As winter approaches it is time for hot beverages and cosy blankets. However, as the temperature drops and the air becomes dry, our skin starts facing problems like dryness, itching, dullness, and sensitivity. Winter weather conditions can damage the skin’s natural barrier and lead to dry and flaky skin. This is why a proper skincare routine is crucial during winter to keep your skin healthy and nourished. Unfortunately, not everyone does this, and some even follow a skincare routine that exacerbates their skin problems. In this article, we have listed twelve common skincare mistakes that people make in winter and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Skipping Sunscreen
Many people think that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer months when the sun is strong, and the weather is hot. However, UV rays can still damage your skin in the winter, even on cloudy days. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. The sun’s harmful UV rays can still penetrate your skin, even on cloudy winter days.
Solution: Make sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even during the winter months. Apply it at least 30 minutes before going out and reapply it every two hours. This will help protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging.
Mistake #2: Taking Hot Showers
On a cold winter day, there’s nothing more tempting than a long, hot shower. However, hot water can strip your skin, leaving it dry and irritated Hot showers dry out your skin and remove important skin oils, making it more vulnerable during the winters.
Solution: Take lukewarm showers instead of hot ones. Keep the shower under 10 minutes and use a mild body wash without harsh chemicals. After the shower, apply the moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in the moisture. Also, try using a moisturizing body wash or soap to help hydrate your skin while you cleanse. This will help keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming too dry.
Mistake #3: Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating is essential for removing dead skin, better product penetration and keeping your skin looking fresh and glowing. However, over-exfoliating can damage your skin, especially during the winter months when your skin is more sensitive. Scrubbing the skin too often or using harsh exfoliants can lead to dryness, redness, and even breakouts Instead of exfoliating every day, limit it to once or twice a week.
Solution: Click on the link below to see our range of gentle exfoliating scrubs or chemical exfolianting serums with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). To avoid irritating your skin, limit your exfoliating routine to once or twice a week during winters. To avoid over-exfoliation.
https://www.durbanlaserclinic.co.za/product-category/product-type/bexfoliators/
Mistake #4: Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking enough water is important for keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out. However, during the winter months, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, especially when you’re not feeling thirsty.
Solution: Make sure to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. . Increase your liquid intake if you are spending more time in dry conditions. Also, eating foods with a high-water content like cucumbers and leafy green vegetables can help keep your skin hydrated.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Your Hands and Feet
Your hands and feet are often neglected when it comes to skincare, but they can be particularly vulnerable during the winter months. Cold weather and dry indoor heat can leave your hands and feet dry and cracked.
Solution: Make sure to moisturize your hands and feet regularly, especially after washing them. Wear gloves and socks to protect them from the cold and avoid hot water when washing your hands.
Mistake #7: Skipping Moisturizer
Winter is the time when your skin needs more hydration than other seasons. However, many people skip the moisturizing routine or don’t use a hydrating product, assuming that their oily or combination skin doesn’t need it. This myth can be problematic as lack of moisture leads to a damaged skin barrier, which can leave the skin dry and itchy.
Solution: Invest in a good moisturizer that works for your skin type – oil-free for oily skin and cream-based for dry skin. Apply the moisturizer twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Mistake #8: Using Harsh Products
Using harsh skincare products, such as those containing alcohol or fragrance, can be particularly damaging to your skin during the winter months. These products can strip your skin, leaving it dry and irritated.
Solution: Instead, opt for medical grade fragrance-free products that are designed for sensitive skin. Look for products that contain natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, shea butter, or jojoba oil.
Mistake #9 Using the Wrong Moisturizer
Not all moisturizers are created equal and using the wrong one can leave your skin feeling even worse than before. If you have oily skin, using a heavy, greasy moisturizer can clog pores and lead to breakouts. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, using a light moisturizer may not provide enough hydration.
Solution: Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and contains ingredients that will address your specific skin concerns. Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, will keep your skin hydrated throughout the day and ceramides in a moisturizer will help to strengthen the skin. Click on the link below to see our range of Medical Grade Moisturizers. https://www.durbanlaserclinic.co.za/product-category/product-type/e2moisturizers/
And don’t forget to apply your moisturizer immediately after showering or bathing, when your skin is still damp, to help seal in moisture.
Mistake #10: Neglecting Lip Care
Lips are the most sensitive part of the face, and they need special care during winters. Cold weather and dry winds can cause lips to dry out, crack, and become chapped. It’s a common mistake to lick dry lips, which only makes things worse. Many lip balms contain ingredients like menthol and camphor, which can make your lips even worse because those ingredients are drying and irritating to the lips.
Solution: Instead, look for a lip balm that contains emollients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil, which help to soothe and hydrate the lips. Use a lip balm with SPF protection to protect your lips from sun damage. Also, avoid licking your lips, which makes them drier.
Mistake #11: Not Exercising
Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which is required to keep your skin healthy and glowing. During winters, people tend to stay indoors and avoid exercise, leading to dull and lifeless skin.
Solution: Keep up with your exercise routine to keep your blood flowing, which is essential to keep your skin fresh and youthful. It doesn’t have to be intense; a 30-minute walk or yoga practice at home can make a difference.
Conclusion
Winter skincare can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and radiant. Avoiding skincare mistakes like over-exfoliation, not using sunscreen, neglecting lip and hand care, and not drinking enough water can keep your skin firm and supple, even in the harshest winter climates. In winter it is even more important to go for Hydrating treatments https://www.durbanlaserclinic.co.za/treatment/facials/
and get the correct advice from your skincare therapist. Keeping up with exercises and using a humidifier can also make a big difference in keeping your skin healthy and youthful. So, take care of your skin this winter to ensure it remains bright and healthy.
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