The winter months are upon us, and many people experience dry, flaky, and irritated skin during the winter. Some may think that simply layering on an extra coat of heavier moisturizer will do the trick, or that sunscreen isn’t necessary this time of year. Please think again! Here are five common skincare mistakes that people often make during the wintertime, and solutions to keep your skin at its best during the cold season this year.
Mistake #1: Not Adjusting Your Skincare Routine as Needed
Just as the seasons change, our skin changes constantly as well. The slightest drop in the temperature will definitely impact your skin. It’s very important to use the right products to adapt to your skin’s changing needs. For instance, switching from a gel-based facial cleanser to a creamier cleanser. You might also apply a facial oil over your moisturizer to prevent moisture evaporation. Another suggestion is to treat your skin to a hydrating gel mask or, for drier types, a cream mask to give replace moisture that your skin may have lost.
Overall, if your skin is feeling tight, dry, or abnormal, then your routine isn’t working anymore and it is time to make some adjustments. Consult with a trusted esthetician or skincare professional to get a customized skincare routine.
Mistake #2: Not exfoliating or not exfoliating enough.
Exfoliation is key! This may sound counter-intuitive if your skin is getting drier, but trying to moisturize cells that are already dry and expired won’t get you very far. Exfoliate twice a week to dissolve away dry dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, healthier-looking texture.
Mistake #3: Over-Moisturizing With the Wrong Moisturizer and Relying Exclusively on Moisturizer to Hydrate the Face
When your skin is dry and flaky, applying an extra thick layer of moisturizer will not always solve the problem. Your skin is like a sponge. It will take what it needs and the rest will sit on top. Applying an extra layer of moisturizer will be wasteful. Your skin can only absorb so much.
First and foremost, using the right moisturizer for your skin typenis benefial. You want a moisturizer that has effective hydrating ingredients that actually repair the barrier and prevent loss of moisture. Some ingredients for repairing dry, flaky, winter skin are safflower, soybean, sweet almond, carrot, borage, and sunflower oils as well as ceramides and linoleic acid.These ingredients will actually correct the lack of oil andhydration deep within your skin and make your skin moist, supple, and smooth.
Secondly, not relying exclusively on a moisturizer can be helpful. Since serums have a smaller molecular structure than moisturizers, they absorb deeper within the skin cells.Consider applying a serum underneath your mosturizing product, that have water-binding properties to deeply hydrate your skin.
Mistake #4: Not Sealing in Moisture Fast
You have a 60-second window after cleansing your skin to seal in moisture while your skin is damp. Otherwise, you risk severe dehydration. Since the air is so dry in the winter, it looks for water wherever it can get it and this means taking it from your skin at its most vulnerable time—after cleansing.
Here’s what happens. When you wash your face, your skin is damp. Water acts like a magnet and it will attract water out from the deepest layers of the skin and evaporate into the dry air. The result is even tighter, drier skin. To prevent this from happening, be sure to get your products on quickly. This will help keep your skin moist and hydrated.
Mistake #5: Skipping Sunscreen
UVA rays, the ones responsible for changing the DNA of your cells and leading to premature lines, wrinkles, and sagging, are close to the same strength from summer to winter. Additionally, they can penetrate through clouds and windows in your home, car, or office. This is why it’s essential to apply sunscreen every single day of the year if you are serious about protecting your skin from the damaging rays. Daylight is the #1 cause of premature skin aging and because of this, sunscreen is considered to be THE BEST anti-aging product you will ever use.