5 reasons your skin breaks out more in winter

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, it’s not unusual to start noticing changes in our skin. It’s easy to think of breakouts as a summer issue, but winter can actually exacerbate acne and other skin concerns. From dry air to indoor heating, there are several reasons why our skin might react differently during the colder months. If you’re dealing with any flare-ups at the moment, getting up to speed on the potential causes can often go a long way towards making it easier to resolve them.

And with our expertise in skincare treatments here at AP Skincare, you can rely on us to give you a heads-up! So then, let’s take a quick look at five common reasons why your skin may be more prone to breakouts in winter.

Cold weather reduces skin moisture

Winter’s chill brings about an immediate drop in humidity, which leaves skin parched and lacking in moisture. When your skin becomes dry, it can’t function as well as a protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to external irritants, bacteria, and inflammation. That in turn increases the chances of breakouts.

The cold weather also generally causes your skin to lose moisture more rapidly, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Plus, if you already have oily skin, this might cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil, which can lead to clogged pores. And you know what that means – yes, another breakout.

Heaters can damage skin

Everyone’s always very grateful for the warmth of indoor heating during the winter months, they can sometimes have an effect on your skin. Mainly, central heating systems can dry out the air inside our homes and offices, leading us back to that same problem of moisture loss. This constant exposure to dry air weakens your skin’s ability to retain moisture, which can leave it feeling tight and often more prone to irritation. As your skin has to work harder to stay hydrated, the imbalance can cause it to react with breakouts, especially when combined with the harsh external winter environment.

Changes in skincare routine

When the weather changes, many people switch up their skincare routines to adapt. (Indeed, it’s something we actively encourage here at AP Skincare!) In winter, some people choose thicker creams and oils in an attempt to keep their skin hydrated, but the thicker solution can sometimes lead to clogged pores. Your skin may also be neglected in terms of hydration, which can be an annoyingly easy mistake to make with heavier creams or more intensive treatments that aren’t appropriate for the colder months. Instead, you’ll need to ensure that you maintain that all-important balance, ideally by choosing products that hydrate your skin without overloading it.

Sweat and germs from winter clothing

Scarves, hats, and thick coats are all great examples of winter clothing that most of us wouldn’t be seen without during winter. However, they can sometimes contribute to skin breakouts, mainly by trapping sweat, oil, and bacteria against your skin. Basically, when you layer up to stay warm, the friction caused by clothing can irritate your skin, leading to blocked pores.

What’s more, wearing hats and scarves for long periods of time can cause your skin to sweat more, especially around your forehead, chin, and neck. This build-up of oil and sweat, combined with bacteria, can clog pores and lead to unwanted breakouts. Unfortunately, there’s not necessarily an easy solution for that – sometimes it’s just a matter of what you think is the lesser evil given the weather currently outside!

Stress from seasonal changes

The shorter days and reduced sunlight of winter can have a significant effect on your mood and stress levels. Lower levels of sunlight can lead to a drop in production of vitamin D, which can have a direct impact on your skin. To give you a brief rundown, Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, and its absence can lead to increased inflammation and breakouts. In addition to that, the lack of natural light and colder weather don’t help – they’re notorious for affecting our mental health, leading to higher stress levels. Stress is a known trigger for acne, as it causes the body to produce excess cortisol – a hormone that can lead to increased oil production in your skin.

It’s all good stuff to be aware of – and if you’re looking for some of the best tips to minimise breakouts, or prevent them from happening in the first place, make sure to check out our recent post on how to keep your skin healthy and glowing. (The post itself is mainly focused on Christmas parties, but the tips themselves are applicable all year round!)

And of course, if you’d prefer to come into our clinic and see our skincare team to see if we can help address any of your skin concerns, you’re more than welcome to come!

We use high-quality, medical-grade ingredients and will take the time to understand your specific skin goals. If you’re interested in learning more and experiencing the benefits for yourself, feel free to visit our Blackburn clinic or give us a call at 01254 297000 to speak with a friendly member of our team!