Ah, we love winter, all that festive decoration and tons of hot cocoa. One the other hand, many women hate winter because it causes dry skin and breaking out.
Although many people think that acne and pimples mainly occur in summer, they’re wrong. Acne worsen in winter.
“It’s common on all areas of the body and can occur during seasonal changes, especially in winter,” explains M.D Ellen Marmur, a Dove dermatologist.
Cold winter air has significantly less moisture than warm air and that’s why it makes your skin extra dry. Harsh, cold winds strip your skin from the surface lipids, which are barriers that hold the moisture and keep the toxins and dirt away. When that protection is done, it’s a lot easier for all that bacteria to get into your skin and cause acne.
How can you protect your skin from the cold weather?
“The number one way to avoid dry skin is by upping your moisturization protection. If your daily routine isn’t cutting it, consider switching things up. Gentle cleansers and heavy moisturizers are the way to go. Other soaps or harsh cleansers can worsen dry skin, as they often remove the skin’s essential oils,” says Ellen.
Marmur also advises people with acne and sensitive skin to be extra careful with ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as retinol, sulfates and heavy fragrances.
Also, try not to take boiling hot shower, although they feel like heaven in winter. Hot water strips your skin of its natural oil, proteins and fats, which leads to itching, inflammation and peeling. Take a lukewarm shower instead.
Dr. Marmur suggests Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash because it contains stearic acid and glycinate, compounds that can refill your skin’s lipids and prevent itching and dry skin.
Read more: 5 Homemade Face Masks That Will Make Your Skin Gorgeous During Winter