acne

We're all for wearing even our most summery of dresses come Winter, but it can be a tricky seasonal balance to strike. The key to getting this look right? It's all about layering, and we're showing you how to do so — like a pro. Simply pair a silky printed shirt dress (we prefer the kind that hits around the knee area) with a fur jacket and ankle boots for a look that's as cool as it is cozy. Here's a tip: when shopping for the perfect furry coat, make sure the silhouette hits you right around — or a little higher than — the waist to avoid extra bulkiness. The result? A highly textural cold-weather getup that's high on style points and might possibly get you snapped on the streets during New York Fashion Week if you just so happen to be in NYC. Shop our three mapped-out outfits below, and, of course, don't forget to don a pair of lined tights for extra insulation!

From left to right: Mulberry Wild Lamb Fur Cropped Jacket ($1,227, originally $2,045), Topshop Letter Print Shirt Dress ($100), ASOS Altitude Leather Jodhpur Ankle Boots ($96), Velvet Alana Coat ($110, originally 275), 3.1 Phillip Lim Floral Shirt Dress ($750), Acne Pistol Boot ($399, originally $570), Muubaa Shearling Biker Jacket ($749, originally $1,071), Mara Hoffman Printed Crepe Shirt Dress ($204, originally $370), Nasty Gal Boyfriend Ankle Boot ($178)

Sure, great skin is the result of regular cleansing and exfoliation, but that doesn't always have to come in the form of a store-bought tube. Some of the best acne fighters out there are hiding right under your nose . . . or in your pantry. To see the five surprising zit-zappers you have lying around your own home, just keep reading.

When the weather gets chilly and windy, skin gets dry, flaky, and easily irritated. No surprise, then, that clogged pores pose a major problem. In warmer weather, using acid or a drying agent like benzoyl peroxide is the easy solution, but when skin is already sensitized, both often just end up inflaming things further. Don't worry, though. There are plenty of gentle ways to keep pores clear. To see three of the easiest fixes, just keep reading.

Banish blemishes overnight? Sign me up. With Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask ($42), it's possible. And to answer your burning questions: yes, there is a slight sulfur scent, but nothing too potent. And no, it won't stain your pillowcase.

This oil-absorbing mask comes in an easy-to-use press pump, making it easy to apply. The five percent sulfur sucks up any excess oil, all while minimizing breakouts. Prickly pear exfoliates, willow bark extract treats acne, and retinol helps to smooth out skin. After one use, trouble spots are dried and T-zone shine is minimized. You can also use this mask for 10 quick minutes if you prefer not to sleep in it, or even as a spot treatment. It's the perfect thing to add to your weekend arsenal.

What do shrimp, crab, and other shellfish have to do with clearing up acne? Apparently, quite a bit. A study was recently published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology marking the antiacne capabilities of certain nanoparticles derived from crustaceans. Nanotechnology sounds like something from an epic science-fiction blockbuster, but soon these minuscule particles could make a big difference in the treatment of acne.

Scientists created nanoparticles made of chitosan, which is found in the shells of crustaceans, that destroy the bacteria P. acnes and help reduce inflammation. Chitosan is already used as a preservative in the food industry because of its natural antimicrobial properties, but the study shows this particular nanotechnology can be used in conjunction with other common acne treatments to increase topical efficiency. "We encapsulated benzoyl peroxide in our chitosan-alginate nanoparticles for the purpose of improving both its activity and importantly, tolerability, as an antiacne agent," study author Adam Friedman told Nanowerk. Be advised to leave the fishing to the lab technicians, but we'll take two dozen orders of this acne technology on the half shell, please.

If you have oily skin, the last thing you want to put on your face is more oil, right? Think again. Using the right oils can actually help moisturize acne-prone skin and balance your sebum production. "Plant and nut oils are ideal for moisturizing an oily skin type," explains Annet King, director of global education for Dermalogica. "Essential oils from plants, roots, and flowers also have the added benefits of calming and soothing skin, while maintaining antibacterial and aromatherapy properties." In turn, botanically derived oils help to replenish barrier lipids that get stripped away during the Winter. And because they're lighter in texture, these antioxidant-packed types of oils won't clog follicles. See more tips on using facial oils on oily skin when you read more.

Winter can be a harsh season that leaves acne-prone skin extra dry, flaky, and still full of blemishes. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you still need to find a moisturizer that works for you. Annet King, director of global education for Dermalogica, gives us her tips on how to keep oily skin hydrated.