Winter Skincare Mistakes
Navigating winter skincare can be tricky, especially with so many common misconceptions leading us astray. In this blog, I will debunk the top winter skincare mistakes and offer practical solutions for you to adopt in the upcoming cold, dry months.
Why It's Important to Switch Up Your Skincare Routine For Colder Months
Adapting to Environmental Changes: Each season brings its own set of environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and wind, which can significantly affect your skin's needs. Using only one skincare routine all year may work for some but for the majority of us will leave our skin looking and feeling less than ideal. Knowing how to adapt this routine each season, as needed, is crucial to healthy glowing skin!
Preventive Skincare: Seasonal adjustments can help prevent skin problems before they start, rather than just reacting to them. It’s much harder to get on top of extremely dry, flaky skin AFTER the fact and much easier to prevent it by adjusting your regimen early on.
Optimizing Skin Health: Different seasons can mean different skin concerns. Tailoring your routine ensures your skin gets exactly what it needs year-round. With each season, there are certain concerns that are more likely to pop up, so by adjusting this routine again early on in the season we can help prevent some of those flares!
MISTAKE #1: Discontinuing Retinoids:
A common winter skincare myth I hear is that you need to stop your retinoid due to increased likelihood dryness or irritation. This is almost always unnecessary, and your skin will miss out on all the benefits that come with a high-quality retinoid. Instead of discontinuing its use, consider rearranging your skincare routine. Sometimes, the order in which you apply products can make a significant difference in how your skin responds. For instance, applying your retinoid after your moisturizer can help mitigate potential dryness or irritation caused by the cold weather.
Moreover, before applying your retinoid, it's a good idea to protect certain areas of your face that tend to be more sensitive. A thin layer of petroleum jelly around your nose, mouth, and eyes acts as a buffer, reducing the likelihood of irritation in these delicate zones. Take a peek at my retinoid skincare routine for beginners for more information on the optimal ways to use retinoids (and my favorite retinoids). You can also watch my recent youtube video on Derm PA’s Tretinoin Skincare Routine for Beginners for a little more depth on the topic of retinoids!
MISTAKE #2: Sticking to Your Summer Moisturizer All Year:
Many of us underestimate the need to switch our moisturizer as the seasons change. Winter air can be harsh on all skin types, even the 'oily' skin types. The key here is to listen to your skin’s needs and adjust accordingly. As the weather becomes colder and drier, it’s crucial to opt for moisturizers with more substantial, nourishing ingredients. These provide an extra barrier against the harsh winter elements, helping to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
Even if you have oily skin, don't shy away from a denser moisturizer during the colder months. It's about finding the right balance for your skin's unique needs, not completely eliminating moisture. However, a common mistake I see to combat dry winter skin is by applying too much moisturizer. The trick is to apply a thin, even layer of your favorite moisturizer over your entire face. This way, your skin gets the hydration it needs without being overwhelmed.
To nobody’s surprise, one of the products I swear by, especially in winter, is Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream. This cream has been a game-changer for me, offering just the right level of moisture without being too heavy. Take a peek at my routine for dry, winter months for more tips on building the right routine for you!
MISTAKE #3. Skipping the Humidifier:
One of the biggest winter skincare oversights is not using a humidifier. As indoor heating systems dry out the air, a humidifier can be your skin’s best friend by adding moisture to the air, which will help maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance. I honestly notice such a difference to my skin with consistent use of a humidifier during winter. It significantly improves my skin hydration and texture! I have one here in Miami, and when we travel to Ohio we EACH have one running in our rooms. I do this the very first night we arrive so again we can prevent the dryness rather than working backwards once it starts. This is especially important for my little girl, as her skin tends to be very sensitive to the dry, winter weather. We use this brand of humidifier because they keep running until all the water has been evaporated preventing any mold buildup in the machine! Plus they’re super cute and come in a bunch of colors!
I hope these tips help keep your skin glowy and hydrated all winter long! Make sure to watch my recent tiktok on Winter Skin Mistakes for a little more info! DM me if you have any questions.
