Many of us make mistakes in skincare and body care during the winter, thinking that they won't affect skin health and radiance. We may not realize the dangers and long-term damage these habits can cause to our skin; otherwise, we would immediately stop doing them. Therefore, we decided to compile a list of the top 10 things you do in winter that threaten your skin’s health. Discover them with us today.
#### Common Mistakes That Harm Your Skin in Winter
1. **Direct Exposure to Heaters or High Heat:** Many of us tend to sit close to a heater or warm our hands directly on a high heat source. This can lead to dry skin, itching, and may even leave marks like mild burns.
2. **Not Drinking Enough Water:** We often don’t feel thirsty in winter and forget to drink water, which is the most common mistake. The skin requires internal hydration year-round, so we must drink water to protect it from dryness and the appearance of wrinkles.
3. **Consuming Sugars, Carbohydrates, and Fried Foods:** The winter atmosphere encourages eating, especially sugary and fried foods. While it makes us feel warm and energetic, these foods are very harmful to the skin, causing breakouts and dullness. Therefore, we advise you to follow a healthy diet even in winter to keep your body free from toxins.
4. **Not Using Sunscreen in Winter:** We should use sunscreen all year round; exposure to the sun, whether in winter or summer, leads to early wrinkles and dark spots. Take care of your skin and don't forget to apply sunscreen daily.
5. **Using Very Hot Water:** Washing your hands or face with hot water or spending long periods in hot showers exposes your skin to dryness and the formation of wrinkles, stripping your body of oils and moisture. Instead, we recommend using warm or lukewarm water to keep your skin soft and moisturized right after use.
6. **Using the Same Skincare Products Year-Round:** One common mistake is keeping the same skincare routine throughout the year. The needs of your skin in winter differ from those in summer. In summer, you might use a gentle cleanser to prevent excess oil, but in winter, you need a more hydrating cleanser that may contain oils or moisturizing ingredients due to increased dryness.
7. **Neglecting Foot Care:** Some experience cold feet in winter, indicating reduced blood flow to the upper layers of skin to conserve heat, leading to cracked heels and feet. Therefore, it's important not to neglect a foot care routine during the winter. You should moisturize your feet with creams or oils like coconut or olive oil to prevent dryness, and we also recommend wearing thick socks to keep them warm.
8. **Neglecting Lip Moisturization:** Forgetting to moisturize your lips in winter is one of the common skin mistakes, as lips dry 10 times faster than the rest of the face. Therefore, you should care for them by exfoliating weekly and keeping them hydrated with a soothing balm containing petroleum jelly or glycerin.
9. **Wearing Wool and Synthetic Fabrics Directly on the Skin:** Wool and synthetic fabrics can be irritating to the skin, causing redness, irritation, and itching. Research has shown that some people are allergic to wool due to sensitivity to lanolin, a yellowish fatty substance covering the wool. We recommend wearing cotton clothing directly on the skin before layering wool.
10. **Over-Exfoliating:** Exfoliating the skin too much can harm it in winter, reducing the natural oil secretion and causing dryness. We advise exfoliating your face only once a week and using an exfoliator that contains moisturizers to avoid skin drying out. Avoid excessive scrubbing to prevent skin irritation and make sure to use moisturizer immediately after exfoliation.
By following these guidelines and avoiding these mistakes, you will keep your skin hydrated and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging. Additionally, you should ensure to use fragrance-free products and soft cotton towels. You can also apply a moisturizing mask weekly, such as avocado and honey, to maintain your skin’s softness and beauty.
