GP shares 4 things that trigger winter acne breakouts – alcohol is big culprit

Are you noticing that your skin has taken a turn for the worst since winter started?

Well, don't worry because you're not alone. Apparently, it's very common for acne to flare up as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter.

But, fear not, as one GP has revealed how to tackle winter acne and keep your skin woes at bay. It turns out there are four main factors that can impact the your skin in the winter that make it prone to flare-ups and break-outs.

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And, the period of Christmas indulgence doesn't particularly help – neither does the lack of sunlight we get in the UK. Luckily, Dr Neel Patel, a GP from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, is on hand with some tips to help prevent pesky spots this festive season and beyond.

“Winter acne flare-ups are usually caused by four factors: lack of vitamin D; higher stress levels; increased alcohol consumption; and rich foods," explained Dr Neel Patel. "Sometimes a combination of these factors may be to blame.

“These factors can be particularly common around Christmas. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent winter from taking its toll on your skin.”

Vitamin D

As we lose sunlight after the clocks go back, it can be a struggle to absorb enough vitamin D through the sun. The government even advises 'everyone' to take vitamin D supplement during the winter months.

“Not getting enough vitamin D has been linked with acne," Dr Neel Patel said. "It’s thought being vitamin D deficient is a factor in developing acne. In fact, a 2016 study found those with a vitamin D deficiency were more than twice as likely to have acne.

"In the spring and summer months between about April and September, most of us can make enough vitamin D through absorbing sunlight through our skin and eating a balanced diet.

"However, in the winter months, many of us don’t get enough of the vitamin. If you notice your acne gets worse in winter, it’s worth considering a vitamin D supplement to help you get the 10mg daily recommendation.

"You can also try increasing the amount of vitamin D-rich food you eat. Oily fish like salmon and mackerel, red meat, fortified breakfast cereals and egg yolks are all great sources."

Stress

It's not difficult to get stressed around this time of year thanks to energy bills and Christmas present shopping. But, attempting to keep your stress levels at bay will in turn help your skin.

The medical professional explained: “It’s generally accepted that people prone to acne see their condition get worse when they’re stressed. This is because the stress hormone, cortisol, stimulates the production of testosterone and DHT – two hormones that are known to cause acne.

"And the winter months can be particularly stressful. Perhaps the busy build-up to Christmas is to blame or perhaps concerns about the cost of living are causing you anxiety. Either way, if you find winter stressful, you might see your acne flare up.

"Prioritising self-care may help to restore the health of your skin. Different people find different stress-busting techniques work for them. You could see improvement from a daily walk outside or from trying breathing exercises for stress anxiety."

Alcohol

Many people like a cheeky tipple or two over Christmas, whether you've got the in-laws round or letting your hair down at the Xmas work do. However, drinking alcohol and too much of it can have a negative effect on your skin.

And dehydration isn't the only reason why. Dr Neel Patel noted: “If you drink alcohol, winter festivities can involve more drinking than usual and unfortunately this can impact your skin. This is because drinking alcohol impacts the immune system and hormone levels.

"Plus, it can lead to skin dehydration which can trigger the overproduction of oil which results in breakouts. Plan your drinking during the festive period to ensure you’re sticking within NHS-recommended guidelines and drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. Having at least a few drink-free days and choosing lower-strength drinks may be a good idea.

"You should also make sure to drink plenty of water. Not only will this keep hangovers at bay but it will also hydrate your body, preventing festive breakouts."

Diet

Christmas isn't Christmas without chocolate. Stuffing your face with truffles, cheese and roasties galore is always tempting – although the GP warned that doing so can make you break out in spots.

So, if you're going to have all the good stuff then make sure you're balancing it out if you don't want to trigger acne.

Dr Neel Patel said: "Diets, routine and balanced diets can go out the window over the festive season. In particular, you may find you eat more foods that are rich in sugar, carbohydrates and dairy – all of which can trigger acne breakouts by causing rising levels of testosterone and DHT.

"While it’s normal to enjoy a slightly different routine towards the end of the year, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. Unfortunately, if you eat too many sugary treats, ultra-processed snacks and dairy products, it’s likely you’ll notice the results on your skin.”

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