Winter Skin Care
When the air gets cold and dry during the winter, may acne sufferers actually find it a bit easier to cope, as your pores naturally contract more in colder temperatures, which inhibits the formation and appearance of smaller acne blemishes. However, the cold winter air can also cause damage to your skin if you’re not careful.
Dry skin is a common problem during the winter months. Acne sufferers are sometimes especially susceptible due to their frequent use of cleansers and other topical treatments.
While excess skin oil may be the chief cause of acne, having some skin oil is actually a good thing. It provides a layer of protection from the elements, which can be especially harsh this time of year. The fact is, your skin is most vulnerable right after it has been stripped of its natural oil layer. This basically happens each time you wash your face with a cleanser.
To avoid skin damage, make sure not to venture out into the cold directly after washing your face, at least not without applying a moisturizer first. Hot water can make you even more vulnerable, as it naturally causes your pores to expand. Mixing hot water immediately with cold air is a bad combination for your skin.
If you wash your face too frequently, just stop. Overwashing doesn’t prevent acne, it promotes it. Constantly stripping away your oil layer irritates your skin and leaves you perpetually vulnerable, which is simply a foolish thing to do. You’re much better off using an internal treatment that regulates your oil metabolism to prevent excess oil without leaving your skin defenseless.
Lastly, drink more water. This may sound like a simple solution, but it can work wonders. If you skin is frequently dry and susceptible to rashes and peeling, or even if you just have problem areas of dry skin (such as the corners of the mouth), simply drinking more water can work wonders. The extra moisture in your cells is very helpful in enabling your skin to effectively handle cold and dry air conditions. Throw less water on your face, and drink more of it.
