Journal

With the holiday season comes hot chocolate, festive dinners with friends and family, lights everywhere…and breakouts (for oily skin). It's no secret that the cold weather has a tendency to wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and dull—but did you know that it can also cause acne flare-ups?

by Larissa Carwalo

With decreased humidity in winters, some of you might feel like taking less care of oily skin. But winter doesn’t mean your sebaceous glands are working less. With winters, some uninvited guests i.e. cold air, dry weather, and low humidity levels can lead to an increase in oil production to compensate for excess dryness (a.k.a defense mechanism) and, as a result, more acne. But acne is just one side of the coin, the other side being that your skin may become dehydrated, dry, sensitive, and uncomfortable at the same time. 

With acne breakouts happening every now and then even in winters, there is a very high chance that you might over wash your face to get rid of them, and even use strong products, that can strip off skin's natural protective layers, eventually leading to loss of moisture. With that being said, the skin would feel drier, the pores will be clogged, all thanks to the oil (compensating for less moisture, of course) leading to more acne. Additionally, winter contributes to very dry weather indoors, causing problems for oily skin, leaving it dry and dehydrated. 

Before getting started with a winter skincare routine for oily skin, crafted by our experts at Aminu, please remember that irrespective of the weather, oily skin needs special care.

Winter skincare routine for oily skin - Suggested products by Aminu

If you're struggling with oily skin and acne this winter, our experts at Aminu have shared some of their favorite winter skincare products that work wonders on oily skin. One thing you must keep in mind, regardless of the season, if you have a combination to oily skin, you should avoid products that make your skin feel coated and greasy, as it can clog your pores and then lead to breakouts/acne.

Step 1: Cleanse (Double Cleanse every night)

Melting Balm Cleanser - PM

This oil-based cleanser is suitable for all skin types. Use it as a first step in the double cleansing method at night. It is highly effective in melting away makeup, oil, SPF, and other impurities. With strong anti-microbial, anti-fungal properties it will help to keep acne away from oily skin and at the same time leave your skin nourished. Follow up with Aminu’s AHA Face Wash. 

AHA Face Wash - AM and PM

Use this gentle cleanser in the morning and in night (as the second step in double cleansing). This unique AHA Face Wash contains 5 natural AHA’s, a brightening blend of antioxidants, unique botanicals, and mild resurfacing ingredients to delicately lift impurities, treat clogged pores, and rough skin while maintaining optimal moisture levels. 

Pro Tip - Do moisturize or hydrate your skin while using AHA Face Wash as AHAs tend to dry skin more, especially in winters.

Both the cleansers have patented natural sugar derivatives that hydrate and maximize water circulation within the epidermis leaving skin hydrated post-wash.

Step 2: Exfoliate once a week

AHA Power Peel - PM

Exfoliation in winters is absolutely important but should be gentle. The cream-based exfoliator has enzymes and natural silica grains to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface without drying and irritating the skin in winters and stimulating the blood flow in the upper layers of the skin. Using it once a week can help to keep your skin clear and brighten.

Step 3: Treat with serum

Longevity Serum - AM and PM

If you have oily and sensitive skin, this multi-functional serum is based on silanol technology and contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidant, and soothing agents which soothe irritated skin and maintain and impart optimal hydration levels in the skin.

Skin Perfecting Serum - AM, and PM

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, then this oil-free serum is the best choice. It uses patented ingredients that help to balance sebum (oil), unclog pores, re-texturize the skin, reduce blemishes & post-acne marks while hyaluronic acid in it hydrates your skin at the same time. 

Step 4: Moisturize

Soothing Cream - AM and/or PM

This rich-yet-light moisturizer is rich in antioxidants, omegas 3 & 6, and concentrated botanical extracts that help in increasing skin luminosity and strengthen the skin at the same time. It's perfect to moisturize oily skin without any greasy feeling. Go the extra mile, layer it on like a soothing sleep mask in winters.

Note - You must end your skincare regime with sunscreen in the daytime even during winters.

Handy Tips for a winter skincare routine for oily skin

Following the routine outlined above will absolutely help you get through even the worst winter weather with balanced, hydrated, and glowing skin. Plus you won't be risking clogged pores or skin that feels over-moisturized. However, here are the key points to keep in mind while making your skin decision this season.

1. Choose the right cleanser - When it comes to cleansing your skin in the winter months, it's important to use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Just make sure that products that are too harsh or contain high levels of alcohol can strip your skin of its natural oils, which will only make your acne worse. So, stay away from those.

2. Using an SPF - Even if you're not spending as much time outdoors in the winter, it's still important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. What we recommend is using a moisturizer with SPF in the winter as it helps to not only protect your skin from the sun but also keeps it hydrated. Read more on why sunscreen is important even during winters.

3. Use a face mask once a week - Face masks are a great way to give your skin an extra dose of hydration and nutrients. In the winter, it's especially important to use a mask that's hydrating and nourishing such as Aminu’s Marine Clay Mask. This clay in it will provide a hydration boost and heal your acne. Can be used as a spot treatment for acne.

4. Use non-comedogenic products - Use products that are formulated in a way that won't clog your pores, which is key in keeping your skin free of breakouts.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this journal are those of the authors and are for information purposes only and not medical advice. Further, they do not reflect the opinions or views of Aminu Wellness Pvt Ltd or any of its directors. Any content provided by the author(s) are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone, or anything.