How to Treat Acne in The Winter

Winter can cause a variety of problems for the skin, including dryness or irritation. Unfortunately, dry and cracking skin can exacerbate acne and excessive oil production, so try tweaking your skin care regimen with these helpful tricks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleansing scrub
• Toner or witch hazel pads
• Natural, moisturizing zit treatment
• Light daytime lotion
• Night cream with retinol
• Clay-based face mask

Get Clear Skin

1. 
    
   Alba Botanic Body Care Sea Algae Enzyme Facial Scrub

   Cleanse skin gently in the winter months. Although acne reacts well to gentle scrubs created specifically for zit prone complexions, make sure to choose a non-irritating brand that does not cause redness or a tight, dry feeling in your face. This is usually a sign that your face has become too dry from zit-zapping ingredients, and in turn might cause you to produce additional oil, making the situation worse.

2. 
    
   Witch Hazel Pads

   Consider abandoning your toner this winter. Acne responds very well to a cleansing, toning and treating combination of skin care products, but a toner may cause additional dryness in colder months. Try using toner only on extreme problem areas (like the T-zone), or switching to natural witch hazel pads instead.

3. 
    
   Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment

   Treat your skin with care. After cleansing your skin, it’s important to apply an acne cream to the affected areas, as well as any areas where you are prone to breakouts to prevent future breakouts. Try using a less irritating brand of zit treatment, which either uses natural ingredients or contains moisturizer as part of the product.

4. 
    
   Neutrogena Visibly Clear Moisturizer

   Moisturize, no matter what. Many people suffering from acne believe that applying lotion to their skin will only make their breakouts worse (when, in fact, it can keep the skin from producing excess oils). Try applying a light cream that is non-irritating, doesn’t clog pores and contains sunscreen to protect the skin in winter months.

5. 
    
   ROC Age Diminishing Night Cream

   Consider using retinol before bed. Skin requires moisture at night (especially in the winter), so try fighting breakouts by using a cream that contains a small amount of retinol. Retinol is a powerful ingredient for smoothing and clearing the skin (while also preventing wrinkles), although it’s important to avoid extreme irritation by using small amounts slowly. Strive to only apply retinol products at night, and always wear sunscreen during the day, because retinol can make skin extremely sensitive.

Tips & Warnings

• Acne prone skin can benefit greatly from consistently using a pore clearing face mask twice per week. Look for masks made with clay or acne fighting ingredients, but only leave on for 5 minutes at a time.