Supplements can help in winter (Image: Pexels)
A skin expert is recommending that people take a vitamin D supplement costing just 2p a day to keep their skin healthy during the colder months. Dr Neel Patel, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said research has shown that many people with acne experience worse symptoms in the winter.
Dr Patel said: “If you have acne and have noticed your skin has worsened in recent weeks, you’re not alone. Studies have found that many people with acne report that their symptoms are heightened in the winter.
” flare-ups are usually caused by four factors: lack of vitamin D, higher stress levels, increased alcohol consumption and rich foods. Sometimes a combination of these factors may be to blame. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent winter from taking its toll on your skin.”
Vitamin D
The NHS advises taking a daily vitamin D supplement between October and early March, which can be purchased from supermarkets for around 2p per day.
Dr Patel said: “Not getting enough vitamin D has been linked with acne. 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 autumn and 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
Dr Patel remarked: “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 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
Dr Patel warns that the increased alcohol consumption during winter celebrations can have adverse effects on your skin, stressing the impact on the immune system and hormone levels, together with dehydration leading to an overproduction of oil and breakouts. He urged moderation: “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.”
Additionally, he advised: “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
When discussing diet, Dr Patel notes that the festive season could derail our eating habits, particularly with the rise in sugary, carb-heavy, and dairy-rich foods which can trigger acne by increasing levels of testosterone and DHT. Despite the temptations, he recommends maintaining a balanced diet: “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.”
For maintaining healthy winter skin, Dr Patel suggests eating vitamin D-rich food or taking supplements, and prioritising self-care to mitigate stress. Cut back on the booze and keep your fluids up if you do indulge and steer clear of foods loaded with sugar, carbs and dairy.