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The internet offers countless remedies and advice columns that may or may not be reliable. Come winter, as our skin starts to act up, our curiosity gets the better of us. At some point, we’ve all stayed up late trying to figure out the reason for the dry patches on our skin. But in this huge pool of information, is there a way to separate what’s true from what’s not? Well, we’re here to help debunk winter skincare myths that are actually damaging to your skin. Read on to know more.
Myth 1: Winter Means No Sunscreen
This is one of the most common skincare misconceptions, and understandably so. Overcast skies can be misleading. Many of us grew up thinking that sunscreen was a beach day essential. However, that’s only partly true. Our skin needs SPF protection while sunbathing on the beach as well as on a gloomy winter day. The sun’s harmful rays are present all year long, regardless of how much sunlight there is. Even the darkest days call for a good amount of sunscreen layering. So, always make sure that sunscreen is a part of your winter skincare routine as well.
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Myth 2: Hot Showers Moisturise The Skin
In the world of skincare, a steamy shower is the ultimate guilty pleasure. It feels oh-so-good but is not skincare-friendly at all. Hot water can strip natural and essential oils from the skin, leaving it drier. At the same time, avoiding hot showers during winter is not really an option, is it? The solution then is to reduce the duration of your hot shower. The less time your skin is exposed to scalding hot water, the better. Additionally, try to use appropriate winter skincare products like creams and moisturisers specifically made for dry skin in winter.
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Myth 3: My Skin Doesn’t Need To Be Exfoliated During Winter
Just like sunscreen, exfoliation should be a part of your skincare routine all year long. Exfoliation helps get rid of the dead cells on the surface of your skin, thereby allowing healthy and fresh skin cells to form. Regardless of the season, exfoliation is essential for healthy and nourished skin. Make sure to moisturise right after you exfoliate during winter.
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Myth 3: My Skin Doesn’t Need To Be Exfoliated During Winter
Just like sunscreen, exfoliation should be a part of your skincare routine all year long. Exfoliation helps get rid of the dead cells on the surface of your skin, thereby allowing healthy and fresh skin cells to form. Regardless of the season, exfoliation is essential for healthy and nourished skin. Make sure to moisturise right after you exfoliate during winter.
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Myth 4: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need To Be Moisturised During Winter
Oily skin or not, moisturisation is essential during winter because the air is very cold and dry. Moreover, every skin type needs a good moisturiser to create a protective shield against external factors like pollution and dust. For oily skin, light formula is ideal. You can go for lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based creams to ensure that your skin remains adequately hydrated despite the lack of moisture in the winter air.
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Myth 5: Thick Creams Are More Moisturising
Many make the mistake of switching to thicker face creams and moisturisers during winter. However, what they don’t realise is that just because a product seems more concentrated, it doesn’t mean it’s more moisturising. Moreover, your choice of winter moisturiser should depend on your skin type and its needs. If your skin needs extra hydration, it’s better to layer it with serum and a light moisturiser. On the other hand, if your skin is naturally dry, then using a concentrated moisturiser will help.
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Key Takeaways
Winter can be harsh on your skin, but believing in common skincare myths can make things worse. By understanding what your skin truly needs, whether it’s sunscreen, moisturisation, or gentle exfoliation, you can maintain healthy, nourished skin throughout the season. Stick to science-backed skincare habits and choose products that suit your skin type to keep winter woes at bay.
FAQs
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Do I really need sunscreen in winter?
UV rays are present year-round and can damage your skin even on cloudy winter days.
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Are hot showers bad for winter skin?
Prolonged hot showers can strip natural oils and cause dryness. Keep showers short and moisturise afterwards.
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How often should I exfoliate during winter?
Exfoliating 1–2 times a week is enough to remove dead skin cells without irritating dry winter skin.
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Should oily skin be moisturised in winter?
Oily skin still needs hydration, opt for lightweight, gel-based, or oil-free moisturisers.
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Are thick creams always better for dry skin?
The right moisturiser depends on your skin type; layering lighter products can be just as effective.
