6 Reasons You'll Get a Zit This Winter

I've got some bad news for you. Your chances of getting a zit this winter? Pretty high ... especially when you're surrounded by these winter zit-causers. Only freaks of nature with perma-clear skin (looking at you Taylor Swift) can hope to escape unscathed.

What are these awful reasons we're all breaking out? Well, holiday stress, family time overload, and too many hors d'oeuvres are just a few of the obvious ones. But I was shocked to hear some of the other reasons -- particularly the ones on this list. Who knew Starbucks could rouse a massive eruption on your nose?

Related: 10 Secrets to Zit-Free Skin

Click here to see exactly what'll cause your zits this winter, and get help finding a way to stop it from happening. Maybe we're not so doomed after all ...



Reason No. 1: The experimental hairstyle

It's called "acne mechanica," or "pomade acne," and it's when you get pimples from excess hair care products that touch the skin and block the pores, says Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Pomade acne tends to appear more frequently around the holidays because you're more likely to try out new hairstyles with all the events and parties you're attending.

To prevent this from happening, look for oil-free hair mousses and pomades, and don't apply them too close to your hairline. Also, be careful when wearing hats. Hats absorb the product, and since people rarely wash their hats, this can lead to germ and product build-up, says dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman. Click here to see the number one tip for cleaning your hats.



Reason No. 2: A mall marathon

Spent all day at the mall trying to finish your annual holiday shopping extravaganza? (Let me know if you beat my all-time record: six hours and forty minutes!) Most people don't realize this, but indoor heating can make your skin itchy, red and inflamed, which usually leads to picking, which leads to extra bacteria in your pores, which leads to zits.

And when you're dry and dehydrated, your breakouts look worse than usual because once you're done picking at your zits, the scabs take longer to heal, says dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. Click here to find out how to add moisture during the winter.



Reason No. 3: Family overload

It's called holiday stress. Heard of it? With large family get-togethers, finding the perfect gift for aunt Marge, and a severe lack of sleep from partying, you tend to get more stressed around the holiday season.

When your stress level goes up, your skin produces more cortisol (a hormone that releases excess oil). This clogs your pores and causes breakouts, says Jaliman. While you can't avoid stress all winter long, you can take a break once in a while to actually enjoy the holidays. So in between your shopping trip with mom and family game night, don't forget to take some time to relax and pamper yourself, says Wu.



Reason No. 4: Too much eggnog

Holiday foods (like sugary fruitcakes, candied yams, and yummy eggnog) are high in sugar and carbs, and they have a high glycemic index, which raises your blood sugar level, says Jaliman. Studies have shown that eating high quantities of these types of foods can increase skin inflammation and aggravate breakouts.

So instead of loading up a plate of hors d'oeuvres at your next party, munch on a handful of cashews or almonds -- they contain zinc, which may be helpful in treating acne, says Zeichner. Also, skip the sugary holiday drink and have a cup of hot mulled cider or hot tea instead, says Wu. And say goodbye to your morning cappuccinos with whipped cream (sorry, Starbucks).



Reason No. 5: Being a couch potato

In the summer, you tend to drink more water and actually exercise. Though sweat is gross, it helps release toxins from your body. But during the winter, we get too busy or lazy to leave the house. This means those toxins are building up in your body -- with no way to get out, says Zeichner.

There are two options: 1. Go to a nearby sauna to get the job done fast, or 2. Make a conscious effort to go to the gym more often. If you chose the second option, click here for the best tips to help prevent workout-induced body acne.





Reason No. 6: Layering three wool sweaters

Winter = cold. (Stating the obvious, I know.) So you end up fighting the chill by wearing thicker clothing and bundling up every time you leave the house. This means that your sweat and oil stick to your skin and push acne-causing bacteria deep into your pores. Hence the term body acne or "bacne."

Instead of wearing heavy fabrics like wool or flannel, try layering softer fabrics like cotton or silk. This will allow your skin to breath freely. If you must wear wool, at least wear a thin cotton undershirt to keep it from sticking against your body, says Zeichner.

Click here to see the last two reasons you'll get zits this winter. Have a personal skin-related question? Ask it on our Facebook wall, and we'll have a dermatologist give you the answer.

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