The winds are changing and the temperature’s dropping which means Winter is just around the corner! As beautiful as the cold weather is, we can’t help but dread its side effects. From dry, itchy skin to the rapid appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the harsh winter air can wreak havoc on the skin.
While it may be tempting to bathe in very hot water and drinking endless cups of hot coffee to drive away from the winter chill, avoid these common skincare mistakes and keep your skin healthy through winter.
- Skipping Sunscreen: This is a HUGE no-no!! Even though the days are shorter you still need sunscreen daily during the winter. Incidental exposure to UV rays does a lot of damage to your skin. Don’t be fooled by the temperature, UV rays can still reach you through the clouds. Sunscreen is just as important in the winter, as it is in the summer. This means applying your sunscreen every AM, and reapplying every 2 hours or more if you work in direct sunlight. Be sure to use a moisturizing sunscreen of at least SPF 30, and don’t forget to apply to the tops of your ears or the back of your neck while you are outside.
- Not Changing Your Skincare Products: When you switch out your sandals for boots, cotton clothes to warm clothes, you also need to switch your normal skincare routine to a seasonal one. Your skincare regimes are different in the middle of the winter than they are during the summer. Hence you need to prioritize moisturization and hydration when it gets chillier outside.
- Taking Hot Showers: Hot water might help wake you up in the morning, but it could be harmful to your skin, especially during the winter. Taking too long of a shower can dry out our skin and lead to itchiness. Try to limit your shower time to five to seven minutes and keep the temperature mild. Higher water temperatures can strip the skin of its essential moisture and deplete the natural protective barrier of your skin and lead to dehydration.
- Drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages in excess: We tend to drink less water in winters because we choose hot comfort drinks like hot chocolate & teas but it’s important to remember skin needs to be hydrated inside out. Stay hydrated; take fluids orally, eat more fruits and skin hydrating foods.
- You’re Not Exfoliating: If you’ve ever wondered why your skin looks “dull” or “ashy” during the winter months, you will definitely want to look into exfoliation. If you stop exfoliating dead skin cells will build upon your skin, and your skin will be flaky and look dull. Since it is winter does not be very aggressive with your exfoliation. Instead, look for a gentle body scrub that combines moisturizing oils with salts or grains to exfoliate your body.
- You’re Under-Moisturizing: When winter weather causes temperatures and humidity to drop, cold, dry air can zap skin’s moisture. The skin tends to get dry and flaky very easily. So it is very important to opt for a good moisturizing body routine that provides a boost of hydration & moisturization to your skin. The right time to moisturize is just after showering when your skin is still damp. That way you can seal in moisture before it evaporates. This is a crucial step in making sure your skin stays soft during the winter.
- Forgetting Your Lips and Hands: When it comes to cold weather skincare problems, dry hands & lips are probably the most common complaint.
From general dryness caused by the shift in weather, to further dryness caused by an increase in handwashing, making sure you nourish your hands is essential. The easiest way is the regular use of moisturizing hand cream.
Avoid licking or pursing your lips to avoid chapped lips. Instead, use fragrance-free lip balms or ghee to hydrate your lips. With constant reapplication, you can stop your lips and hands from cracking and dehydrating