Breaking out? Weather change taking a toll on your skin?

Wintertime can be hard on the skin. Cold weather, wind, and dry indoor air can suck moisture from your skin. Add in the use of drying acne fighting products and medications, and you have a recipe for uncomfortable dryness, flaking, and peeling.
What can you do to help keep your skin hydrated throughout the winter months, while still getting the most from your acne treatment routine?

1. Change Your Cleanser
While it may have been a great choice during the summer months, your cleanser may not be working for you now that the cold weather has set in. If you feel tight and dry after cleansing, you probably need to switch to a milder cleanser.

Cleansers containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be particularly drying, especially if you are using them in conjunction with other acne treatment products. Instead, try using a gentle foaming cleanser or bar, such as Dove or Neutrogena. You can always go back to an acne-fighting cleanser once the weather warms and your skin doesn't feel as dry.

2. Don't Be Afraid to Moisturize
Regular use of a moisturizer is important, even for those with acne. Remember, nearly all acne treatment products dry the skin to some extent. To avoid flaking and peeling skin, moisturizer is a must.

But you don't have to slather on a thick, greasy product. Instead, choose a moisturizing gel or lotion. They are lighter than products labeled moisturizing cream. Whatever moisturizer you choose, be sure it is marked noncomedogenic. Noncomedogenic products are less likely to cause pore blockages.

3. Hydrate from the Inside Out, Too
When it's frosty outside, sometimes the last thing you feel like drinking is a big glass of water. But getting plenty of water during the wintertime is just as important as it is during warm weather. Dehydrated skin is more likely to feel tight and dry.

Try to get the recommended eight (eight ounce) glasses of water each day, to help keep your skin hydrated. When water doesn't sound appealing, try warm decaffeinated tea instead.


4. If Needed, Scale Back on Topical Medications
If your skin is feeling very dry and you have uncomfortable peeling and flaking, you may want to scale back use of your acne fighting creams and ointments. Try using your treatment products every other day until the dryness and flaking lessens.

*Via About.com

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