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Quick Tips for Preventing Breakouts

It's common for women to experience acne breakouts in the winter. We talked to a leading dermatologist to learn how to prevent breakouts and keep skin soft and smooth year-round.

Experiencing acne breakouts on your chest and body, even during the winter months? Thick clothing can cause the body to perspire, then trap moisture against skin -- an environment that's conducive to acne-causing bacteria, says Dr. Heidi Waldorf is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. She is also director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.

To prevent breakouts:

Try dressing in lightweight layers, and remove one promptly if you start to feel warm.
It may also help to use an acne-fighting cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and is formulated with soy or glycerin to protect skin from dry winter air. (One to try: Aveeno Clear Complexion Bar, sold at drugstores, which contains salicylic acid and soy.)
After cleansing, apply an acne-fighting cream and finish with a moisturizer labeled "noncomedogenic," meaning it won't clog pores.