15 Skincare Mistakes That Make Cold Days Feel Worse
As the temperature drops and the air becomes colder, it is easy to overlook the importance of adjusting your skincare routine. Many of us make common skincare mistakes that can leave our skin feeling worse during the winter months. Dry, irritated skin can become even more uncomfortable if we’re not careful with the products we use or how we take care of our skin. From neglecting moisturizers to using harsh cleansers, small missteps can add up, leading to more irritation. It’s important to understand what these mistakes are so you can keep your skin comfortable and hydrated through the colder days.
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Skipping Moisturizer After Cleansing
When the weather gets colder, it’s tempting to skip your moisturizer, especially if your skin feels a little less oily. However, skipping this essential step can actually make your skin feel drier. Cold air strips the skin of its natural moisture, and without replenishing it, your skin may become irritated, flaky, and uncomfortable. It is important to choose a thick, hydrating moisturizer that helps lock in moisture and forms a barrier to protect against harsh weather.
Look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore the skin’s moisture levels. Even if your skin feels oily, moisturizing is crucial during the colder months to keep it balanced. A good moisturizer can help maintain hydration throughout the day, preventing your skin from feeling tight or dry. A popular option is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which retails for around $13.99 for a 16-ounce jar.
Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliation is great for removing dead skin cells, but overdoing it can have the opposite effect, leaving your skin raw and sensitive. During colder months, the skin is already under stress from the cold air, making it more prone to irritation. Exfoliating too often can strip away essential oils, leading to redness, sensitivity, and an increased risk of irritation.
Instead, aim to exfoliate only once or twice a week, using a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant. Always listen to your skin and avoid harsh scrubs that could cause microtears in the skin. A gentle option is the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, priced at $36 for 4 ounces, which is a great alternative for sensitive skin.
Using Hot Water for Washing the Face
While it may feel soothing to wash your face with hot water during chilly days, it can actually worsen skin dryness and irritation. Hot water can strip away the natural oils that protect the skin, leaving it more vulnerable to the elements. Instead, use lukewarm water when cleansing your face.
Lukewarm water is just as effective at removing dirt and oils, but it won’t compromise your skin’s natural moisture balance. It is also a good idea to follow up with a hydrating cleanser to prevent your skin from feeling tight. One such cleanser is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, which costs $8.99 for 6.7 ounces and leaves skin feeling refreshed without dryness.
Not Using Sunscreen
Many people assume that sunscreen is only necessary during the warmer months, but UV rays can still cause damage during winter. The cold days don’t shield you from the sun’s harmful effects, particularly if you spend time outdoors in areas with snow, which can reflect UV rays.
Not wearing sunscreen can lead to premature aging and increases your risk of sunburn, even on cloudy or cold days. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even if you don’t plan on being outside for long periods. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 is a great option, costing $36.99 for 3 ounces, offering long-lasting protection.
Using Harsh, Alcohol-Based Toners
Alcohol-based toners may feel refreshing, but they can dry out your skin, particularly when the air is already dry due to the cold. These toners strip the skin of moisture and can cause redness or irritation. Instead, look for alcohol-free toners that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin or rose water. These ingredients help soothe the skin and maintain its hydration levels.
The Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula, priced at $8.99 for 12 ounces, is a great alcohol-free toner that provides hydration and helps balance the skin’s pH.
Forgetting to Hydrate the Lips
The lips are often neglected when it comes to skincare, but they can become extremely dry and chapped during colder months. Exposure to wind and cold weather can cause the delicate skin on your lips to crack, leading to discomfort. To prevent this, apply a nourishing lip balm regularly.
Look for lip balms with hydrating ingredients such as shea butter or beeswax. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, which costs around $2.99 for 0.15 ounces, is a popular option that offers long-lasting hydration and protection for the lips.
Not Adjusting Your Skincare Routine for the Season
One common mistake people make during colder months is not adjusting their skincare routine for the change in season. Your skin’s needs can change with the weather, and what worked during the warmer months may not be as effective when it’s cold. For example, you may need a richer moisturizer or a more hydrating cleanser to address winter dryness.
Don’t forget to layer your skincare for maximum protection, starting with a hydrating serum before applying your moisturizer. Vichy Minéral 89 Face Serum, which is priced at $29.99 for 1.69 ounces, provides an excellent base for winter skincare routines by strengthening the skin’s barrier.
Ignoring the Neck and Décolletage
The neck and décolletage area are often overlooked in skincare routines, but this area is just as prone to dryness and irritation as the face. When the weather gets colder, these areas can become dry, causing fine lines and wrinkles to appear more prominent.
Be sure to extend your skincare routine to your neck and chest, applying moisturizer and sunscreen just as you would to your face. Products with anti-aging properties can help keep the skin smooth and hydrated. The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a great option for the neck area, and it’s priced at $24.97 for 1.7 ounces.
Using Harsh Scrubs for Dry Skin
Dry skin can feel rough and flaky, making you reach for a physical scrub to slough off the dead skin. However, using harsh scrubs during winter can exacerbate skin irritation and make the skin feel even drier. Instead of reaching for a gritty scrub, try a gentle exfoliant with mild, natural ingredients.
A chemical exfoliant that contains lactic acid or fruit enzymes can help smooth the skin without stripping it. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, priced at $8.70 for 8 ounces, offers a gentle exfoliation that improves skin texture without causing dryness.
Overusing Retinol
Retinol is a great ingredient for addressing wrinkles and skin texture, but using it too frequently during the colder months can leave your skin feeling sensitive and irritated. Cold weather can already make your skin more vulnerable, and adding a strong active ingredient like retinol can exacerbate dryness and cause redness.
Instead of applying it daily, consider using retinol two to three times a week and always follow up with a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. If you’re new to retinol, start with a lower concentration to avoid overwhelming your skin. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, available for $13.99 for 1.6 ounces, is a good starting point for those looking to incorporate retinol into their skincare routine gradually.
Skipping Hand Cream
Your hands are often exposed to the elements and are one of the first places to show signs of dryness and aging. During colder months, the skin on your hands can crack or peel if not properly moisturized. Using a rich hand cream is essential to keep the skin on your hands soft and protected.
Be sure to reapply hand cream after washing your hands or when you feel any tightness. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, priced at $4.99 for 2.5 ounces, is an excellent option that delivers intense moisture and helps protect against harsh weather.
Using a Harsh Cleanser
Cleansing is an important part of your skincare routine, but using a harsh cleanser can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it feel tight and uncomfortable, especially in colder weather. Instead of a foaming cleanser that can dry out your skin, opt for a gentle, hydrating formula.
Look for cleansers that contain ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera to help replenish moisture while cleansing. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, priced at $9.99 for 16 ounces, is a mild, non-foaming cleanser that leaves skin feeling clean without dryness or tightness.
Overusing Face Masks
Face masks can be a great treat for the skin, but using them too often during the winter can cause irritation and dehydration. Many masks, especially clay masks, can strip the skin of moisture and leave it feeling dry. Opt for hydrating masks that replenish moisture instead of drying it out.
Choose masks with nourishing ingredients like honey, aloe, or glycerin. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, priced at $25 for 2.3 ounces, is an excellent hydrating mask that helps lock in moisture and leaves skin feeling plump and soft.
Using Harsh Shaving Cream
During winter, dry skin can make shaving more uncomfortable, and using harsh shaving creams can make the situation worse. Shaving creams with artificial fragrances or strong chemicals can irritate the skin and lead to redness or bumps. Instead, opt for a moisturizing shaving cream that helps protect the skin while shaving.
Look for formulas with soothing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. EOS Shea Better Shave Cream, which costs $3.99 for 7 ounces, provides a smooth shaving experience and helps hydrate the skin at the same time.
Ignoring Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate and thin, making it more prone to dryness and wrinkles, especially during the winter months. Not using an eye cream can lead to tired-looking eyes and fine lines becoming more prominent. Eye creams are specially formulated to hydrate this sensitive area, offering protection against puffiness and dark circles.
Choose an eye cream with nourishing ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, or peptides to target these concerns. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream, priced at $15.99 for 0.5 ounces, is a popular choice that provides cooling hydration and helps reduce the appearance of puffiness.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.