Winter...even in southern Calfornia

Ok, I get that compared to other parts of the world I shouldn't really be complaining about the weather and I'm not really. My complaint is with my skin...somehow despite my best efforts to take care of it I've ended up with an obnoxious little red irritated patch of dry skin in the center of my face!  

Not sure if it's the combo of cooler air outside and warm dry air inside, if I'm not staying hydrated enough or if one of my little samples was just not right for me.  The hardest part of skin care has to be patience when something goes wrong.

I alternated between using Dermalogica's Barrier Repair and good old Aloe Vera.  Still took a few days to clear up, and when I felt a tiny bit more confident (and when it was getting a little flaky) I added an exfoliant to the mix (Dermalogica's Microfoliant).  At night I'd use a layer of Eminence Organic's Linden Calendula Treatment for dry/dehydrated skin and make sure my humidifier was on.  I've tried to up my tea intake as it's been too chilly for my usual large glass of iced water.  

of mountains and molehills

For the last few days my face has been growing a blemish the size of volcano on the region of my chin.  I have been trying to remain strong and patient.  I'm trying my best not to anger it.  I went to Google on behalf of my chin and the underground nightmare that has yet to unleash it's full fury.

Special thanks to Bella Sugar for some tips:

• Tea bag: I rinsed a tea bag with water and heated it in the microwave for a few seconds before placing on the affected area. The tannins are supposed to reduce redness and swelling....this technique did not do much for me at this time. I wouldn't completely rule it out though.
• Hydrocortisone cream: I'll say that I did absolutely no research on this...I had some cream handy and I dabbed it on my face with looking at no other sources (and without looking for any possible consequences) but it seemed to help.  It brought it up some.

Special thanks to Top 10 home remedies for this tip (and plenty more):

• Warm compress: Wring out a wet washcloth (again I heated mine in the microwave) and place on face (hot, but not like burning your face off) the heat is supposed to stimulate circulation and bring the blemish up to a head.  (They also recommend tea bags).  

The hydrocortisone and washcloth combo is working, slowly.  Luckily it's still semi-coverable with concealer.  

As far as actual treatments I'm using Dermalogica's Overnight Clearing Gel...this works to a point, but I've never found an amazing spot treatment that I could swear by.  

Anyone out there struggling with the occasional breakout that feels like it's taking over your face...and your life?  Please share tips and products that you use.

Cheers all!