What Causes Acne During Seasonal Transitions
Your skin often breaks out more during shifts from one season to another, like fall to winter or summer to spring. These changes throw off your skin’s natural balance, leading to clogged pores and inflammation that spark acne.
Cold, dry winter air and indoor heaters pull moisture right out of your skin. This dehydration makes your skin produce extra oil to compensate, but that oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology points out that these quick drops in humidity and temperature are prime times for breakouts because skin loses water faster than it can keep up.[1]
Humidity swings hit hard too. In winter to spring, low indoor humidity from heating dries things out fast, while rising outdoor moisture confuses your skin’s oil glands. They overreact, creating oily patches that trap dirt and bacteria.[2][3]
Temperature jumps add stress. Cold winds outside constrict blood vessels, slowing skin repair, while hot indoor air dilates them and ramps up inflammation. Your skin’s pH balance shifts, weakening its defense against acne-causing bacteria.[2]
Summer to fall brings its own issues. High heat and sweat boost oil production, clogging pores in the T-zone and jawline. As humidity falls, that summer oil turns sticky without enough moisture, leading to congestion and pimples.[4]
Routine changes make it worse. Switching to heavy creams in winter can feel good but trap oil and sweat under hats or scarves, causing folliculitis breakouts on the forehead or chin. Skipping gentle cleansers lets sunscreen, pollution, and debris build up.[1][3]
Even oily or acne-prone skin suffers. Harsh products strip oils, prompting more sebum and a breakout cycle. Barrier damage from dry air lets irritants in, sparking redness and spots.[6]
Allergens like pollen in spring or windburn in fall irritate reactive skin, while UV rays year-round dull and inflame it further.[4]
Sources
https://www.oreateai.com/blog/breaking-out-during-winter/f1746a23c69da0534bc6b83c501b00fb
https://skinsureclinic.com/why-your-skin-acts-up-during-season-change/
https://www.revivalabs.com/why-you-might-want-to-change-your-cleanser-when-the-seasons-shift-2/
https://aptinjectiontraining.com/blog/how-morpheus8-supports-skin-health-during-seasonal-transitions-in-oakville/
https://www.trulyclear.com/blogs/acne-101
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kjcBPigKUUA
https://gaurisatva.com/blogs/wellness/how-weather-changes-affect-the-body
