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This is a collaborative post.
Winter skincare is packed with myths and misconceptions, one of the main ones being that you don’t have to take care of your skin as carefully as you do in the summer months. Here’s a breakdown of the most common winter skin myths, along with ideas on what actually works during the colder months.
Myth 1 – Is sunscreen in winter really necessary?
Skincare professionals will always tell you that protecting your skin from damaging UV rays is equally important all year round as these are present even on cloudy days. Snow can reflect up to 80& of UV rays so if you venture outdoors in snowy weather you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF30 or higher.
Myth 2 – Drinking more water is enough to hydrate the skin
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health. However, drinking water alone will not significantly improve skin that may have become damaged through drying winds and cold temperatures. During the winter months, it may be essential to use a heavier skin cream or protective balm to lock in moisture. Seek advice from an experienced and knowledgeable skincare professional to find out what suits your skin type.
Myth 3 – Hot showers help your skin stay warm and hydrated
Whilst a hot shower is lovely on a cold day, it is not the best way to hydrate skin. Hot water will strip your skin’s natural oils. leaving it dry, flaky and prone to irritation. There’s no need to go ice cold, but don’t turn your bathroom into a sauna every morning!
Myth 4 – Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser in winter
Oily skin can become dehydrated in winter due to drying winds, cold temperatures and higher central heating temperatures. Oily skin will need a lighter moisturiser in winter but one which is specially formulated to protect the skin’s natural oils. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser rather than an exfoliating cleanser which can strip the natural oils out.
Myth 5 – Exfoliation worsens dry winter skin
In the case of oily skin, exfoliation can do some damage. However, for other skin types exfoliation is still the best way to remove dead skin cells and brighten skin. In winter, most should use a gentler exfoliant paired with a gentle moisturiser to avoid irritation.
Myth 6 – Humidifiers are not necessary in winter
Central heating can play havoc with skin during the winter months as indoor humidity levels are lowered which can lead to dryness of the skin. A humidifier could help maintain indoor humidity levels at around 40-60% to help keep your skin comfortable.
Myth 7 – Natural oils do enough to combat dryness
This is also untrue. Whilst some natural oils such as jojoba or coconut are excellent bases for hydrating skincare products they cannot hydrate skin on their own. The best way to truly combat dryness of the skin is to use a moisturiser that performs a dual purpose. This means your moisturiser should contain humectants which attract water and emollients which help to seal in moisture. Those containing hyaluronic acid have been on the market for some time but to find out whether this would be right for your skin type you should seek professional advice.
What really works
To summarise what really works for winter skin here’s a checklist:
- Layered moisturising. Use products suitable for colder temperatures to draw and seal in moisture
- Hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are the base of most skincare products
- Protect your skin barrier by avoiding over-washing with hot water, harsh cleansers or exfoliators and alcohol-based products
by following evidence-based skincare practices you can retain a healthy, glowing, hydrated complexion all through winter. And if your skin needs extra TLC you can always consider a skin rejuvenation treatment to restore your skin’s natural health.