The Ultimate Beauty Guide

Whiteheads, pimples, blackheads and cysts are all forms of acne. Acne develops when the pores in your skin become clogged with oil, called sebum, that the skin makes. Typically, acne develops on your face. However, it can also occur on your chest and upper back.

1. Use a gentle cleanser

Harsh cleansers will dry out and irritate your skin further, so opt for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture. Try Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser as it deep cleans while it hydrates. Use it once in the morning and once at night. Cleansing more than that will dry out your skin.

2. Limit the use of topical acne treatments

Treatments high in benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid will dry out the skin when it’s already dry, so these can be too harsh for winter. If you have stubborn pimples that need a little extra care, go for a treatment that has a smaller concentration of these ingredients, like Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment.

3. Don’t forget to moisturize

You may think that lotions will clog pores and lead to more breakouts, but you need to keep your skin hydrated. Heavy creams may be too much if you’re acne prone so try a light moisturizer like Evologie Stay Clear Cream that uses natural ingredients to hydrate while it keeps your skin clear. You can use a heavier cream at night if your skin is still too dry.

4. Drink plenty of water

Many of us don’t think to drink as much water in the winter as we do in the summer, but you need to hydrate yourself from the inside out. Try to drink about 8-10 glasses of water daily, even if that means steeping with tea.

5. Change your pillowcases often

Oil from your hair and skin gets on your pillowcases which can lead to more breakouts if you don’t change them frequently. Change them at least once a week, maybe more if you’re acne prone. Also avoid touching your face during the day, you don’t want the bacteria on your hands transferring to your face, especially if your skin is dry and cracked.