Skin challenges in winters are scary. Dry, dull skin that lacks moisture…yes we all face it. That’s what the cold season does to it. The skin becomes irritating, soon prone to all the damage. But what if apart from the weather, you too are responsible to a certain extent? What if you are not able to get that glowing, healthy skin all because of the skincare mistakes you have been making.

Here are some of the mistakes you need to avoid before it gets too late, and before the winters leave your skin suffering. Check these out:

Not keeping the skin hydrated

The dryness of your skin needs enough moisture. And that moisturizer which you have been using whole year long won’t help in winters. When your skin tends to turn dry and flaky, it needs intense hydration. You need a moisturizer that is rich in Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid which is essential to keep it moisturized, smooth and bouncy too.

This might also be possible if your skin isn’t hydrating from within. Your water intake during the winters might be low. Drink enough water, eat seasonal fruits and vegetables so that your body never runs out of water. Make sure that your body is both internally and externally hydrated.

Not wearing sunscreen

People have the habit of skipping sunscreens during winters which is absolutely wrong. You don’t only wear sunscreens in summers, it has to be whole year long. SPF is to be applied even when it is a cloudy day, for the harmful UV rays penetrate in the skin even then. And UV rays can cause enough damage to the skin which can cause hyperpigmentation and premature ageing. Therefore, it is must to have sunscreen in your winter skincare routine.

Using very hot water

However much cold it is, you should not use very hot water to wash your skin. Hot water can prove very harmful for the face- it can adversely affect the outer layer of the skin, making the skin drier and damage prone. It can also cause inflammation, irritation, itchiness and even redness to sensitive skin. Thus, it is suggested to use lukewarm water to wash your face.

A wrong cleanser

There is a possibility that you might have not figured out the right cleanser for your skin. The first step to skincare is cleansing, it is very important to get it right. During winters, you need a cream cleanser. You cannot simply carry on with the gel and foam based cleansers ideal for summers. They will only leave your skin dry and without moisture. Cream cleansers will be gentle and healing to the skin when you wake in the mornings. Therefore, you need to set the cleanser right.

No exfoliation or too much exfoliation

Exfoliating the skin is necessary from all the dust, dirt and the accumulated dead skin cells. Although in winters, you can skip that regular face scrub and switch to a gentle exfoliator instead. If your skin is well exfoliated, it will be able to absorb the hydrating creams well.

What to take care of is to exfoliate well, do not exfoliate too much. If you will do it too much, it will lead to irritation, not allow the nourishment to stay and can even affect pre-existing skin conditions.

Not applying face masks

Face masks is necessary for every season. It will benefit your skin with hydration and ensure nourishment. A face mask can even repair the skin by reversing ageing signs and making it brighter. You can opt for a coffee face mask, an Aloe Vera face mask or a super collagen mask. You may not need that cool refreshing feel for the face in winters, but now you know the benefits so better to have it.

Skipping toner

Toning is vital as much in the cold season, as in the hot one. It will shrink the pores, keeping the skin in quite a good shape. You can even use rosewater as a toner. It will hydrate the skin, is non-drying and clarifying too. Or else, have an alcohol-free toner.

Applying regular cold cream on the face

The cream you use for the body doesn’t works for the face too. The body cream only moisturizes, however the face cream has vitamins, anti-oxidants and other nutrients essential for the face. And also have a good night cream as well. It will repair and heal the skin overnight. It is highly recommended to essentially have a face cream for the winters.

It is good if you know what to do for your skincare. But it’s even better when you know what not to do. Therefore, be wise enough and do not commit these skincare mistakes during the winter season. Get it done right, before it is late.