Winter skin check-in. How Calendula Cream supports acne-prone skin during the dry, cold months.

Winter skin check-in. How Calendula Cream supports acne-prone skin during the dry, cold months.

Just like sun exposure in the summer, winter brings its own unique set of challenges for acne-prone skin.

The truth is, acne-prone skin needs to be supported, not dried out. If you're dealing with breakouts and dry, irritated skin in the winter, you're not alone. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating all pull water out of the skin, weakening your skin barrier and triggering inflammation. When your skin barrier is compromised, acne flares up. Let’s talk about how to prevent that from happening.

Acne Isn’t Curable. But It Is Manageable.

One of the most important truths about acne is that it’s not something you cure, it's something you manage. Your skin changes with the seasons, and your skincare should, too.

When the temperature drops outside, our focus is hydration and moisture, two things your skin loses rapidly in cold, dry air.

Hydration + Moisture = Healthy Skin

Acne-prone skin needs more than just treatment, it needs support. That means understanding how to nourish your skin with both hydration (water) and moisture (oil).

  • Hydration = Water
    Water is your skin's first deference against dryness. Our Hydrator Serum, rich in hyaluronic acid, replenishes lost water and keeps the skin plump and comfortable. It’s essential year-round, but especially in winter when the environment is constantly pulling moisture from your skin.

  • Moisture = Oil
    After hydrating, you must seal in that hydration with oil-based moisture. That’s where Arbordoun's Calendula Cream comes in - as a barrier.

Why Calendula Is a Winter Skin Savior

Calendula is a beautiful golden flower that’s long been used for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties. I’ve personally used Arbordoun’s Calendula Cream since I became an esthetician in 2001—and it’s still a staple in my routine today. We are so thrilled to add this amazing product to our lineup. Here's why:

In the winter, calendula acts like a natural barrier, helping to:

  • Protect skin from cold, dry air

  • Reduce inflammation (and thus the potential for carring) from breakouts

  • Soothe and repair irritated or chapped areas

  • Lock in moisture and prevent water loss

Think of it as nature’s Neosporin; gentle, effective, and ideal for skin that feels dry and broken out.

The Order is Important: Hydration, then Oil

If your skin feels tight or itchy, it’s your body telling you that something’s off. This sensation means you’re losing both water and oil—and your skin is struggling to stay balanced.

Step one is always your Hydrator Serum. Hyaluronic acid binds to water to plump the skin and help retain hydration, even when the air is dry. But if your skin still feels dry after applying it? You’re missing oil.

That’s where the Calendula Cream comes in—sealing everything in and giving your skin the nourishment it needs to heal, stay strong, and resist inflammation.

 

 

Support Your Skin From the Inside Out

Winter is a good time to assess what you’re putting in your body, too. Your skin’s moisture level is directly influenced by the fats in your diet.

  • Omega-3s (like those found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and high-quality supplements like Nordic Naturals) help reduce inflammation and support skin health.

  • Too many Omega-6s (from processed foods and common oils like soybean, sunflower, or corn oil) can increase inflammation and worsen acne.

A small dietary adjustment can make a big difference in how your skin feels and heals.

 

 

Prevention Happens Now (Even If You Don’t See Breakouts Yet)

Here’s something most people don’t realize: Breakouts take up to 90 days to form, so your pores are working hard at filling up with natural oils, dead skin cells, and comedogenic products. That means the habits you build now: hydration, moisture, exfoliation, treatment and internal support—will show up weeks from now.

So… What’s Your Winter Skin Strategy?

Colder weather doesn’t have to mean dryness or irritation. The key is to stay ahead of the elements with a routine that strengthens your skin barrier and keeps inflammation at bay.

Start with your Hydrator Serum, follow with Calendula Cream, and make sure you're supporting your skin from the inside with healthy fats and anti-inflammatory foods. This season is all about protection and prevention—because when your skin is balanced, it's clear.

Let’s hydrate, protect, and heal, so you can finally get the clear, calm skin you’ve been working toward.

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