
As temperatures cool down outside, many people experience changes in their skin, especially those with oily skin. Running the heat indoors can mean even more of a challenge managing blemishes and keeping skin feeling hydrated. But plenty of people find themselves perfectly capable of tackling the weather-related skin woes. To help gain a clearer insight on the best way to manage oily winter skin, we consulted board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology, Dr. Lily Talakoub.
Dr. Talakoub starts off with the same advice most dermatologists have when it comes to dealing with any skin type in any season: wear sunscreen. It’s important to protect your skin from free radicals and UV rays, which can both cause irritation and skin damage. And, since it’s cold outside and there’s less humidity, skin is likely to become dry or flaky. To add moisture back into the skin, Dr. Talakoub recommends looking for hydrating moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to seal in the moisture.
Dr. Talakoub also suggests using gentle cleansers that won’t strip away natural oils from the skin. Those with oily winter skin should avoid using harsh cleansers which can actually make skin more oily, as well as using products that contain too much fragrant, which can also irritate the skin. Avoiding bubble baths, too, as the strong fragrant scented soaps can be drying.
For those people concerned about common skin conditions, such as eczema, Dr. Talakoub recommends looking for moisturizers specifically designed for eczema with soothing ingredients like ceramides and hydrocortisone.
Lastly, Dr. Talakoub recommends being mindful of the amount of humidity being added to the air. To increase the humidity of a room, Dr. Talakoub suggests keeping a humidifier nearby or taking a hot bath before bed. The extra moisture in the air will help keep the skin softer and smoother during the winter months.
Overall, Dr. Talakoub recommends sticking to the basics: Protect the skin with sunscreen and buy moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and when possible, add some moisture to the air around you. By following this advice, oily winter skin can be well-managed and kept healthy, in any season. [ad_1]
Theoretically, winter should serve as a reprieve from oily skin. Drier air and less sweat mean your pores will simmer down and stop making their own over-the-top moisturizer—right? Not quite, explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
“Since oily skin is a skin type, it refers to skin that naturally produces more sebum or oil and has a genetic component, regardless of environmental or external factors such as a change in weather or season,” says Dr. Garshick. And though some people may find their skin is less oily in the winter, others may find the opposite. “The winter weather with cold, harsh temperatures and dry indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can actually trigger the skin to produce more oil, which is why some people with oily skin may find it worsens in the winter months.”
It’s important to use ingredients that help you manage oil production, but you have to find a balance. Overdoing it can overdry your skin and cause irritation and possibly more oil production.
“Since some of the ingredients used to address oily skin including salicylic acid or retinoids can be drying on the skin, it is always important to use these active ingredients with caution in the winter months,” says Dr. Garshick. “Certainly, they can still be used but some people may find they need to decrease the frequency of use to minimize the potential for dryness or irritation. If you are experiencing any redness or irritation, it is important to temporarily stop using a specific product or ingredient to allow the skin to recover.”
4 ingredients your oily winter skin routine should have
1. Salicylic acid
“Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps to unclog pores and reduce oil, making it a great option for oily skin even in the winter months,” says Dr.Garshick. “It can be incorporated into cleansers, serums, creams, sprays, lotions, and more to help address oily skin.”
2. Retinoids
“Retinoids, often used to help prevent breakouts, are a great option for those with oily skin as it helps to regulate skin cell turnover, preventing the pores from becoming clogged and helping to reduce the appearance of pores as well,” says Dr. Garshick.
3. Niacinamide
“Niacinamide can be a great option for oily skin, especially in the winter months, as it has been found to regulate oil production, while being gentle on the skin, calming inflammation, and helping to address hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also works to support ceramide production, helping to support the skin barrier.”
4. Lightweight moisturizers
Although you may want to avoid moisturizers Dr. Garshick says they’re non-negotiable. “Not moisturizing the skin can lead to increased dryness which can trigger more oil production,” she says. Just avoid thick and heavy creams or ointments and look out for the following ingredients: “Hyaluronic acid, a humectant to draw moisture in, and ceramides, to help support the skin barrier, are also important for those with oily skin to help keep moisture in and prevent the skin from becoming dry and irritated,” she says.
7 best products to manage oily winter skin

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser — $14.00
“This acne wash contains 2 percent salicylic acid to help reduce breakouts and gently exfoliate the skin in addition to oil-absorbing hectorite clay to reduce clogged pores,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s also formulated with niacinamide and ceramides, it won’t leave the skin feeling dry or irritated.”

AcneFree Adapalene Gel — $10.00
“This retinoid, previously available by prescription only, is a great option for those with oily skin and those who are breakout prone,” says Dr. Garshick. “It is gentle on the skin, especially when compared to prescription retinoids, and oil-free and fragrance-free making it a great option even in the winter months.”

Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner — $19.00 to $55.00
“Containing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in addition to prickly pear extract, this acid-free exfoliating toner helps to address oily skin and reduces the appearance of the pores, while still being gentle on the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “This makes it a great option all year round, but especially in the winter months.”

La Roche Posay Double Repair Matte Moisturizer — $21.00
“This oil-free moisturizer is especially good for those with oily skin as it hydrates and moisturizes the skin, but absorbs easily into the skin without leaving the skin looking shiny,” says Dr. Garshick. “It supports the skin barrier as it contains glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide in addition to La Roche Posay’s prebiotic thermal spring water. It has a mattifying effect, improving the overall appearance of oil and pores.”

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Matte — $42.00
“Those with oily skin should still be using sunscreen, even in the winter months, and this is a great option as it protects against UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared, while also absorbing excess oil,” says Dr. Garshick. “It is gentle on the skin, making it especially good in the winter months.”
Get more oily skin tips from a dermatologist:
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