Winter days are cool and dry, and exposing the skin to such weather conditions as well as indoor heating can further rip away the skin’s natural moisture content. As a result, the skin barrier can turn weak and the skin surface can become rough and dull. This can worsen, mainly due to improper skincare practices. The solution: Ensure a proper winter skincare routine, tailored to your skin type. This blog discusses seven major seven winter skincare mistakes that most people unknowingly make. It even provides dermatologists in Bangalore with insights on fixing them.
Mistake 1: Use of Harsh, Moisture-Stripping Cleansers.
Twice-daily cleansing is essential year-round to remove impurities, cosmetic product residues, and excess natural oils from the skin. However, using strong cleansing gel or foam-based cleansers with sulfate and alcohol in the winter can lead to drier and irritated skin. Such cleansers could disrupt the skin’s barrier by removing the skin’s protective oils. Thus, one should choose the right type of cleanser based on one’s skin type.
The Fix:
- For Dry, sensitive skin, it is recommended to use a mild, cream or oil-based cleanser that contains skin-calming ingredients such as ceramides, oatmeal, and chamomile.
- For Oily, acne-prone skin, we recommend the use of a mild, non-oil, non-comedogenic, foaming cleanser.
- For Combination Skin- Recommended use of a mild, hydrating cleanser, labelled suitable for all skin types.
Mistake 2: Over-Skin Exfoliation.
Weekly exfoliation is essential in every season to remove dead skin cells. But exfoliating the skin often or aggressively in winter can further damage the skin’s already weakened barrier and leave the skin red and sensitive.
The Fix:
- For Dry, sensitive skin, we recommend exfoliating with a mild physical scrub once a week or applying a superficial chemical peel.
- For Oily, acne-prone skin, consider using a gentle chemical peel, such as mild salicylic acid, to keep pores unplugged without irritating the skin.
- For Combination Skin, it is recommended to gently exfoliate only the oily areas (T-zone of the face) and use mild, hydrating products on the drier areas of the face.
Mistake 3: Missing Out on Sun Protection.
The sun won't shine out bright on all winter days. Even if it's cloudy, rainy, or snowy in winter, UV and UVB rays from the sun can still reach the skin and cause damage. Therefore, failing to apply daily sun protection with a suitable sunscreen is a significant mistake.
The Fix:
- For Dry, sensitive skin, we recommend the use of moisturising, mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above.
- For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin- Recommended use of oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen of SPF 30 or above.
- For Combination Skin- Recommended use of broad-spectrum sunscreen of minimum SPF 30, labelled as suitable for all skin types.
Mistake 4: Taking Long, Hot Showers or Baths.
Hot showers or baths feel so relaxing in cold weather. However, when the skin is exposed to hot water for a long time, the skin’s natural protective oils can be stripped away. Consequently, the skin gets dry, itchy, and flaky.
The Fix:
For Dry, sensitive skin, it is recommended to avoid rubbing skin vigorously during a shower and to pat skin dry after a short, lukewarm shower. Immediately after a shower, it’s important to apply a moisturiser cream all over the body and face to ensure the skin remains naturally hydrated.
- For Oily, acne-prone skin, it is recommended to take a short, lukewarm shower, pat the skin dry, and apply a gel-based moisturiser.
- For Combination Skin- Recommended to take a short, lukewarm shower, pat skin dry, and apply a suitable moisturiser.
Mistake 5: Waiting for Skin to Feel and Look Dry to Apply Moisturiser.
Moisturiser should always be applied to damp skin so that water molecules can get trapped in the skin. Applying moisturiser too long after taking a shower can cause the natural moisture to evaporate from the skin surface and the skin to become tight or parched.
The Fix:
- For Dry, sensitive skin, it is recommended to layer the skin with hydrating serum first, followed by rich, moisturising cream, within 3 minutes of washing the skin. This creates a strong, well-moisturised skin barrier.
- For Oily, Acne-Prone, combination skin, it is recommended to apply an oil-free, lightweight moisturiser immediately after cleansing to seal in moisture and maintain skin hydration balance.
Mistake 6: Incorrect Selection of Moisturiser.
The moisturiser used during the summer and fall seasons may not work optimally for keeping the skin hydrated in the winter season. Thus, dermatologists recommend applying a suitable moisturiser, based on skin type, to protect the skin against dry, harsh weather conditions.
The Fix:
- For Dry, sensitive skin, it is recommended to apply a thick, cream-based moisturiser with natural hydrating ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
- For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin- Recommended to apply oil-free, lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser containing niacinamide.
- For Combination Skin - It is recommended to apply an oil-free, lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser on the oily T-zone and a thick, cream-based moisturiser on drier areas.
Mistake 7: Not Caring for the Skin of the Lips and Hands.
The lips and hands have thin skin, which can easily become dry, chapped, and uncomfortable if not properly cared for in winter.
The Fix:
For all skin types, it is recommended to apply SPF-containing, hydrating lip balm and even rich hand cream. In case of extra dryness, a thicker moisturiser or petroleum jelly must be used. When outdoors, the lips and hands must be covered to avoid harm caused to the skin by dry, cool air.
FAQs on Winter Skincare
What are the signs of dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin appears dull, tight, rough, flaky, and even more sensitive.
What are winter-related skin concerns?
The skin problems commonly observed in winter include excessive dryness, worsening acne or eczema, chapped lips, and other irritations such as itching, redness, cracking, and scaling.
How to protect the skin during the cold, dry winter days?
To winter-proof your skin, cleanse daily, moisturise, and protect it from winter tanning. Use humidifiers, avoid overexfoliating, take lukewarm baths, cover your body and face with clothing, use a room humidifier, and consult a dermatologist if you notice any concerning skin changes.
The skin’s natural hydration, oil, and pH balance must be optimally maintained during winter to prevent damage from cold and dry winds, as well as indoor heating. Basic skincare steps, including cleansing, moisturising, exfoliating, and sun protection, should remain the same regardless of the season. The key is to select skincare products that suit one’s skin type carefully.
It is essential to follow proper skin care steps to ensure good skin health in the winter season. One can get in touch with Dr. Rasya Dixit, leading Best dermatologist in Bangalore at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, to learn more about the ways to ensure good skin health every season. Consult for details.
