How to Take Care of Oily Skin in the Winter

Winter can be a welcome change for oily skin. With a decrease in humidity when the weather cools, you may spend less time blotting your face and powdering your nose. However, this doesn't mean that your sebaceous -- oil -- glands will stop producing excess oil. Winter skincare requires adjustments in your beauty routine, but not a complete abandonment of the products you use on your face.

Decrease the use of topical medicines for healthy winter skin. (Image: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images)

Step 1

Wash face twice a day. (Image: Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Wash your face twice a day to keep excess sebum at bay. Just because you have less excess face oil doesn't mean you should skip cleansing sessions. Instead, switch from a harsh medicine-containing cleanser to a creamy face wash that won't dry out your face.

Step 2

Moisturize your skin with a product that is not oil based. (Image: BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images)

Replenish the moisture lost on your skin with a water-based moisturizer. While the purpose of cleansing is to help control excess sebum, getting rid of all your skin's natural oils will cause unwanted dryness. The right moisturizer can replenish water to help protect your face without leading to breakouts. Do not use oil-based moisturizers that can make your skin too oily.

Step 3

Put sunscreen on every day. (Image: Goodluz/iStock/Getty Images)

Apply sunscreen every morning after washing your face. Choose a noncomedogenic version designed for oily skin -- this type of product is designed to not clog your pores. To save time and money, choose a daily moisturizer or makeup foundation that has a built-in sunscreen. Sunburn not only increases your risk for premature wrinkles and skin cancer, but the drying effect can also increase oil production and subsequent blemishes.

Things You'll Need

• Creamy cleanser

• Water-based moisturizer

• Noncomedogenic sunscreen

• Salicylic acid toner (optional)

Tip

If you need help controlling acne during the winter, use products with salicylic acid instead of benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid tends to be less drying, but can still decrease inflammation. Try applying a salicylic acid-containing toner once a day after cleansing.

Warning

All skin types are susceptible to dryness during the low-humidity winter months. Go easy on topical medicines to reduce excess dryness. Keep in mind that once your skin is dry, your sebaceous glands work harder to produce more sebum, and this can ultimately lead to acne.