are different. Acne occurs when dead skin and oil clog your hair follicles. Unwelcomed whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules can pop up at any time, even if you think you have things under control. Whiteheads and blackheads (also known as comedones) form when a hair follicle becomes clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Papules are comedones that create small bumps on your skin, whereas pustules are typically filled with yellow pus.
Which season is worse for your skin
It seems there’s no conclusive evidence that one season is worse than the other, but the more drastic the climate change, the more likely you are to experience seasonal acne. The secret to avoiding both summer acne and winter acne is maintaining a proper skincare regimen for the season to keep your skin in balance.
What causes winter acne
It’s difficult to maintain balance in your skin during the winter months due to the dryness the harsh weather brings with it. The cold air naturally holds less moisture, the heat in your house or office as well as your hot shower also contribute to dry winter skin. Your body naturally responds to your new-found skin condition by producing more sebum (oil). Too much sebum can clog your pores and therefore, present winter acne.
Treating winter acne
When treating winter acne, balance is the name of the game. Because your skin is drier during the wintertime it’s important to choose the right formulations and ingredients to combat your pimples and keep your skin healthy. It seems complicated, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Dry acne needs moisturization to create balance in your skin, so make sure to add a moisturizer or serum with hyaluronic acid to your regimen along with your acne clearing products. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to help to keep your skin plump and hydrated. Also, we know you don’t want to hear this, but consider taking shorter, colder showers, as hot water can dry out your skin. Using a humidifier at nighttime will help to add moisture back into the air, and therefore back into your skin. A few lifestyle changes like these can help keep your skin remain balanced during seasonal changes.
What causes summer acne
High temperatures and increased humidity cause your body to create excess oil, therefore many people are affected by summer acne. Between reapplying sunscreen (layer after layer), sweating, and spending more time outdoors, clogged pores are just waiting to happen.
Treating summer acne
A few changes in your skincare regimen and lifestyle can help treat summer acne. If you have oily skin, or your skin is producing more oil than normal due to the heat and humidity, lighten up your moisturizer by choosing a gel-based moisturizer and make sure you’re using an oil-free sunscreen.
As for treatment products, use cleansers and spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide. This acne-clearing ingredient acts as an effective antibacterial treatment that delivers oxygen into your pores to kill acne bacteria and clear your pores out. The cleaner your pores, the smaller they’ll appear and the less likely you’ll suffer breakouts due to your oily skin. Begin using a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide morning and night. After a sweaty workout, take a shower and wash your hair immediately. This will help to wash the sweat away from your face and prevent your hair product from clogging the pores on your forehead.
The takeaway
Seasonal acne is real but identifying the causes and specific solutions for each season will help you keep it under control. It’s all about balance. Dry skin craves moisture while oily skin can easily cause clogged pores. No matter what season you’re experiencing acne in, proactiv systems can help. They’re gently formulated with acne-fighting ingredients and the three steps create a great base for your skincare regimen. As always, if you can’t seem to get your acne under control, consult your dermatologist for a professional recommendation.
