Winter Skincare: How to Manage Acne in Winter
Noticing more breakouts now that the cold weather has really started to settle in? You’re not alone. Dry air and indoor heating can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, which often triggers excess oil production and congestion. This kind of environment can easily lead to breakouts, even if your skin is normally balanced.
While it might feel tempting to go harder with actives or scrubs, winter is actually the time to slow things down and focus on barrier support. Think gentle cleansing, consistent hydration and just the right amount of exfoliation to keep your skin clear but calm.
How to manage acne during winter without overdoing it:
SWAP TO A GENTLE CLEANSER
If your current cleanser leaves your skin feeling tight or squeaky, it may be doing more harm than good. Choose a cleanser that removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin. Something sulfate-free and hydrating will help maintain your barrier while still keeping your skin clean.
DON’T SKIP MOISTURISER EVEN IF YOUR SKIN IS OILY
One of the most common winter mistakes I see is skipping moisturiser because of oily skin. But here’s the thing, dehydrated skin tends to produce even more oil to compensate. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser will help balance your skin and prevent those congestion-prone conditions from forming.
EASE BACK ON EXFOLIATION
Exfoliating too often can lead to irritation and barrier damage, especially when the weather is cold and dry.Aim for just one to two times a week with a gentle exfoliant like lactic acid or mandelic acid. This will keep your pores clear without upsetting the skin.
KEEP YOUR ACNE ACTIVES BUT ADJUST THE FREQUENCY
If you’re using salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, there’s no need to stop them. These ingredients are great for keeping breakouts under control.
But in winter, your skin may prefer a slower rhythm. Try using them every second night instead of every night and watch how your skin responds.
YOUR SKIN DOESN’T NEED HARSH PRODUCTS TO STAY CLEAR
The goal in winter is not to strip your skin but to support it. Gentle adjustments like these can help keep your acne in check while making sure your skin stays hydrated, balanced and strong.
