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 for 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.
Nykaa Recommends: The NIVEA Sun Lotion, SPF 50, with UVA & UVB Protection, Water Resistant Sunscreen is a fast-absorbing protection formula that also prevents the appearance of wrinkles.
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.
Nykaa Recommends: The Mamaearth Ubtan Nourishing Cold Cream For Winter With Turmeric & Saffron For Glowing Moisturization is one of the best moisturisers for the winter months.
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.
Nykaa Recommends: After exfoliating your body with the Nykaa Wanderlust Body Scrub, we recommend using the Vaseline Winter Glow Combo, that also comes withthe Vaseline body lotion and a moisturising cream that is designed for winter.
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.
Nykaa Recommends: The Ponds Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E is an excellent winter moisturiser for oily skin. It’s a lightweight formula that provides 24-hour hydration.
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, 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.
