If you suffer from acne or have suffered from it in the past, then you know the struggle. It can take an emotional toll on you, depleting your sense of self-confidence and causing a great deal of stress. There are so many treatment options and no two people have skin that is exactly alike. Needless to say, treating acne and ridding yourself of it for good can be a long, tiresome journey.
When treating acne, a good place to start is by understanding the root cause. For many, it’s a combination of things — hormones, diet, and stress are just a few of the possibilities. But did you ever consider how the weather can cause acne?
As the weather changes, especially between seasons, you must make changes to your skincare routine, product choices, and lifestyle habits. Here are five tips for managing acne despite the weather.
1. Determine Year-Round Products and Treatments
Before educating yourself on all things seasonal skincare, figure out what you need to be consistent with all year long. A perfect example of a year-round product is SPF. Rain or shine, hot or cold, sun protection is always important. Make it a regular step in your morning skincare routine. Not only does SPF protect you from sun damage, but sunscreen has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and relieve acne.
Also, if necessary, consider a long-term treatment for acne like an acne medication. Even if you’ve perfected your seasonal skincare routines, sometimes, acne still persists. This can be frustrating to deal with, but it might just mean that you have a more severe case of acne. Using a prescription-strength topical or oral treatment in addition to great skincare is perfectly normal.
2. Switch Your Cleanser and Moisturizer Seasonally
Keeping breakouts at bay requires a great skincare routine, which is usually made up of several products. That said, a good cleanser and moisturizer are two of the most important. That’s why it’s essential that you use ones that are appropriate for the season.
As the weather goes from cold to warm, in the spring, humidity is heightened. Stick to a lightweight moisturizer, gentle cleanser, and don’t forget about the SPF. Use an exfoliator at least once a week as well. In the summer, excessive sweating as well as dirt and debris from being outside can clog pores. To avoid breakouts, look for cleansers and treatments with benzoyl peroxide. Gel-based moisturizers and oil-free SPF also tend to be best during hotter months.
Fall means temps are beginning to drop. As the air gets colder, your skin tends to become more dry. This means staying moisturized is key. Look for products with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. Winter means extremely cold temperatures and sometimes harsh, freezing winds. Not to mention the dry indoor environments. A heavy moisturizer like a barrier cream is appropriate. Stick to a cream-based or milk cleanser and incorporate hydrating face oils if necessary.
Pro tip: Also prioritize exfoliation. Physical exfoliants are more abrasive and immediately change the texture of your skin. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, gently slough away dead skin cells. The best one for you will depend on your skin type and concerns. Just make sure to keep the season in mind as well. If you’re exfoliating often in the summer, it can make the skin more vulnerable to sun damage, so use SPF scrupulously.
3. Combat Seasonal Changes With Serums and Masks
Serums and face masks are great for treating specific skin concerns that you might experience with seasonal changes. Face serums deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients, so they’re great for treating all types of concerns. For dry skin, hyaluronic acid serums are great. If you’re dealing with acne during a seasonal change, look for a serum with benzoyl peroxide or a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid.
Face masks are also great to incorporate into your seasonal skincare routines. In the winter when your skin tends to be more dry, use a hydrating face mask. In the summer when you have more dirt and debris on your skin from being outside, use a clarifying mask. If you’re taking care of seasonal skin concerns, you’ll also keep your complexion clear, glowing, and free of acne.
4. Eat Seasonal Fruits and Veggies
Whether you realize it or not, your diet is always playing a part in how your skin looks and feels. Foods with refined carbohydrates cause inflammation, which leads to acne. And too much sugar and dairy can cause breakouts too. One big thing to focus on as the seasons change is eating seasonal fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies that are in season are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which will help your overall health.
It’s also important to not only use moisturizer on your skin, but to hydrate from the inside out. This means drinking plenty of water! This is especially important in the summer, when you may be outside more often in hotter temperatures. If you struggle drinking enough water, keep a water bottle with you and explore flavoring options. Going back to seasonal fruits and veggies, try adding watermelon, cucumber, or lemon to your drink.
5. Prioritize Self-Care and Try Not to Stress
Last but not least, make sure to always prioritize self-care. And even though it’s easier said than done, try not to stress out too much. It’ll only make your acne worse. Self-care looks different for everyone. So whatever helps you de-stress and unwind, make sure to prioritize it all year long. Maybe your self-care will change with the seasons, too. In the summer, you might love to hang by the pool. In the winter, maybe a warm bath sounds nice.
One great self-care activity to prioritize when caring for your skin is going to the spa for regular facials. Even though the spa is often seen as a ‘treat yourself’ activity, licensed estheticians are the ones providing facials. This means that you’ll receive service from someone who is an expert in all things skincare. Facials are a great way to relax and also care for your skin.
When you first learn that seasonal changes can cause acne or make it worse, you may get stressed. Yet another thing to keep top-of-mind during your acne journey — ugh. But don’t stress yourself out and cause yet another acne breakout. Learning seasonal skin care can take time, but once you’ve got it down, it’ll come naturally.
Photography by: Courtesy of Pexels
