Tips for preventing cold weather acne

Shahnaz Husain *

Nothing much blooms in winter, but acne may be an exception. Acne is a chronic skin condition that can remain troublesome all year around. However, the problem could aggravate considerably, especially during the winter season.

Winter, a season known for its low humidity levels makes the most superficial layer of our skin (epidermis) go dry which leads to acne breakouts. Winter tends to be the driest time of the year, are accompanied by dry skin that eventually increases sebum production, a type of oily and waxy substance that the small glands of the skin secrete.

Sebum helps keep your skin properly moist and supple, but too much can make the cells stick to each other. This can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Luckily, winter acne is both treatable and preventable Where clogged pores and acne are concerned, prevention is better than cure.

Cleansing is very important to prevent clogged pores, especially since oily skins attract more impurities. The pores have to be free of hardened oil. Use a cleanser, which is specially formulated for normal to oily skins.

A cleansing lotion or face wash may be used. For oily skin problems, like spots, pimples and acne use a medicated soap or cleanser, which helps to remove impurities without disturbing the acid-alkaline balance.

An astringent lotion is also an integral part of cleansing of oily skin, as it not only reduces oiliness, but also shrinks the pores. After washing the face, wipe it with an astringent lotion, using cotton wool.

If it is too harsh, mix the astringent lotion with rose water in equal quantities and use it. Or, use a rose-based skin tonic. For oily skins, rose water can be mixed with cucumber juice in equal quantities also helps to cleanse and close the pores.

Exfoliation is an important aspect in the cleansing of oily skins to cleanse the pores. This involves the use of scrubs, which should be rubbed gently on the skin and washed off with water. They help to remove dead skin cells, refining the pores and keeping them free of hardened oil. They also improve the skin texture.

You can make a scrub at home by mixing oats with rose water and applying it on the face. Rub gently with circular movements and wash off with water. This not only helps to prevent blackheads, but also to close the pores gradually.

However, do not use scrubs on pimples and acne. Also, avoid using soap and water several times a day. You can also mix oats with egg white and apply on the areas with open pores twice a week. Wash it off when it is dry. This would work like a scrub and also tighten the pores. Dry and powdered orange and lemon peels can also be added to facial scrubs and masks.

In winter, an oily skin may also need a moisturiser, since the cold weather tends to aggravate dryness. However, avoid applying heavy and oily creams. You can apply a light moisturising lotion. Or, apply aloe vera gel. It moisturises the skin without making it oily. It also makes the skin soft and smooth. One must keep in mind to pick a moisturizer that suits one's skin type.

A Vitamin C serum would help an oily skin and prevent clogged pores. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, keeping the skin healthy, while serums are light and normally water-based and are thus ideal for oily skin. Orange peels are a rich source of Vitamin C. In fact, the peels are said to contain more Vitamin C than the fruit itself.

Dried and powdered orange peels can be used in scrubs and masks, to absorb oil and tighten the pores. Grind fresh orange peels into a paste. Add oats and rose water and apply the pack on the face to benefit minimize pores and even blemishes. Diet is important. If the system is congested, it reflects on the skin.

Keep the system cleansed by including fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, whole grains and yogurt in your daily diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of tepid water and have it first thing in the morning.

There are various benefits offered by flaxseed oil. Apart from health benefits, flaxseed oil can do wonders for the skin. It has abilities to hydrate the skin and enhance the texture of the skin by making it smooth and decreasing the dryness and irritation of the skin.

Exercising pumps more oxygen in the body that eventually helps in keeping the skin healthy and glowing. Moreover, it will also help in keeping you warm and active.