How to Treat Your Acne This Winter, Including Which Skincare Products Are Worth Using

As if acne-sufferers don't already have it hard enough, the skin's needs become more complex during the colder months of the year. "Winter weather can certainly wreak havoc on the skin so it's important to seek gentle, acne-clearing products," says NYC-based dermatologist Melissa Levin. "As the weather cools and the air gets drier, the skin barrier is broken, leading to cracks in the outer layer of the skin, loss of hydration, and eventually inflammation." The problem is that the skin's moisture barrier may already be compromised by harsh acne treatments and oil-stripping cleansers, which exacerbate problems like dryness, irritation, and peeling.

The best winter skincare products include balancing oils, ceramides or lipid-rich ingredients in creamy formulations to treat breakouts without dehydration. Here are 17 acne-clearing skincare products that are gentle enough to use all season long. (Photo via Dan Dalton/ Getty)

Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit ($20): The zit kit contains topical treatment patches (formulated with tea tree leaf oil, charcoal powder, and witch hazel) for every phase of a breakout.

The Good Hippie Balance Facial Steam ($32): Pour some of the herbal mixture including calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, and rose flowers into a heat-safe bowl, mix with hot water, and place your face directly above the steam to reap the relaxing, blemish-clearing rewards.

Instytutum Powerful Retin Oil ($95): Target stubborn blemishes, reduce the appearance of your pores, improve tone and texture, and increase skin elasticity and firmness with a few drops of this retinol-infused facial oil.

Votary Clarifying Cleansing Oil ($72): This rosemary- and oat-infused green goodness removes makeup gently without clogging pores or causing excess shine. Massage it on, then remove it with a warm washcloth to reveal cleansed, baby-soft skin that’s less likely to break out.

GoldfadenMD Detox Hydrating Gel ($68): This lightweight green gel includes salicylic acid, along with antioxidants and soothing mallow extract, to regulate sebum production and prevent future breakouts.

Leegeehaam Grow Tea Tree 95 Essence ($38): After cleansing and toning, calm easily-inflamed, acne-prone skin with this anti-microbial tea tree essence.

111Skin 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster ($160): Meet the skincare solution that prevents and clears acne-related woes.

SMD Cosmetics Saromae Radiance Emulsion Brightening Moisturizer ($60): Apply this oil-balancing squalane emulsion after your serum to lock in moisture while preventing excess sebum production.

Renée Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Masque ($64): This anti-inflammatory, salicylic acid-infused gel mask is a cult favorite among celebs thanks to the way it curbs hormonal acne.

Indie Lee Gentle Daily Peel ($65): Australian caviar lime and salicylic acid combine to create a soothing, acne-clearing treatment that can be used every day.

Leahlani Kokoleka Ritual Dessert Purifying Mask ($70): Clay, coffee, coconut milk, and charcoal come together in this indulgent blemish-busting mask to purify, detox, and hydrate skin.

Verso Blemish Fix ($90): This spot treatment has the makings of a potent pimple fighter with Verso's patented Retinol 8, anti-inflammatory turmeric, and barrier-boosting niacinamide.

Amanda Lacey Miracle Tonic ($95): This pretty pink potion serves the skin on multiple fronts: It cleanses, exfoliates, calms, and heals. Use it as a spot treatment or wipe it over your skin's trouble areas to reduce shine.

Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask ($48): Purify and soothe your acne-prone pores with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, aloe vera leaf juice, and calming blue tansy oil.

Curology Skincare ($20/month): This monthly subscription skincare service is ace at stopping breakouts. Their line includes a gentle cleanser, custom serum, and no-frills, non-clogging moisturizer to address acne from every angle of your routine.

Differin Oil Control Moisturizer ($10): Levin recommends this oil-free moisturizer with SPF protection to her patients suffering from breakouts. Its micro-pearl technology leaves you with a matte finish.

Freedom Naturals Oil Control Serum ($26): Dimethicone and silica help mattify the complexion and reduce the appearance of pores, while shea butter and aloe vera nourish and soothe skin.