Skincare: Home RemediesTo Treat Acne During Winter Months

Is the winter air causing your acne to flare up?  The constant change in climate from being in the dry air of our heated homes and then outside in the cold air can aggravate the skin of those that are prone to acne.  Here are few money saving home remedies that you can try.

Whip Out The Humidifier/Vaporizer

Using a humidifier for a couple of hours each day can increase the moisture content in the air and help to keep your skin hydrated.

Change Your Cleanser

Some cleansers can be very drying, especially if they contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.   Try using a milder cleanser.  Neutrogena, Dove and one of my favorites, Aveeno, have mildly formulated cleansers that are gentle but still effective with for treatment and prevention of breakouts.

Cut Back On The Astringents

Astringents are great for removing excess oils.  When used excessively, they can over-dry your skin.  They are meant to be used sparsely and ideally, you should be using them on the affected area only.   Due to it's drying properties, try to use your astringent every other day.  Try alternating with witch hazel. which can be found at almost any local drugstore, Target or Walmart.

Moisturize Moisturize Moisturize

I know you probably think that moisturizing means to add oil to your skin which is what got you into this problem in the first place.  The truth is, all skin types need to moisturizing on a regular bases.  There are plenty of oil free moisturizers on the market and you will have to experiment with a few to see what works for you. Again,  I will have to recommend the Aveeno brand.  I have extremely sensitive skin.  I use my Aveeno moisturizer twice a day every single day and I have no reaction to it.  In fact, my skin is in better condition that it has been in years.

Drink Plenty Of Water And Exercise

I know you probably hear this all the time, but it really is true. Drinking water and green tea can help you to cleanse toxic impurities from your skin. A healthy exercise regimens that produces some sweat isn't a bad idea either.  When you sweat you get rid of impurities as well.

- The following is my personal skin regimen.  I sometimes use different products and change it up a bit, but this is my basic routine.  This may or may not work for you, but it gives you an idea of something you can try.

Night

Wash with Ambi cleanser bar

While my face is still damp I apply Aveeno Daily moisturizer

Morning

Wash face using a face towel and warm water 

Apply Aveeno Daily moisturizer

If  I notice that my skin is unusually oil, I use Clean and Clear astringent.  I exfoliate weekly using my regular cleanser with a facial buffing pad and I do a clay mud mask using Aztec Betonite clay once a week (when I remember).

*Tip: Adopt a regular cleansing regimen with minimal products.  Healthy skin isn't about lathering on tons of products to get the benefits of it's promises. It's really about paying attention to your skin and finding out what is the cause behind your breakouts and treating the problem. Find out what triggers your acne. Whether it be stress, diet, air pollutants, hormonal or climate changes, and try to mitigate what's triggering it.  If you're at your wit's end with your acne and nothing seems to work, contact your doctor or dermatologist for help.