Wondering why you are getting more acne in the winter, and what you can do about it? Read on...

The chilly season shows skin no mercy. Low temperatures and dry air weakens your important skin barrier – your skin's outer coat layer that traps moisture inside the skin and keeps bad stuff, like harmful bacteria out. The drop in moisturie levels makes your skin want to produce more sebum – the oily substance that is a key component of acne. Too much sebum leads to skin cells getting glued together and clogging pores, creating the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

But follow these steps to keep skin balanced, calm – and less likely to break out.

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KEEP YOUR HATS & SCARVES CLEAN

Heard of Acne Mechanica? Mostly common in sports where helmets are used, your cosy beanie or wolly scarf can also trap oil and sweat on your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Clean your gear every week, and wash your face every night. BHA-acid (salicylic acid) will help unclog stuffed pores. 

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EAT HEALTHY FATS 

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, like salmon, and nuts/seeds, like walnuts and chia, are dry-but-inflammation-prone skin’s best friend. Omega-3s improve your skin’s important barrier function, locking important moisture inside, and lower inflammation, that plays a role in acne. Crack those walnut open NOW.

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TAKE SHORTER, COOLER SHOWER 

Bummer, we now… It’s not only the energy crisis that needs us to turn down the temp, but also the winter skin crisis (yes, it’s a thing!) Hot showers accelerates water loss from your, leaving it dehydrated and irritated. Never go over luke-warm.

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USE A PH-FRIENDLY CLEANSER 

Step away from the soap and use mild cleansers. Skin’s pH is 5,5 – much higher than that will dry out and irritate skin. 

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LAYER UP YOUR SKINCRAE

Just as you follow the light-to-heavy rules when dressing for the cold, your skincare routine should follow the same principle. Keep light, water-based products, like toners and serums, closest to your skin, and lock the moisture in with thicker creams (look for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.

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MOISTURISE MOISTURISE MOISTURISE!

Repeat after us: ALL skin types need hydration. Even if you’re oily, the cold weather will dry out skin, which wlll make it over-compensate with more oil = breakouts. A non-comedogenic moisturiser won’t cause breakouts, it will balance and nourish skin. Look for ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which will balance sebum production and prevent breakouts, while at the same time strengthen your skin barrier.

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LOOK FOR OIL-FREE MAKEUP

Oil in foundations can cause clogged pores, especially if worn under hats and scarves. Check for ”oil-free” on the label. And cleanse your makeup brushes brushes every week!

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USE PIMPLE PATCHES

Pimple patches not only protects your skin from picking, but also from friction from hats and scarves, that can worsen acne (see Acne Mechanica).

Cloud Patch is our smaller pimple patch, ideal for individual pimples. Every pack contains 35 pimple patches in two sizes – small and large.

Moon Patch is our XL pimple patch, ideal for bigger breakout and cluster acne. Every pack contains 15 XL pimple patches.

 Both our pimple patch styles are made from vegan hydrocolloid and centella, and can be used on all skin types. They're invisible too, so no one will know you're wearing one!