{"id":58499,"date":"2026-10-21T12:32:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T16:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/?p=58499"},"modified":"2026-10-21T12:32:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T16:32:55","slug":"winter-acne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/winter-acne\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Acne Get Worse in the Winter? What&#8217;s Really Behind Cold Weather Breakouts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As fall and winter cold sets in, the skincare routine that kept your face clear all summer suddenly leaves you with flaky skin and angry breakouts. You might be wondering why your acne gets worse in the winter when you\u2019re barely sweating. The truth is, your winter skin needs a completely different skincare routine to stay hydrated and healthy. Winter acne is a skin barrier problem, and you can fix it with a few smart routine swaps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep reading for expert tips on how to change your winter skincare routine to avoid dry skin and breakouts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key Takeaways<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter acne is primarily driven by skin barrier damage and severe moisture loss in cold, dry climates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switching to a gentle cleanser and using harsh active ingredients less often is an easy first step to protect your skin from winter breakouts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor heating systems dry the air in your home, but a humidifier can increase humidity and help prevent cold-weather acne.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy moisturizing creams and ointments can trap oil and bacteria, so people with acne-prone skin should choose non-comedogenic ceramides instead.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Does Acne Get Worse in the Winter?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acne affects roughly<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dermatology.ca\/public-patients\/diseases-conditions\/skin-conditions\/acne\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.6 million people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Canada. For many, it worsens in winter because cold outdoor air and indoor heating can damage your skin barrier, while heavy moisturizing products used to fight dryness can clog your pores.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few common reasons you experience this skin irritation during the winter:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold, Dry Outdoor Air<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sub-zero winter air holds very little moisture. This dry air pulls water directly out of your face. This moisture loss weakens your skin barrier, increasing irritation and inflammation that ultimately lead to uncomfortable skin and winter breakouts. Without sufficient moisture in your skin, the enzymes that normally help you shed dead cells stop working properly, causing dead skin to build up and block your pores.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor Heating<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forced-air heat keeps indoor humidity low all day. This dry indoor air also pulls moisture from your skin (just like outdoors). Health Canada recommends maintaining your home\u2019s relative humidity between<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/publications.gc.ca\/collections\/collection_2018\/sc-hc\/H144-33-2016-eng.pdf\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30% and 35%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during the winter to reduce water evaporation from your skin, support your skin&#8217;s natural moisture barrier, and help your winter skincare products absorb better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long, Hot Showers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s tempting to warm up with a steaming hot shower after being out in the cold all day. However, hot water strips away your natural protective oils. Your skin often responds to this aggressive heat by producing extra sebum to compensate. This extra oil quickly clogs your pores and triggers seasonal acne.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavier Moisturizers and Occlusives<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your skin feels tight, you might reach for a thick moisturizer. However, many of these rich creams and heavy balms used to fight winter dryness can clog your pores. Adding heavy, oily layers over top of dead skin cells is a recipe for trapped bacteria. Instead, if you need moisturizer, choose a non-comedogenic one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toques, Scarves, and Winter Layers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter fashion can contribute to seasonal acne. The constant friction from tight toques, heavy scarves, and thick high collars repeatedly rubs against your skin. This friction traps sweat, dead skin, and excess oil against your skin, exacerbating dry, acne-prone skin. If you\u2019re noticing more pimples right where your scarf sits, your winter gear is likely the culprit. To avoid this, wash your winter wear more often, switch to natural and breathable fabrics, and avoid tight-fitting winter layers when possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is It Winter Acne or Just Dry, Irritated Skin?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be hard to tell the difference between a true winter breakout and standard barrier irritation. If you\u2019re dealing with acne in winter, you\u2019ll see true pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads scattered across your face. Patches of rough, red, and flaky skin are more likely a barrier irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Media aesthetician <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/barbeauty.ca\/team\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Julia Barabas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests running your fingertips over your skin to tell the difference. \u201cAcne has bumps to it, a blackhead, a whitehead, or a sore spot that hurts when you press. Dry, irritated skin feels flat and rough instead. It flakes, it feels tight after you wash, and your moisturizer stings going on. Plenty of people have both at once by January.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another way to tell the difference is the water test: Splash water or apply a small amount of basic moisturizer to your skin. If it immediately stings or burns, you likely have a damaged skin barrier. If you notice painful, deep cysts, persistent redness, or severe hormonal acne that refuses to clear up, talk to your dermatologist or doctor for a proper diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Get Rid of Winter Acne Without Drying Out Your Skin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can get rid of winter acne by switching to a low-foaming cleanser, adjusting how often you use active treatments, and applying non-comedogenic, barrier-repair moisturizers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switch to a Gentle, Low-Foam Cleanser<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many high-foaming face washes contain harsh sulphates that strip essential surface lipids from your skin. Give your skin a fighting chance by supporting its moisture barrier with a non-stripping cleanser. Look for a formula that easily emulsifies surface grime and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Browse our selection of <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/categories\/facial-cleansers_536.html\"><b>facial cleansers<\/b><\/a><b> to find a hydrating, low-foam option that gently cleanses while protecting your skin.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep Your Actives, Adjust the Dose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&#8217;t need to stop using active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in winter. They work quickly, so they only need to stay on your skin for short periods. In winter, try applying these products for a shorter time <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">than in summer<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(or as your dermatologist recommends), then rinsing them off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cUsing these products less often, or lowering the concentration of these ingredients can be helpful. For example, changing from a 2 percent salicylic acid toner to a 1 percent.\u201d is another approach that Board-certified dermatologist <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dermatologist-nyc.com\/dr-jaliman\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Debra Jaliman, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests to prevent the drying effects of active ingredients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also use the \u201cretinoid sandwich\u201d method for topical retinoids in winter. This means applying a light layer of moisturizer, then your retinoid, then finishing with a second layer of moisturizer to lock in hydration and prevent dryness and flaking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Find targeted support in our <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/categories\/acne-spot-treatments_550.html\"><b>acne spot treatments<\/b><\/a><b> collection.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use Barrier Supporting Ingredients<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your skin barrier is the protective outer layer of cells and lipids that keeps moisture in and bacteria out. Lock in as much moisture as you can during the winter to support your skin barrier with ingredients like ceramides, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/beauty-buzzword-niacinamide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">niacinamide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/beauty-buzzword-hyaluronic-acid\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hyaluronic acid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid the \u201cslugging\u201d trend. Slugging is when you coat your face in a thick, heavy occlusive ointment, like Vaseline, as the last step of your skincare routine. It can help trap moisture, but if you already have dry or problematic skin, it can have the opposite effect, drying out your skin more and causing acne flare-ups. Instead, choose breathable hydration from our<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/categories\/acne-moisturizers-treatments_2347.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> acne moisturizers and treatments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barabas shares that \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A lot of acne-prone people skip moisturizer because they&#8217;re scared it&#8217;ll break them out.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> But <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in studies where people used acne medication along with an acne-friendly moisturizer, most saw fewer breakouts within four to eight weeks.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you shop for new skincare products for dry winter and acne-prone skin, it can help to understand common ingredients and how they support your skin health:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Ingredient<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What It Does<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Winter Adjustment<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Benzoyl Peroxide<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kills acne-causing bacteria<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switch to a short-contact therapy mask for two to five minutes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Salicylic Acid<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unclogs pores and removes dead skin<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce use to two or three times a week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Retinoids<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speeds up cell turnover to prevent clogs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the retinoid sandwich method to reduce flaking<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Ceramides<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rebuilds the skin&#8217;s lipid barrier<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply twice daily in a non-comedogenic formula<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Niacinamide<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduces redness and supports the barrier<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Layer underneath your daily moisturizer for extra protection<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Prevent Acne in Winter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventing acne in winter requires a combination of gentle skincare and smart everyday habits. Stick to a gentle cleansing routine and lower the frequency of your active treatments to avoid irritating your skin. Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/sunscreen-in-winter\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apply SPF daily<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At home, run a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/categories\/air-purifiers-humidifiers_1703.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">humidifier<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your bedroom to counteract the drying effects of forced-air heat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another helpful skin health tip is to keep your daily showers brief and use lukewarm water rather than scalding hot. Remember to wash your toques, scarves, and pillowcases regularly using a fragrance-free detergent to keep hidden bacteria from resting against your face all day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Barabas, the biggest mistake people make with their winter skincare routine is treating dry skin like oily skin. \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People feel flaky, so they scrub. They get a pimple, so they add a stronger spot treatment or a toner. Each of those dries you out more, and dry skin makes extra oil, which clogs pores. That&#8217;s how a lot of people end up flaky and broken out at the same time.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ending the Frustration of Troubled Winter Skin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navigating winter breakouts doesn\u2019t have to be a frustrating cycle of dryness and irritation. With a few targeted changes to your skincare routine, you can protect your skin barrier and keep your complexion perfectly clear all season long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you ready to start building your seasonal routine? It\u2019s never too late to make your winter skincare a priority. <\/span><b>Explore our full range of <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/coldweatherskincare\"><b>cold weather skincare at Well.ca<\/b><\/a><b> and find exactly what your skin needs today.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As fall and winter cold sets in, the skincare routine that kept your face clear all summer suddenly leaves you with flaky skin and angry breakouts. You might be wondering why your acne gets worse in the winter when you\u2019re barely sweating. The truth is, your winter skin needs a completely different skincare routine to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":58501,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39,406],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-58499","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beauty","category-skin-care"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why Does My Acne Get Worse in the Winter? - WellBeing by Well.ca<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The truth is, your winter skin needs a completely different skincare routine to stay hydrated and healthy. Winter acne is a skin barrier problem, and you can fix it with a few smart routine swaps.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/winter-acne\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why Does My Acne Get Worse in the Winter? - WellBeing by Well.ca\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The truth is, your winter skin needs a completely different skincare routine to stay hydrated and healthy. 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