Winter may seem like a magical season, but when it comes to skin care the weather outside really is frightful. It turns out the dry, chilly air does not more than just dry out your skin. It also causes acne.

Sounds weird, right? Shouldn’t your acne be worse in the summer?

As it turns out, seasonal changes can make you break out more. And winter, especially, can have a big impact.

What about winter makes me break out so much?

Cold air holds less moisture than warm/hot air. This is why summer is really humid and winter is really dry. You might notice winter dryness affects your hands the most, but it also affects your face.

What happens is that cold wind can strip your skin of its natural surface lipids. These are your skin’s natural barriers to keep out dirt and keep in moisture.

So although summer might make your face sweat, winter gets rid of the oils protecting your pores from bacteria that cause acne.

How do I get help with acne caused by dry skin?

It can be tricky fight back against acne that’s caused by skin problems that are different from what you’re used to. Your daily skin care routine might not work.

But don’t give up hope just yet. The first thing you want to do is increase your moisturization protection. Introduce moisturizing face masks into your routine instead of only using moisturizer.

The second thing you want to do is be careful about which cleansers you’re using. The dry, winter air is already stripping your natural lipids. Cleansers can worsen your dry skin by removing more of your skin’s protective oils.

Use gentle cleansers that remove dirt, sweat, and grime from your face but don’t remove your protective oils. Follow it up with a deep moisturizer and you’re well on your way to better skin care.

Need help with acne or other skin problems?

Acne can be a major confidence killer, especially in the winter when dry skin makes it worse. Uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation, sun spots, hormones, and discoloration can also be a problem.

The good news is the skin experts at Dr. Amy Vaughan’s medical spa can help. To learn more about scar treatments and other professional help with acne, contact Dr. Amy Vaughan to schedule a consultation today.