As the days grow shorter and the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits that can take a toll on our skin. In this article, we’ll discuss common winter skincare mistakes and how to avoid them.
Falling asleep without taking off your makeup
With shorter days and the added stress of the holidays, it can be easy to fall asleep with makeup on. Whether you just simply forget to take it off, or it’s out of laziness, sleeping with makeup on is never a good idea!
First, makeup can clog your pores, which leads to breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. Second, makeup can irritate your skin. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin. Makeup can contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can cause redness, itching, and inflammation. Third, sleeping with makeup on can contribute to premature aging. Makeup can break down the collagen and elastin in your skin, which are responsible for keeping your skin looking young and plump. This can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Indulging in sugary cocktails and snacks
According to this article from the American Academy of Dermatology, scientists believe that following a low-glycemic diet may reduce acne because this diet eliminates spikes in your blood sugar. When your blood sugar spikes, it causes inflammation throughout your body. These spikes also cause your body to make more sebum, an oily substance in your skin. Both inflammation and excess sebum can lead to acne.
While these findings show that following a low-glycemic diet can lead to fewer breakouts, other studies have not found a connection between a high-glycemic diet and acne. More research is needed to know for sure.
Not sleeping enough
Sleep plays a vital role in skin health. When you sleep, your body repairs and restores itself, including your skin. During sleep, your skin cells produce new collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin looking young and plump. Sleep also helps to regulate your skin’s oil production and reduces inflammation.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your skin can suffer in a number of ways. Sleep deprivation leads to a number of skin issues, including dullness and dryness, breakouts, wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, and more. Make sure to get enough sleep to maintain a healthy complexion. There is a reason they call it beauty rest!
Not wearing sunscreen
You still need to wear sunscreen, even in the winter. It is true that UV rays are less intense in the winter, but they don’t stop altogether. The AAD recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing, and reapplying every two hours.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends wearing sunscreen and limiting direct sun exposure during peak daylight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) all year round. It is important to note that snow acts like a mirror and bounces UV rays back at you. If you are heading out in the snow, don’t forget your SPF!
Over-Using Retinol & Acne Medications
Topical retinoids like adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene for acne and wrinkles (over the counter or prescription) can be extremely drying so we recommend that our patients decrease the frequency of the application of these medications if they feel their skin is becoming too dry and irritated.
Skipping Exfoliation
If you don’t exfoliate your skin, it can do more harm than good because it can lead to the build-up of dead skin cells and that can result in dull, dry skin. Exfoliating your body at least once a week can help promote regular surface cell turnover, relieve dry skin, and improve your skin’s texture and tone.
Waiting too long to apply lotion after a bath
By applying body lotion to your skin while it’s still damp, you allow it to absorb the product more readily. It also gives your body lotion the chance to lock in all the moisture that it so desperately needs in these cold temperatures.
Taking Extremely Hot Showers
We know how tempting it is to want to take hot showers and baths when it’s cold, but that may not be the best choice for your skin. Opt for warm showers and baths instead because they won’t irritate or dry out your skin like hot water can.
Not taking advantage of peels and other skincare services
If we’re being honest, many of us have likely skipped a few sunscreen applications here or there, and we may be starting to see some hyperpigmentation or fine lines peeking through. The fall and winter months are the perfect time to combat those skincare woes with professional chemical peels and services.
Ignoring the Extremities
Often the hands take the most beating in the winter. Not wearing gloves, the use of hand sanitizers, frequent handwashing, and not reapplying hand cream can all lead to the onset of dry, flaky hands. Lips are commonly forgotten as well and can get easily chapped from exposure to weather. Frequent lip-licking to offset the dryness may actually cause irritant dermatitis and lip fissures. The best way to correct this is by incorporating a multi-use balm you can use on any part of the body, including the hands, lips, elbows, and knees into your daily and nightly routine.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long. Remember, even though it’s cold outside, your skin still needs care. So take some time for yourself each day to pamper your skin. You’ll be glad you did!
