Can Food Affect Acne? A Dermatologist Sets the Record Straight
If I had a dollar for every patient who walked into my office and told me they were avoiding chocolate because of a breakout, I could retire early and spend my days reading dermatology journals on a beach somewhere. The idea that food causes acne is one of the most persistent beliefs I encounter, and like most long-standing beliefs, it contains a kernel of truth wrapped in a lot of myth. So let’s talk honestly about what the science really says about food and acne. Where Did the Chocolate Myth Come From? For decades, the link between chocolate and pimples was passed down like a family recipe, accepted without question. The truth is, early studies from the 1960s and 70s actually suggested no link at all, and dermatologists spent years telling patients that diet didn’t matter. Today, we know that was an oversimplification. Pure cocoa itself has not been clearly shown to cause acne. However, the sugar and milk in most chocolate products are a different story, and that’s where things get interesting. What the Science Actually Says About Food and Acne Modern research has identified two dietary factors with the strongest evidence linking them to acne: high-glycemic-index foods and certain dairy products. Here’s the mechanism in plain English. When you eat foods that spike your blood sugar quickly, your body releases insulin and a hormone called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). These hormones tell your skin’s oil glands to produce more sebum, increase skin cell turnover, and ramp up inflammation. The result? Clogged pores and breakouts. So it’s not the food itself attacking your skin. It’s the hormonal cascade it sets off behind the scenes. Foods That May Trigger Breakouts Based on current evidence, these are the foods worth paying attention to if you’re acne-prone: I want to emphasize something important here: these foods don’t affect everyone the same way. Some patients can eat a slice of cake without consequence, while others notice a breakout within 48 hours. Your skin is uniquely yours. Foods That May Help Your Skin The flip side is more encouraging. Some dietary patterns appear to be protective against acne and support overall skin health: The Mediterranean diet, which checks most of these boxes, has shown promise in several studies as a skin-friendly way of eating. The Bottom Line: Should You Change Your Diet? Here’s my honest answer: diet is one piece of the acne puzzle, but it’s rarely the whole picture. Hormones, genetics, stress, skincare habits, and even your pillowcase all play roles. If you suspect food is contributing to your breakouts, I recommend keeping a simple two-week food and skin diary. Note what you eat and any changes in your skin. Patterns often emerge that no clinical study could ever pinpoint for you specifically. What I don’t recommend is going on extreme elimination diets or cutting out entire food groups based on internet advice. Restrictive eating can create stress and nutritional gaps that may worsen your skin and your overall health. When to See Your Dermatologist If you’ve been struggling with persistent acne despite eating well and using over-the-counter products, it’s time to book an appointment. Acne is highly treatable, and we have more effective tools today than at any point in dermatology’s history. Diet may play a supporting role, but proper medical treatment is often what makes the real difference.
What Your Dermatologist Wishes You’d Stop Buying
Why skincare has become so confusing There was a time when skincare was simple. You washed your face, maybe used a moisturizer, and if you were very advanced, you owned sunscreen. Now, skincare has become a full-time job figuring things out. There are serums for glow, serums for texture, serums for pores, serums for dark spots, serums that promise to make you look rested even if your phone says you slept four hours and twenty-two minutes. Patients often come into the office with bags of products, frustrated that their skin is irritated, breaking out, red, or somehow both dry and oily at the same time. The problem is not always that they are doing too little. Often, they are doing too much. As a dermatologist, I am not against skincare. I am very much for good skincare. But good skincare is not the same as expensive skincare, complicated skincare, or whatever product is currently being waved around online by someone with excellent lighting and no medical degree. Expensive does not always mean effective One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that a higher price means a better product. Sometimes, yes, a well-formulated product is worth the investment. A good sunscreen, for example, is one of the smartest products you can buy. The best sunscreen is not the one that looks good in theory. It is the one you will actually put on every morning. A well-formulated vitamin C serum can also be worth the money for certain patients. Vitamin C can help with brightness, uneven tone, antioxidant protection, and overall skin quality. But not every vitamin C product is created equally. Formulation matters. Stability matters. Packaging matters. And, most importantly, whether your skin can tolerate it matters. But expensive does not automatically mean better. Your skin does not care if a jar looks beautiful on your bathroom counter. Your skin cares about ingredients, formulation, tolerance, and consistency. The cheapest product in your bathroom may be one of the best This is where skincare gets funny. Some patients will spend hundreds of dollars on luxury creams, but overlook one of the simplest, cheapest, most useful products available: Petrolatum Jelly Plain petrolatum jelly can be incredibly helpful for dry, cracked, irritated, or compromised skin. It helps seal in moisture and protect the skin barrier. It can be useful on lips, dry patches, healing areas, irritated skin around the nose during a cold, or hands that are cracked from frequent washing. No, it does not have glamorous packaging. No, it does not smell like a spa in the south of France. But it works. That does not mean everyone should put it all over their face every night. Some acne-prone patients may not like the feel of it, and not every product is right for every person. But as a barrier-support product, it is a reminder that good skincare does not always need to be expensive. Sometimes the boring product is the hero. More actives do not mean better skin There is a point where skincare stops helping and starts harassing your face. Retinol, exfoliating acids, vitamin C, acne treatments, brightening products, scrubs, peels, masks, and devices can all be useful in the right context. But if you combine too many active products, you may damage your skin barrier. A damaged skin barrier can look like almost anything: redness, burning, stinging, peeling, tightness, breakouts, roughness, or sudden sensitivity to products you used to tolerate. Many patients describe this as “purging.” Sometimes purging is real, particularly with certain acne treatments. But often, the skin is not purging. It is protesting. If your face burns every time you apply moisturizer, that is not a sign your products are working harder. It is a sign your skin may need a break. Sunscreen is still the least glamorous miracle product If you are spending money on anti-aging skincare but skipping sunscreen, you are doing things in the wrong order. Sun exposure is one of the major contributors to premature aging, pigmentation, redness, and skin cancer risk. No serum can fully undo daily unprotected ultraviolet exposure. Sunscreen is not exciting. It does not feel new. It does not come with the thrill of a dramatic before-and-after photo. But it is one of the most important products in any skincare routine. For patients with melasma, brown spots, rosacea, or a history of skin cancer, sunscreen is not optional. It is treatment. It is prevention. It is maintenance. This is why choosing a sunscreen you like matters so much. If a product feels greasy, chalky, sticky, or unpleasant, you will not use it. A sunscreen should feel wearable, and wearable usually wins. Prescription products can save you time and money There is a strange thing that happens in skincare. People will spend hundreds of dollars on over-the-counter products, but hesitate to see a dermatologist. For acne, rosacea, eczema, melasma, suspicious moles, persistent rashes, and inflammatory skin conditions, medical treatment can be more effective than guessing. A prescription cream may cost less than several luxury serums and may address the actual problem more directly. A dermatologist can also tell you when a product is unnecessary, when a treatment is too harsh, and when something needs medical attention. This is especially important if acne is scarring, redness is persistent, pigmentation is worsening, or a mole has changed. A simple routine is often better A good skincare routine does not need twelve steps. For many people, the foundation is simple: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen in the morning, and one or two targeted treatments depending on the skin concern. Some products are worth investing in. A sunscreen you love. A properly formulated vitamin C serum. A prescription product when needed. A treatment cream that is actually suited to your skin. Other products may just be taking up space. The goal is not to own every product. The goal is to use the right products for your skin, in the right order, at the right frequency.
May Is Melanoma Month
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, which is a good reminder that our skin deserves more attention than we usually give it. Most people notice their skin when something bothers them. A rash. A pimple. A dry patch that refuses to behave. A new wrinkle that seems to have arrived with luggage. But when it comes to skin cancer, especially melanoma, the most important changes can be quiet. A mole that looks a little different. A spot that is new. A mark that seems to be changing shape, colour, or size. That is why this month matters. Melanoma is not the most common skin cancer, but it is one of the most serious. The good news is that when it is found early, it is often very treatable. The less good news is that people often wait too long because they assume a spot is “nothing.” Sometimes it is nothing. Sometimes it is not. A dermatologist can help tell the difference. What Is Melanoma? Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin. It can appear in an existing mole, but it can also show up as a new spot on skin that previously looked completely normal. It can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that do not get much sun. That is one reason full skin exams matter. We are not just checking the obvious places, like the face, shoulders, and arms. We also look at the back, scalp, feet, nails, and other easy-to-miss areas. Sun exposure and indoor tanning are major risk factors for melanoma. Other risks include having many moles, atypical moles, fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of melanoma. But melanoma can happen to anyone, which is why awareness is so important. The Canadian Cancer Society lists sun exposure and indoor tanning among the main risks for melanoma. The ABCDE Rule One of the easiest ways to remember what to watch for is the ABCDE rule. A is for asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other. B is for border. The edges are uneven, blurred, notched, or irregular. C is for colour. The spot has more than one colour, or colours that look unusual. D is for diameter. A mole larger than about 6 mm should be checked, although melanomas can be smaller. E is for evolving. This is the big one. Any spot that is changing, growing, itching, bleeding, crusting, or simply looks different deserves attention. Dermatologists also talk about the “ugly duckling” sign. That means a mole or spot that does not look like the others on your body. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends watching for anything new, changing, or unusual, including on areas that are not regularly exposed to the sun. Sunscreen Is Not Just for the Beach A lot of people still think sunscreen is something you use on vacation, at the pool, or when you are planning to “sit in the sun.” That is like saying you only need a seatbelt on the highway. UV rays are present even on cloudy days. They can reach your skin during walks, errands, driving, gardening, sports, and all the ordinary parts of life that do not feel like “sun exposure.” For daily use, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously and reapply when needed, especially if you are sweating or swimming. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors. And sunscreen is only one part of protection. Shade, hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing matter too. The best sun protection is not dramatic. It is consistent. Skin Checks Save Time, Worry, and Sometimes Lives A professional skin check is simple. It is not painful. It is not complicated. And for many patients, it gives peace of mind. During a skin exam, we look carefully at moles, freckles, spots, and lesions. If something looks suspicious, we may recommend monitoring it, photographing it, or performing a biopsy. A biopsy does not mean cancer. It means we want a clearer answer. Patients often ask how often they should have a skin check. The answer depends on their risk factors. Someone with a history of melanoma, many atypical moles, or strong family history may need more frequent monitoring. Others may need an annual exam or an exam when something changes. The Canadian Dermatology Association encourages people to check their skin regularly and see a certified dermatologist if they notice anything unusual. What You Can Do This May This month, do three simple things. First, look at your skin. Not casually, but properly. Use a mirror. Check your back, scalp, feet, between your toes, and under your nails. Second, protect your skin every day. Sunscreen, shade, hats, and common sense are not glamorous, but neither is sun damage. Third, book a skin exam if something has changed or if you have not been checked in a long time. Melanoma Awareness Month is not about fear. It is about paying attention. Your skin is visible, but it is also easy to ignore. A small change can be important. A quick appointment can answer a question that has been sitting in the back of your mind for months. If a mole or spot looks new, different, or strange, have it checked.
What Your Skin Says About Your Habits
Our skin has terrible manners. It does not keep secrets. It does not politely wait for a better moment. It does not care that you had a stressful week, two glasses of wine, three nights of bad sleep, and a brief but meaningful relationship with a bag of salty chips. It simply tells the story. As a dermatologist, I see this all the time. People come in worried that their skin has suddenly “changed,” when often it is doing exactly what skin does. It reflects what is happening inside the body, and sometimes what is happening in your life. Your face can be a little like a mood ring with pores. That does not mean every breakout is your fault or every dull day is a personal failing. Skin is influenced by hormones, genetics, age, products, environment, and plain bad luck. But habits do leave clues. And once you know what to look for, your skin starts to make a lot more sense. When you are not sleeping, your skin knows You may be able to power through on caffeine and attitude. Your skin cannot. Poor sleep often shows up first as dullness. Skin loses that rested, even quality and starts to look tired before you even feel fully awake. Dark circles can look worse, puffiness becomes more obvious, and fine lines suddenly seem ruder than they did a week ago. Why? Overnight is when the skin does some of its best repair work. Blood flow changes, water balance shifts, and the barrier gets a chance to recover. When sleep is short or broken, that process is not as efficient. The result is a face that looks a little worn down, sometimes blotchy, sometimes dry, sometimes oddly both dry and oily. You do not need a twelve-step bedtime ritual and a silk pillowcase blessed by the moon. But if your skin always looks better after a solid night’s sleep, that is not vanity talking. That is biology. Stress has a very public relationship with your face Stress is one of the most common drivers behind skin flare-ups, and it is rarely subtle. For some people, stress means acne along the jawline or cheeks. For others, it worsens eczema, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or hives. Skin can become more reactive, more inflamed, and generally less cooperative. Even people with normally calm skin can suddenly feel dry, itchy, oily, or broken out during a stressful stretch. This happens because stress affects hormones and inflammatory pathways. It can increase oil production, disrupt the skin barrier, and make existing conditions angrier. It also tends to bring along other habits for the ride, like poor sleep, comfort eating, skipping skincare, or picking. In other words, stress rarely travels alone. It usually shows up with friends. That is why stressed skin can look so messy and confusing. It is not always one neat issue. It is often a pile-up. Alcohol often shows up faster than people expect People tend to think of alcohol as something the liver complains about. The skin has opinions too. A night of drinking can leave skin dehydrated, puffy, and uneven by morning. The face may look more flushed, especially in people prone to rosacea or redness. Under-eye circles can look darker. Fine lines can appear more noticeable simply because the skin is less hydrated. Alcohol can also contribute to inflammation. In some people, it is a direct trigger for redness and flushing. In others, it worsens breakouts indirectly through dehydration, poor sleep, or changes in routine. Add salty food and a late bedtime, and the face has a lot to work with the next day. This is not a moral lecture. No dermatologist is standing at the door confiscating your wine glass. But if you notice that your skin looks puffier, redder, or more tired after drinking, you are not imagining it. Your face remembers. Diet does matter, just not in the simplistic way people think Patients often ask if food causes acne, and the honest answer is: sometimes, for some people, yes. But it is not as tidy as chocolate equals pimple and kale equals glow. Certain dietary patterns may influence skin, especially when it comes to acne. High glycemic foods, meaning foods that spike blood sugar quickly, may worsen breakouts in some individuals. Some people also notice a link between dairy and acne, particularly skim milk. That said, skin is very individual. One person can eat pizza and remain blessed by the gods. Another looks at a milkshake and gets a chin breakout by Thursday. Diet also affects skin in broader ways. A routine low in protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich foods can leave skin looking dull or less resilient. Too much salt can contribute to puffiness. Too little water, especially combined with caffeine or alcohol, can make the skin look tired and flat. The goal is not dietary perfection. It is pattern recognition. If your skin seems calmer when your eating is more balanced and more chaotic when your meals are erratic, there is probably a connection. Your skin is not asking you to become boring. It is just asking for fewer extremes. Picking leaves fingerprints This is one of the biggest issues I see, and one of the hardest habits to break. Picking at skin can start innocently. A clogged pore. A rough spot. A tiny bump that “just needs help.” Then the skin barrier is disrupted, inflammation increases, bacteria gets introduced, and what might have been a small blemish turns into a larger, redder, angrier one. The real damage is often not the pimple itself. It is the aftermath. Picking raises the risk of prolonged redness, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and scarring. In some people, even gentle picking can leave marks that last for months. And picking is not always about vanity or poor self-control. It can be stress-related, anxiety-related, or just deeply habitual. Many people do it absentmindedly in mirrors, in cars, during phone calls, or at the end of a long day when their willpower is
The Sneaky Spring Sun
The First Warm Day Trap Every year it happens the same way. The snow melts, the air softens, patios start opening, and suddenly people remember that life exists outside again. After months of parkas and grey skies, the first warm day feels like freedom. And sunscreen is the last thing on anyone’s mind. By the time I start seeing patients in early spring, I already know what is coming. Pink noses. Tender shoulders. A few sheepish admissions that they “did not think the sun was strong yet.” It is one of the most predictable dermatology patterns of the year. The early spring sunburn. Why People Forget Sunscreen in Spring The problem is psychological more than meteorological. Winter trains us to think of the sun as harmless. We spend months with limited daylight, heavy clothing, and very little exposed skin. When spring arrives, the sun feels gentle. The air is still cool. It does not feel like summer. But ultraviolet radiation does not care how warm the air feels. In fact, UV levels can rise quickly in early spring, even when temperatures are still low. If you live somewhere like Montreal, the angle of the sun changes rapidly after March. Daylight increases. UV exposure follows. Your skin, however, has spent months out of practice. After winter, melanin levels are low and skin is more vulnerable. That combination makes early spring one of the easiest times of the year to burn. The Classic Spring Sunburn Scenario Most spring sunburns happen during ordinary activities. Nothing dramatic. People go for a walk. They sit outside for coffee. They clean the yard. They take the dog out for a long stroll. Two hours later, they come inside and notice the same thing. The nose is pink. The cheeks feel warm. The top of the ears are suddenly tender. The mistake is simple. Sunscreen never entered the equation because it still “felt like spring.” The Parts People Forget Even people who are careful about sun protection in summer often forget certain areas in early spring. I see burns most commonly on: These areas receive direct sunlight during casual outdoor time, especially when people are not thinking about protection. The scalp is a particularly common surprise. As the sun gets higher in the sky, that narrow hair part acts like a runway for UV exposure. Spring Sun Is Not Harmless Sun One of the biggest myths in dermatology is that strong sun equals hot weather. The truth is simpler. UV radiation depends on the sun’s angle and intensity, not the temperature outside. A cool April afternoon can deliver enough UV exposure to cause real skin damage. Over time, those small exposures accumulate. Sun damage is not only about dramatic beach burns. It often develops from repeated everyday exposure that people barely notice. A Simple Spring Habit The solution is not complicated. Once March arrives, sunscreen should return to the daily routine. Think of it the same way you think about brushing your teeth. Something automatic before leaving the house. A broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher applied to the face, ears, neck, and chest is usually enough for everyday spring activity. If you plan to spend longer outside, reapply every two hours. Hats also do more work than people realize. A simple brim can dramatically reduce UV exposure to the face. A Dermatologist’s Spring Reminder Spring is one of the most enjoyable seasons in Canada. After months of winter, everyone wants to be outside again. And they should be. But the sun wakes up faster than we do. Every year I remind patients of the same thing. The sun does not wait until July to start doing damage. By the time summer arrives, the exposure has already begun. So enjoy the warmer days. Take the walk. Sit on the terrace. Just remember the sunscreen before you go outside. Use it 12 months a year. Your skin will thank you later.
Lip Talk
February is hard on lips. Cold air, indoor heating, wind, scarves rubbing, and the reflex to lick dry skin all gang up at once. I see more irritated lips in February than almost any other month, and many patients are surprised to learn they are not dealing with simple dryness. What they often have is lip dermatitis. Lip dermatitis, also called cheilitis, is inflammation of the lips and the surrounding skin. It can look like persistent dryness, redness, scaling, cracking at the corners, burning, or stinging. It can feel tight, sore, and strangely resistant to every lip balm you own. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. What causes lip dermatitis The lips are uniquely vulnerable. The skin is thin, has very few oil glands, and loses moisture easily. In winter, this barrier is already under stress. Add repeated exposure to irritants and allergens, and inflammation follows. Common triggers include fragranced lip balms, essential oils, menthol, peppermint, cinnamon, and flavorings. Long wear or matte lipsticks can be drying and irritating. Toothpaste is another frequent culprit, especially those with whitening agents, strong mint flavors, or sodium lauryl sulfate. Even habitual lip licking can worsen dermatitis, since saliva breaks down the skin barrier and increases moisture loss. Cold weather plays a big role. Rapid temperature changes from outdoors to heated interiors cause repeated expansion and contraction of the skin. This weakens the barrier and allows irritants to penetrate more easily. In February, I often see a perfect storm of cold exposure plus well intentioned overuse of the wrong products. Signs it is more than dry lips Dry lips usually improve quickly with a simple occlusive balm. Lip dermatitis does not. Redness lingers, scaling returns within hours, and stinging appears when products are applied. The skin around the lips may become pink or irritated, creating a faint outline beyond the vermilion border. Cracks at the corners of the mouth, known as angular cheilitis, may develop. Another clue is product hopping. If you are constantly switching balms because nothing seems to work, dermatitis should be considered. More product does not always mean better results. The February lip reset When I diagnose lip dermatitis, the first step is a reset. For two weeks, simplify completely. Use a bland, fragrance free lip product. Petrolatum based ointments are often best because they seal in moisture and contain very few potential irritants. Apply frequently, especially before going outside and before bed. Stop using flavored or scented lip balms, plumping products, and long wear lipsticks. Switch to a gentle, fragrance free toothpaste. Avoid licking your lips, even though it feels temporarily soothing. At night, apply a thick layer of ointment and let it work while you sleep. This pause allows the skin barrier to recover. In many cases, symptoms improve significantly within one to two weeks. When treatment is needed Sometimes lip dermatitis needs more than avoidance and barrier repair. If inflammation is significant, short term prescription treatments may be required to calm the skin and break the cycle. This should always be guided by a dermatologist, since the lip area is sensitive and prolonged use of certain medications can cause problems. If angular cheilitis is present, there may be a yeast or bacterial component that needs specific treatment. This is especially common in winter, when saliva accumulates at the corners of the mouth and the skin stays damp. Smart lip care going forward Once your lips have healed, you can slowly reintroduce products, one at a time. This helps identify triggers and prevents repeat flares. Look for lip products labeled fragrance free and hypoallergenic, but remember that labels are not guarantees. Fewer ingredients are usually safer. In winter, protect your lips the way you protect your hands and face. Apply balm before going outside. Use a scarf as a wind barrier, but keep it clean and dry. Stay hydrated, and use a humidifier indoors if the air is very dry. Sun protection still matters, even in February. Choose a lip product with mineral based SPF if you spend time outdoors. UV exposure can worsen lip inflammation and contribute to long term damage. Btw, lip filler can help This often surprises patients, but in selected cases, lip filler can play a supportive role in lip health. I am not talking about dramatic volume or cosmetic trends. I am talking about restoring structure, hydration, and function. Hyaluronic acid fillers attract and retain water. When placed conservatively and correctly, they can improve the lip’s ability to hold moisture and reduce chronic cracking and irritation. For patients with age related thinning of the lips, loss of definition, or deep vertical lines that trap saliva, filler can help reestablish a smoother surface and a stronger barrier. In some cases, recurrent angular cheilitis is worsened by lip collapse or downturned corners that allow saliva to pool. Subtle structural support can reduce this mechanical irritation and make medical treatments more effective. It is important to be clear. Lip filler does not treat active dermatitis. Inflamed skin should always be calmed first. But once the lips are healthy, filler can be part of a longer term strategy to reduce recurrence and improve comfort, especially in patients who struggle every winter despite excellent lip care. A final word Lips are small, but when they are inflamed, they affect comfort, confidence, and daily life. Persistent lip irritation is not something you need to live with, and it is not a personal failure of hydration or willpower. Lip dermatitis is common, especially in winter, and very treatable once the right approach is taken. February is the perfect time to give your lips a break, simplify your routine, and let the skin heal. If symptoms persist despite careful care, a dermatologic evaluation can make all the difference. Healthy lips should feel comfortable, flexible, and boring. In my book, boring is a compliment.
Winter Skin Talk From My Office
Hi, I’m Dr. Mathieu Powell, and if your skin has been acting strangely lately, welcome to winter. This is the season where lips crack, cheeks sting, hands age ten years overnight, and everyone swears their usual routine has suddenly betrayed them. It has not. Winter just plays by different rules. Let’s walk through what is happening to your skin right now, what you can do about it, and why this is quietly the best season of the year for laser and IPL treatments. Why Winter Is Hard on SkinCold air holds very little moisture. Indoor heating finishes the job. Together, they strip water from your skin and weaken the barrier that normally keeps things calm. What I see most in winter: · Dry, tight skin that feels uncomfortable after cleansing · Flaking around the nose, eyebrows, and mouth · Redness and irritation, especially for rosacea prone skin · Eczema flare ups on hands and legs · Lips that never seem to recover If your skin suddenly feels sensitive to products you have used for years, that is normal this time of year. Simple Winter Skin Care That Actually Works This is not the season for complicated routines. Winter skin responds best to consistency and restraint. Cleanse GentlyIf your face feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too harsh. Look for non foaming or cream cleansers. Once a day cleansing at night is often enough. Choose warm showers rather than hot ones. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and can worsen dryness and irritation. Cleanse only what needs cleansing. Daily washing should focus on the face, armpits, and genital area. Overwashing the rest of the body can contribute to dry, itchy skin. Moisturize Like You Mean ItWinter moisturizers should contain ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. Apply while skin is still slightly damp. That timing matters. Protect the BarrierThis is not the moment to over exfoliate. Limit acids and retinoids if your skin is irritated. If you use them, buffer with moisturizer. Do Not Skip SunscreenSnow reflects light. Winter sun still damages skin. Broad spectrum SPF every morning, even when it is cloudy. Hands and Lips Need Their Own PlanHand cream by every sink. Lip balm before bed, every night, no exceptions. Add Moisture to the AirConsider using a humidifier in the bedroom. Adding moisture to the air overnight helps support skin hydration during the winter months. Winter Skin Problems I Treat Most Often Patients often come in worried something is wrong. Usually, it is just winter doing its thing. Common visits include: · Eczema flare ups · Rosacea worsening with cold exposure · Perioral dermatitis triggered by dryness · Cracks on fingertips that will not heal · Dull skin tone and uneven texture The good news is that most of these improve quickly once we adjust skincare and calm the barrier. On Another Note: Why Winter Is the Best Time for Laser and IPL This is the part patients are always surprised by. Winter is ideal for laser and IPL treatments because there is less sun exposure. Less sun means lower risk of pigmentation issues and better healing. Laser and IPL can help with: · Sun damage and brown spots · Redness and broken capillaries · Uneven skin tone · Texture and early signs of aging · Hair reduction You heal indoors, bundled up, and by the time summer arrives, your skin is clearer and more even. Think of it as quiet preparation. If you have been considering treatment but keep postponing, winter is your window. A Final Word From Me If your skin feels different in winter, it is not failing you. It is asking for a little extra support. Simplify, moisturize generously, protect the barrier, and take advantage of this season for treatments that need low sun exposure. And if you are unsure what your skin actually needs, that is what we are here for. Sometimes the most helpful thing is a calm, professional eye and a plan that makes sense for your life. Your skin will thank you by spring.
Why Winter Skin Feels So Miserable
Whenever someone walks into my office in January and blurts out that their skin feels like an old leather wallet, I tell them I completely understand what they mean. Winter air steals moisture from your skin faster than you realize. Cold wind outside. Hot air blasting inside. Low humidity everywhere. Your skin gets tight, flaky, itchy and sometimes even a little angry with you. Think of winter as a season that needs its own skincare routine. Your summer habits simply cannot carry you through February. This is the time to switch gears to richer textures, calmer routines and smarter protection. Time to Bring Out the Heavier MoisturizerYour skin barrier works harder in cold weather. It loses water more quickly and needs a thicker product to trap hydration and keep everything comfortable. A lightweight lotion that felt wonderful in July simply evaporates too fast in December. Look for creams with ceramides. Hyaluronic acid. Glycerin. Shea butter. Anything that can sit on the skin and give it a protective drink. I tell my patients to think about texture. If the cream feels luxurious and stays put, your skin will thank you. Apply it twice a day. After your shower, pat dry and put it on right away. At night, do the same. Winter skin thrives on routine. Yes, You Still Need SunscreenThis surprises people every single year. The sun is lower. The cold tricks you. You assume you are safe. Unfortunately, the UV rays are still there and snow acts like a giant mirror reflecting the light straight into your face. For skiers, this becomes even more important. High altitude increases UV exposure. Fresh powder reflects it back at you. You can come back from the mountain with a burn even if it is minus fifteen and windy. Use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. If you ski, reapply during breaks. Your future self will be grateful. A Word for All the Skiers Out ThereIf you love the slopes, winter is thrilling and terrible for your skin at the same time. Cold wind strips moisture. Goggles rub. Sun reflects everywhere. Add the dry chalet air and you have the perfect storm. Before heading out, put on a thick layer of moisturizer. Think of it as another piece of protective gear. Then apply your sunscreen. A stick format is easy to reapply on the mountain. When you come home, give your face a break. Use a creamy cleanser and a soothing balm. Drink water even if you are not thirsty. Your skin will bounce back faster. Why You Should Shorten Your ShowersLong hot showers are winter’s silent enemy. I know they feel wonderful. I know everyone secretly wants to stand there until the bathroom looks like a sauna. Hot water strips the natural oils that keep your barrier strong. Once those oils are gone, dryness and itching begin. Keep the water warm rather than hot. Limit the shower to ten minutes. Use gentle cleansers rather than foaming ones. Then moisturize immediately while your skin is still slightly damp. This small change alone can improve winter itch dramatically. Final Thoughts from the ClinicWinter does not have to feel like a battle. It just requires a shift in habits. A heavier moisturizer. Daily sunscreen. A little care before and after skiing. Shorter, gentler showers. These are simple adjustments that give your skin a fighting chance all season long. If your skin is still uncomfortable despite all this, come see me. Sometimes winter dryness is not just dryness. Eczema can flare. Rosacea can worsen. A proper plan can make winter far more tolerable. Until then, stay warm, stay hydrated and treat your skin kindly.
Fall Skin Refresh with Dr. Mathieu Powell
Why Your Skin Needs Extra Care in Fall and Winter As summer fades and the colder months roll in, your skin’s needs change dramatically. Humidity drops, indoor heating cranks up, and suddenly dryness, redness, and irritation become daily visitors. Knowing how to adjust your skincare routine now can save you from a long, flaky winter. Hydration is the First Step One of the most significant skincare shifts for fall is the importance of hydration. Summer humidity helps our skin hold moisture, but autumn air is far less forgiving. To keep skin soft and resilient: These small changes can prevent dry patches and keep your skin barrier strong. Treatments That Work Best in Fall Fall is the ideal season to book treatments that don’t mix well with summer sun exposure. With lower UV levels, your skin heals more effectively and the results last longer. Some of the best options include: If you’ve been waiting all summer to try these, now’s the perfect time. Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen It’s a common mistake to stop using SPF when summer ends. But UV rays don’t take a holiday. Fall and winter sun, especially when reflected off snow, can cause just as much damage. Daily SPF is non-negotiable if you want to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Key Takeaway: Prep Now for Winter Skin Success Think of fall as a reset button for your skin. Hydrate more, repair summer’s damage, and protect against the sun year-round. With the proper care and treatments, your skin will look and feel its best, even when the temperature dips. See you at the clinic, Dr. Mathieu Powell
Do Expensive Skincare Products Really Work Better?
