Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, causing dryness, flakiness, and the acceleration of fine lines and wrinkles. With the colder weather comes the need for a revised skincare routine that adapts to the season’s unique challenges. Here are the most common winter skincare mistakes and how to correct them to keep your skin looking its best.
1. Skipping Sunscreen in Winter
Many people mistakenly believe that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer, but UV rays can damage your skin year-round, even on overcast winter days. The sun’s rays penetrate through clouds and reflect off snow, contributing to collagen breakdown, pigmentation, and premature wrinkles.
What to Do Instead: Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, and remember to reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors, even in winter.
2. Over-Exfoliating Your Skin
Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion, but overdoing it—especially with harsh scrubs—can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to dryness and irritation. In winter, your skin’s barrier is already compromised by the cold, so over-exfoliating can exacerbate the problem.
What to Do Instead: Limit your use of exfoliants. Opt for gentler chemical exfoliators two to three times per week rather than daily scrubbing. This will slough away dead skin without stripping essential moisture. Mechanical exfoliators should be used sparingly—once every one to two weeks—to avoid damaging your skin barrier.
3. Neglecting Moisturizer for Oily Skin
A common misconception is that people with oily skin should skip moisturizer, particularly in winter. However, avoiding moisturizers can backfire, causing your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. For dry skin, a lack of moisturizing can result in tight, flaky patches and exacerbate wrinkles.
What to Do Instead: No matter your skin type, you need a good moisturizer. For oily skin, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without clogging pores, like our Advanced Repair Daily Moisturizer. Those with dry skin should opt for richer, cream-based moisturizers packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane, like our Youth Restore Firming Ceramide Cream which contains all those ingredients and more. A balanced moisturizer will protect your skin from cold winds and indoor heating.
4. Ignoring the Power of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential in any skincare routine, but it becomes even more important during the winter months. This powerful antioxidant boosts collagen production, reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and helps your skin retain a youthful glow. Unfortunately, many people skip Vitamin C in the colder months, missing out on its protective and reparative benefits.
What to Do Instead: Incorporate a Vitamin C serum into your morning routine. Apply it after cleansing and before moisturizing to protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. You can also boost your skin’s health from the inside out by incorporating Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and leafy greens into your diet.
By making these small but impactful adjustments to your winter skincare routine, you can prevent common mistakes that lead to dryness, irritation, and the formation of fine lines. Focus on hydration, protection, and gentle care to keep your skin glowing and healthy all season long.