Winter can be brutal on your skin. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating all strip away moisture, leaving your skin dry, flaky, and irritated. While switching up your skincare routine is essential during the colder months, avoiding common mistakes is just as important to maintain healthy, hydrated skin.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top skincare mistakes to avoid during winter, explain why they’re harmful, and show you how to properly care for your skin when temperatures drop.
Why Winter Affects Your Skin
During winter, environmental conditions change drastically:
- Cold outdoor air has low humidity, pulling moisture from your skin.
- Indoor heating dries out the air even more.
- Hot showers can break down your skin’s natural protective barrier.
All of this leads to dryness, sensitivity, flaking, and in some cases, eczema or rosacea flare-ups. Adapting your skincare routine—and avoiding critical missteps—can prevent these issues before they start.
8 Common Skincare Mistakes to Avoid During Winter
1. Skipping Moisturizer After Washing
Washing your face (or body) without following up with a moisturizer is one of the biggest winter skincare errors. The skin loses water quickly after cleansing—especially in dry air.
Fix: Apply moisturizer within 60 seconds of cleansing to lock in hydration.
2. Using Harsh Cleansers
Foaming or alcohol-based cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils. While they may feel effective, they can worsen dryness and irritation during the winter.
Fix: Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.
3. Exfoliating Too Often
While exfoliating helps remove dead skin, overdoing it in winter can damage your skin barrier, making it more prone to redness and flaking.
Fix: Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use mild exfoliants like lactic acid or enzyme-based products.
4. Taking Long, Hot Showers
Hot water feels great when it’s cold outside, but it strips the skin’s natural oils and weakens your barrier.
Fix: Take shorter showers with lukewarm water and immediately apply a body moisturizer afterward.
5. Neglecting Sunscreen
Many people skip SPF in winter, assuming the sun isn’t strong enough to do damage. That’s a major mistake. UV rays are present year-round, and snow can reflect sunlight, increasing exposure.
Fix: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily—even on cloudy or snowy days.
6. Using the Same Products Year-Round
What works in summer may not be suitable in winter. Lightweight gels and oil-free products may not provide the necessary hydration for cold months.
Fix: Transition to richer creams and hydrating serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane.
7. Ignoring Lip and Eye Care
Lips and the skin around your eyes are thinner and more delicate. Neglecting these areas in winter often leads to cracking, peeling, or irritation.
Fix: Use a hydrating lip balm (with SPF) and an eye cream that offers moisture and protection from environmental stressors.
8. Using Too Many Actives Together
Winter skin is more vulnerable, so layering multiple actives like retinol, AHAs, and vitamin C without proper hydration can cause irritation.
Fix: Space out active ingredients and balance them with calming products like ceramide creams, hydrating masks, and facial oils.
Winter Skincare: What to Use Instead
Here’s a quick guide to what you should include in your winter routine and what to avoid:
| Replace This | With This Instead | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Gel-based moisturizers | Thick, cream-based moisturizers | Better at sealing in hydration |
| Foaming cleansers | Hydrating, non-stripping cleansers | Preserves natural oils |
| Physical scrubs | Gentle chemical exfoliants (like lactic acid) | Less abrasive, safer for dry skin |
| Water-based toners | Alcohol-free, hydrating toners | Prevents tightness and dryness |
| Frequent retinol use | Reduced use + hydrating support | Maintains results while avoiding irritation |
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Your Hair
Your skin isn’t the only thing that suffers in the cold. Frizzy hair and dry scalp are common winter problems too. Use deep conditioning treatments and switch to hydrating products. If frizz is a major concern, check out the Best Leave-In Conditioners for Frizzy Hair to keep your strands smooth, moisturized, and manageable all season long.
Additional Winter Skincare Tips
- Use a humidifier: Helps add moisture back into the air in your home.
- Drink water regularly: Hydration starts from within.
- Choose non-irritating fabrics: Wool can irritate sensitive skin—layer with cotton underneath.
- Don’t forget hands and feet: Use hand cream and foot balm daily.
FAQs
Do I need to change my skincare routine in winter?
Yes. Cold weather and indoor heat significantly affect your skin. Switching to richer moisturizers and gentler cleansers helps protect your skin barrier.
Can I still use retinol or acids in winter?
Yes, but use them sparingly and always pair with hydrating products. Follow with a thick moisturizer and never skip sunscreen.
Is it okay to exfoliate dry winter skin?
Yes, but don’t overdo it. Use gentle exfoliants once or twice a week to remove flaky skin and allow moisturizers to absorb better.
How can I tell if my skincare products are too harsh for winter?
Signs include increased redness, flaking, tightness, and stinging after application. If you notice these, switch to more soothing, hydrating alternatives.
Should I moisturize oily skin in winter?
Absolutely. Even oily skin can become dehydrated in the winter. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without clogging pores.
Conclusion
Winter skincare isn’t just about adding more products—it’s about avoiding harmful habits that strip your skin of its natural defenses. From skipping SPF to using the wrong cleanser, small mistakes can have big consequences during cold months.
By steering clear of these common skincare mistakes and adjusting your routine with nourishing, protective products, you can enjoy healthy, glowing skin all winter long. And while you’re refreshing your skincare, don’t forget to winter-proof your hair with essentials like the Best Leave-In Conditioners for Frizzy Hair to keep your whole look polished and hydrated from head to toe.