# Why Does Skin Break Out More in Winter
Winter brings cold temperatures, holiday stress, and cozy indoor time. Unfortunately, it also brings something many people dread: more acne and skin breakouts. If you’ve noticed your skin getting worse during the colder months, you’re not alone. There are several specific reasons why winter creates the perfect conditions for acne to flourish.
## Your Skin Loses Moisture in Cold Air
The biggest culprit behind winter breakouts is the dry air. Cold winter weather strips moisture directly from your skin’s surface. When your skin loses water, it tries to protect itself by producing more oil. This creates a frustrating situation where your skin feels dry on top but becomes oily underneath. This combination of dry surface skin with excess oil trapped beneath is exactly what acne-causing bacteria love. The bacteria thrive in clogged pores, leading to more breakouts.
## Indoor Heating Makes Things Worse
While you’re trying to stay warm inside, your heating system is working against your skin. Central heating creates a dry, warm environment that removes even more moisture from the air around you. This indoor heating dries out your skin barrier, which is the protective layer that keeps good things like moisture in and bad things like bacteria out. When your barrier weakens, inflammation increases and your skin becomes more vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria.
## Your Skin Barrier Gets Damaged
Your skin barrier is like a protective wall. When it’s healthy, it keeps moisture locked in and irritants out. In winter, the combination of cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating damages this barrier. When your barrier is compromised, bacteria can enter more easily, inflammation increases, and even your acne treatments become more irritating to your skin. A weakened barrier also means your skin heals more slowly and becomes more sensitive overall.
## You’re Making Skincare Mistakes
Many people accidentally make their winter acne worse through common skincare habits. Using harsh, foaming cleansers twice daily strips away natural oils, so your skin produces even more oil to compensate. Switching to heavy, thick moisturizers and creams in winter can actually clog your pores instead of helping. Some people also skip sunscreen in winter because the sun feels weak, but this leaves skin unprotected. Additionally, applying acne treatments too frequently on already dry, irritated skin can backfire and cause more inflammation.
## Hot Showers and Tight Clothing Cause Problems
Taking long, hot showers feels wonderful in winter, but hot water actually removes moisture from your skin. This is the opposite of what your skin needs during cold months. Wearing scarves, hats, and masks that sit directly against your skin can also trap oil and bacteria, creating friction that irritates skin and leads to breakouts. The combination of these physical irritants with your already compromised skin barrier makes breakouts more likely.
## Stress and Lifestyle Changes Trigger Breakouts
Winter brings holiday planning, family gatherings, and the stress of the season. Stress increases cortisol, a hormone that is known to worsen acne. Beyond stress, winter also disrupts your normal routines. You might stay up later, eat more sugary holiday foods, exercise less, and skip your regular skincare routine. You might also go to bed without cleansing your face or spend more time indoors with heating systems. All of these lifestyle changes can trigger or worsen breakouts.
## Less Sunlight Affects Your Immune System
During winter, you get less exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. Research suggests that reduced UV exposure during winter can lead to changes in your immune function, which leaves your skin more susceptible to acne-causing bacteria. This biological shift, combined with all the other winter factors, makes your skin more prone to breakouts.
## What You Can Do
Understanding why winter causes breakouts is the first step to preventing them. Adjust your skincare routine to be gentler and more hydrating. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water for showers and face washing. Switch to lighter moisturizers that won’t clog pores, and make sure any products you use are labeled non-comedogenic. Take shorter showers, avoid over-washing your face, and be consistent with your skincare routine even when life gets busy. Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face, especially if you’re using heavy hand creams. Try to manage stress through exercise or relaxation, stay hydrated by drinking water, and maintain healthy habits even during the holiday season.
Winter breakouts are common, but they’re not inevitable. By understanding the causes and making small adjustments to your routine and environment, you can keep your skin clearer throughout the colder months.
Sources
https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/unseen-causes-of-winter-breakouts
https://www.deblieckdermatology.com/blog/1397079-seasonal-acne-why-breakouts-change-throughout
