If you live in a country that’s hot and humid for a large part of the year, you probably look forward to winters. Winters are great, but they do bring their own problems especially when it comes to skincare.
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As the temperatures come down and the air pressure changes, your skin can get extremely dry, leading to irritation, flakiness, and other skin problems. Harsh winds can also damage the outer layer of the skin, leaving it more vulnerable. Besides external circumstances, indoor heating can also lead to water loss from the skin, which can eventually damage the skin barrier, leaving behind dull, damaged skin.
However, all this can be easily prevented, with a few tips. Just make sure to avoid these common Skincare mistakes during winter and you’ll be able to enjoy healthy, glowing skin all year round. And trust us, these are really easy to implement into your daily skincare routine!
Mistake 1: Washing with Very Hot Water
It can be very tempting to shower or wash your face with hot water during the winter, but that’s the worst thing you can do for your skin this season! Hot water damages the cells on the outermost layer of the skin, exacerbating dryness and making the skin more susceptible to damage. It can also increase inflammation, irritation, redness, and itchiness. If you can’t imagine splashing cold water on your face, go with lukewarm water that’s ideal to keep skin clean and healthy.
Mistake 2: Continuing with your Summer Skin Care
As the weather changes, we shift from our summer dresses and open sandals to thicker fabrics and boots. However, many of us continue with our summer skincare routine, without transitioning into one more suitable for winter. If gel-based lotions worked well in summers, they can be too light for winters, which require thicker creams. All skin types can benefit from more intense moisturization during winter. Go for products with ingredients like botanical oils, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Avoid any product with drying ingredients, like toners with alcohol.
Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Cleanser
Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine and the kind of cleanser you use sets the stage for everything that follows. Gel-based cleansers feel great in summers as they’re light but they aren’t adequate enough for winters. For the cold weather, skip the gel and foam-based cleansers as they can be very drying on the skin. Instead, choose cream cleansers that are nourishing while also being gentler on the skin. This is particularly important if you use a strong makeup remover that leaves the skin feeling dry.
Mistake 4: Skipping Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen when it’s sunny and blazing outside may seem like a natural thing to do, but it may not feel like an obvious choice during winter. However, both UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through on cloudy days and cause skin damage like premature aging. This is all the more important today since the ozone layer has thinned over the years, increasing our exposure to harmful rays. Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 for adequate protection.
Mistake 5: Skipping Exfoliation
Most of us think exfoliation is something meant for summers and skip it altogether during winters. However, low temperatures can also do with the benefits of exfoliation, as it gets rid of the dead skin cells and clears up skin. What’s more, all those intense hydrating creams will be better absorbed on skin that has been exfoliated. Take care to use a gentle exfoliator instead of a harsh scrub. Avoid too much exfoliation as it can increase irritation and exacerbate any existing skin conditions.
Mistake 6: Skipping Face Masks
Putting a cool sheet mask on the face can seem like a cool, refreshing thing to do during the summer, and may not seem so attractive during the winter. However, your skin can still benefit from a face mask when it’s cold outside, as it provides the skin with some intense hydration along with lots of extra nourishment. It is a great way to repair all the skin damage that occurred during summer and is also an opportunity to fix any specific skin issues you may have. The right skin mask can moisturize the skin, reverse visible signs of aging and leave skin looking brighter.
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Mistake 7: Ignoring the Lips and Hands
When speaking of skincare, we tend to focus mainly on the face, which makes sense since the skin on the face is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the body. However, the lips and hands are also prone to dryness and are often ignored. The skin on the lips is even thinner than that of the face and requires special care, including sun protection. Avoid using petroleum jelly as it can dry out the skin further. The hands have fewer oil glands and can get cold fast, so a good, thick hand cream should be a part of a winter skincare routine.
