You expect dry skin in winter.
But more spots?
That can feel a little unfair.
Yet it’s surprisingly common to find that skin becomes simultaneously drier and more breakout-prone as the weather changes.
You might notice more bumps around the forehead or chin, clogged pores, increased oiliness in some areas and flaky or tight skin in others.
So what’s going on?
Your Skin Can Be Oily and Dehydrated at the Same Time
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about acne-prone skin.
If you’re getting spots, it’s tempting to assume that your skin needs to be dried out.
But acne-prone skin still needs hydration.
Cold weather, wind and central heating can contribute to dehydration. Strong cleansers, acids and acne products can then strip the skin further.
The result can be skin that feels tight and irritated but still produces oil and develops clogged pores.
Adding even more harsh products isn’t always the answer.
How Do You Know If Your Winter Routine Isn’t Working?
Look out for combinations such as:
- Spots alongside dry or flaky patches
- Skin feeling tight after cleansing
- Increased redness or sensitivity
- More blackheads or clogged pores
- Make-up clinging to dry areas
- Skin becoming very oily later in the day
- Products that previously felt comfortable beginning to sting
These can all be signs that it’s worth reassessing your routine.
Three Winter Skincare Mistakes We See Regularly
1. Over-Cleansing
When breakouts appear, washing more often seems logical.
But aggressive cleansing can leave skin dry and irritated.
A gentle but effective cleansing routine is generally a much better starting point.
2. Using Every Active Ingredient at Once
Salicylic acid. Retinol. Glycolic acid. Spot treatments. Scrubs.
More isn’t necessarily more.
If your skin is already struggling with the change in weather, layering multiple active ingredients can lead to irritation.
Sometimes simplifying your routine can actually be one of the best things you can do for your skin.
3. Skipping Moisturiser Because Your Skin Is Oily
Oily skin still needs an appropriate moisturiser.
Keeping acne-prone skin properly hydrated can help support the skin barrier without necessarily making it greasy — provided you’re using products suitable for your skin.
Which Professional Treatments Can Help?
Persistent acne should always be assessed properly, particularly if it’s painful, severe, suddenly worsening or beginning to scar.
For suitable clients with acne-prone or congested skin, Dublin Skin and Laser Clinic offers several professional treatment options.
Hydrafacial for Acne and Congestion
A Hydrafacial can be used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin while helping to address congestion.
For people dealing with clogged pores and an oily or congested complexion, it can be a useful addition to a professionally planned skincare routine.
Image Purifying Peel
Our Image Purifying Peel is designed with acne-prone and oily skin in mind.
Professional peels can help exfoliate dead surface skin cells and improve the appearance of congestion and uneven texture.
The key is using the right peel at the right strength for your skin.
LED Light Therapy
LED treatment may be used as part of an acne-focused programme and can be particularly useful when we’re looking to support the skin without aggressive exfoliation.
Your therapist can advise whether it is appropriate for your particular skin concerns.
And What About the Marks Spots Leave Behind?
Sometimes the breakout disappears but the reminder doesn’t.
Red or darker marks can remain after acne, while deeper inflammatory acne can sometimes lead to scarring or changes in skin texture.
Different types of acne marks and scarring require different approaches.
Depending on your skin and the type of concern, treatments such as professional peels, microneedling or other skin treatments may be considered once active acne is appropriately controlled.
If you’re worried that your acne is beginning to scar, it’s worth seeking professional advice sooner rather than simply hoping it disappears.
Don’t Fight Your Skin This Winter
One of the easiest traps to fall into with acne is treating your skin like the enemy.
Strip it. Scrub it. Dry it out.
A better approach is usually to understand what your skin actually needs and build a consistent routine around that.
Sometimes that means simplifying what you’re doing at home.
Sometimes it means introducing professional treatments.
Often it’s a combination of both.
At Dublin Skin and Laser Clinic, we’ll assess your skin, talk through what’s been happening and help create a plan suited to your skin rather than giving you a generic acne routine.
If breakouts, congestion or acne marks are affecting your confidence, book a skin consultation with our team and let’s work out the right next step for your skin.
