8 Zit-Causing Holiday Situations

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No. 5: The same ol’ routine zit

My usual products have been working just fine — until now (helloooo, zit five). I notice my face cracking, turning red, and breaking out. Then, I find out it’s because I haven’t switched up my skincare routine for winter, when skin is more sensitive and susceptible to irritation. Here’s what my winter regime should look like:

A Gentle Face Wash: Instead of using your typical medicated face wash or a harsh exfoliating cleanser, switch to a gentle foaming cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $10, or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $8.50. They’ll cleanse your skin without stripping it, says Wu.

Alcohol-Free Toner: Many toners contain alcohol, which dries out your skin. Switch to an alcohol-free toner, or skip it entirely during the winter, says dermatologist Dr. Hilary Baldwin.

Oil-Free Moisturizer: In the winter, most people tend to use a product that is too heavy and greasy and clogs pores, like a moisturizer with shea or cocoa butter, says Baldwin. So make sure you look for oil-free moisturizers and makeup products instead, says Jaliman.

Less-Frequent Acne Treatments: If you’re taking any acne medication, such as a cream that contains benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, it’s best to cut back on treatments if your skin feels extra dry, says Wu. Scale back to every other day, rather than once or twice a day.