As winter sets in, I am ready to brace myself not only for the chill but for another unwelcome companion – acne. For those with oily or combination skin will understand, acne-prone skin, winter can be surprisingly challenging. The cold brings a dull, dry quality to the air that strips my skin of moisture, triggering it to produce more oil to compensate. This often leads to breakouts, an unwelcome sight in a season meant for festive gatherings and cozy moments.

While many believe acne is strictly a summer issue, winter weather has its own ways of aggravating our skin. Understanding these seasonal triggers can help those of us with sensitive, breakout-prone skin take proactive steps for clearer, healthier skin through the winter months.

Do You Know What Triggers Acne in Winter?

1. Hot Showers

While there’s nothing better than a hot shower on a chilly day, prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. This disruption of the skin barrier leads to increased oil production and potential acne. Aim to keep showers lukewarm and brief to preserve your skin’s natural moisture.

2. Winter Clothes

Bundling up in scarves, hats, and turtlenecks is essential for staying warm, but it can also trap heat and sweat close to the skin. The friction from these layers can irritate sensitive skin and contribute to acne, especially along the jawline and neck. Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton and make sure to wash your winter gear regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.

3. Indoor Heaters and Heating

Most of us rely on heaters to stay warm, but these can create a dry indoor environment that pulls moisture from the skin. Similar to dry outdoor air, this can cause the skin to overproduce oil, which in turn can clog pores. Adding a humidifier to your home or office can help keep indoor air balanced and your skin hydrated.

4. Not Applying Sunscreen

In winter, many people skip sunscreen, assuming it's unnecessary on cloudy days. However, UV rays can still penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, exposing skin to harmful effects. Regularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen can help prevent UV damage and reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.

5. Hydration

The cold can dull our sense of thirst, leading to reduced water intake. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin health and reducing acne, so make sure you’re drinking enough water each day to keep your skin moisturized from within.

Ways to Manage Winter Acne

Moisturize Wisely: Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer suited for winter dryness. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that won’t clog pores.

Limit Hot Showers: Opt for lukewarm showers to keep natural skin oils intact, and finish with a gentle, hydrating cleanser.

Stay Sun-Safe: Apply sunscreen daily, even in winter, to protect against UV rays and reduce acne scars.

Add Humidity Indoors: Invest in a humidifier to balance indoor dryness. It will help your skin retain moisture and reduce excess oil production.

Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget to drink water throughout the day. Proper hydration will support your skin’s resilience and help prevent acne.

With a decade-long experience, Dr Nizab PP, a diabetologist and an endocrinologist in Kerala ,is on his quest of the battle against diabetes. For his contributions, he has been awarded with the prestigious FRCP (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians) degree, the highest honor bestowed upon doctors by the Royal College of Physicians, London. The degree was awarded by the College President, Dr. Mumtaz Patel, during a ceremony held in London last Tuesday.

Who Is Dr Nizab PP?

He is the Director of the IMT training program for postgraduate course in Medicine conducted by the Royal College of Physicians at Aster MIMS, Kottakkal, and is a proud father of three.

After completing his MBBS from Government Medical College, Kozhikode, he earned his MD in General Medicine with a gold medal from Kasturba Medical College of Manipal University. In recognition of his excellence in diabetes treatment, Dr. Nizab had earlier received membership from the American Diabetes Association.

Contribution In Healthcare, Especially In The Battle Against Diabetes

The World Health Organization (WHO) data reveals that an estimated of 77 million people above the age of 18 are suffering from diabetes in India, and nearly 25 million ae prediabetics. WHO also notes that 2% of all deaths in India are due to diabetes. Dr Nizab PP has continuously made an effort to spread awareness and tips on diabetes and how can one control it.

He has also discussed how can people with diabetes take better care of themselves and how they must stay a step ahead of prevention. He says, "COVID-19 poses double challenge for any diabetic patient." He also mentions the 5 precautions that anyone with diabetes must take, which includes: "Effective social distancing, wearing mask, sanitising, proper controlling of blood sugar, and boosting of immunity."

These precautions are two step in nature, the first one is to protect yourself from the virus, the second step includes to monitor your blood sugar level. This advice, especially now that the nation is again struggling with the increasing cases of COVID-19 comes handy.

The medical community too has recognized his contribution and has appreciated the prestigious FRCP as a reflection of his dedication to excellence in internal medicine and medical education. Previously, he has also received a Gold Medal from KMC Mangalore in 2008, has been a Member of American Diabetes Association and served as the Principal investigator of state of Phenotype Characteristics of Indian Diabetic Patient.

A new study suggests that people who undergo weight-loss surgery experience better mental health, but not because of the pounds they shed. Instead, the major factor appears to be a significant drop in the societal judgment and bias (stigma) they face due to their weight. This finding was recently published in the journal Health Psychology.

How Being Judged Affects Our Mental And Physical Health

Being judged and treated unfairly because of one's weight actually causes many of the physical and mental health problems that people with obesity face. The study found that when people felt less judged after their surgery, they started to have healthier eating habits and felt better mentally. But if they kept feeling judged even after surgery, they had a higher chance of feeling sad, worried, or developing eating problems.

For the study, researchers looked at the mental well-being and habits of nearly 150 people before their weight-loss surgery and then again 18 to 36 months later. What they found was that, generally, people felt much less shame, blame, and guilt about their body size in the years after surgery.

The amount that this feeling of being judged went down was very impressive. It was a bigger change than what doctors usually consider meaningful for someone's life and how they feel. This big drop in feeling judged was directly connected to people feeling less worried, less sad, and having fewer eating issues like overeating.

Why Feeling Accepted Matters More Than Just Losing Weight

The study also showed that losing weight itself wasn't strongly linked to feeling better mentally. This suggests that how other people treat individuals with a lot of weight, rather than just the extra weight itself, has a huge impact on their mental and physical health.

About 40% of the people in the study still faced problems with weight-related judgment, and these ongoing issues made them more likely to have mental health concerns. The researchers believe that while losing weight helps in many ways, this change in how society treats people might be even more powerful for their mental health and overall quality of life over time.

Weight-Loss Surgery and Mental Health

Published in the StatPearls medical journal, a 2024 article explained that while weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery is a common as a way to treat obesity, it also has many complications one must consider. It's also important to understand that it can bring some mental health challenges. Patients might feel unhappy if they don't lose as much weight as they hoped, which can make any emotional difficulties worse.

After weight-loss surgery, some common mental health problems that can arise include depression, anxiety, and worsening of existing eating disorders. Patients might also develop new eating habits or switch addictions (for example, from food to alcohol or gambling). In rare cases, more severe issues like psychotic disorders or, very notably, an increased risk of suicide, can occur.

More Studies Are Needed

It's worth noting that all the people in this study were treated at one specific hospital. The researchers think it's important to do more studies with people from different areas to be sure these findings are true for everyone.

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that bloodstream infections caused by yeast continue to be a growing concern. In 2024, these infections increased by 4% compared to 2023, rising from 2,170 to 2,247 cases. This translates to an infection rate of 3.9 per 100,000 people across England, up from 3.8 the previous year.

How Yeast Enters the Bloodstream

Bloodstream infections caused by yeast often occur in hospital settings. These infections are typically linked to yeasts naturally present on our skin or in the gut. When patients receive prolonged courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, their normal bacterial flora is suppressed, allowing yeasts to grow unchecked. In some cases, these yeasts can cross the gut wall and enter the bloodstream. Individuals with weakened immune systems—such as cancer patients or those using invasive medical devices—are particularly vulnerable.

Most Common Yeast Species Behind Infections

The leading cause of yeast bloodstream infections remains Candida albicans, followed by Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly Candida glabrata) and Candida parapsilosis. Interestingly, N. glabratus infections were most common among the elderly, while C. albicans and C. parapsilosis infections were more frequent in children.

Infection Rates Higher in Deprived Areas

The UKHSA report highlights a concerning disparity in infection rates across socioeconomic groups. In 2024, people living in the most deprived parts of the country experienced higher rates of bloodstream yeast infections (5.0 per 100,000) compared to those in the least deprived areas (3.2 per 100,000). UKHSA is currently working with healthcare partners to better understand these differences.

The Rise of Drug-Resistant Candidozyma auris

While resistance to antifungal drugs overall has remained stable, the rise of Candidozyma auris (previously Candida auris) is raising alarm. This drug-resistant fungus has emerged as a significant global health threat. Between 2013 and 2024, England recorded 637 cases of C. auris, with 178 of them reported in 2024 alone. Most notably, cases surged following the end of COVID-related travel restrictions.

To support healthcare providers, UKHSA has issued updated guidance for managing C. auris outbreaks. The fungus is now a notifiable disease, meaning all confirmed cases must be reported to public health authorities.

Ongoing Surveillance and the Need for Vigilance

Professor Andy Borman, Head of the Mycology Reference Laboratory at UKHSA, emphasized the growing impact of serious fungal infections on public health. He noted that increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients and complex medical treatments may be contributing to the rise.

Although antifungal drugs remain effective for now, that could change if resistance grows. “The rise of drug-resistant C. auris in hospitals means we must remain vigilant,” said Borman, stressing the importance of infection control and improved surveillance.

Unlike bacterial infections, fungal infections did not decline during the pandemic, likely due to overwhelmed hospital systems and complications from severe COVID-19. As infection rates continue to climb, rapid diagnostics and better tools for managing these infections remain a public health priority.