As winter arrives, many people notice their skin becoming excessively dry, leading them to constantly reach for moisturising sprays and make face masks a daily habit.
However, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital's Director of Medical Aesthetics, Li Jing, advises that understanding common skincare misconceptions during winter can help you care for your skin more effectively.
Over-relying on Foamy Products
Many people assume that the more foam a cleansing product produces, the stronger its cleaning power. In reality, the effectiveness of a cleanser depends on the active ingredients, specifically surfactants, that are designed to cleanse the skin, not the amount of foam. To determine if a cleanser is suitable for you, focus on how your skin feels after using it, not the foam. If your skin doesn’t feel dry or tight, and your face feels smooth, the product is likely a good match.
For sensitive skin, cleansers that produce minimal foam or none at all are often more suitable. These cleansers are still effective, even if they don’t foam up much.
Constant Use of Moisturizing Sprays
When feeling dry, many people turn to moisturizing sprays for instant relief, but these sprays only temporarily add moisture to the skin. After a few minutes, they evaporate and can actually draw moisture out of the skin, leaving it even drier. After using a moisturizing spray, it's best to gently blot the face with a cotton pad, then follow up with a good moisturizing product to lock in the moisture.
Daily Use of Facial Steamers
Facial steamers are often touted as a skincare miracle, but frequent use can actually dehydrate the skin. Pure water from a steamer does not have any moisturizing properties, and the high temperatures of the steam can damage the skin's natural lipid barrier, which lowers the skin's ability to retain moisture. Over time, this can make the skin even drier. If you do use a steamer, make sure to control the temperature and limit usage to prevent damage.
Applying a Face Mask Every Day
Some people believe that using face masks daily, especially those for hydration, will help keep their skin moisturized. However, this can be harmful. Applying a mask every day, especially if left on for more than 15 minutes, can overload the skin’s stratum corneum with moisture, leading to increased sensitivity and even causing rashes or a stinging sensation. It's better to use masks 2-3 times a week and limit each session to 15 minutes or less.
Skipping Sunscreen in Winter
Many people mistakenly think that since the sun's rays feel weaker in the winter, they don’t need sunscreen. This is a common misconception. Winter UV rays can still be harmful, so it’s important to continue applying sunscreen. Opt for lighter sunscreen products and remember that artificial light sources, like those from computers and phones, also emit UV rays. Therefore, year-round sun protection is essential.
Exfoliating When Skin Peels
Skin peeling in the winter is common due to dryness, but it’s a mistake to exfoliate immediately. Skin peeling is often a sign of dehydration, and the best response is to use products that focus on hydration and moisturizing, rather than exfoliating. Exfoliating during this time can damage the skin’s already delicate barrier, leading to further irritation or redness.
In winter, as the temperature drops and humidity decreases, the skin’s natural oils and moisture are lost more quickly. Hydration becomes even more crucial to maintaining healthy skin, and oily skin types should not skip moisturizing despite their natural oils.
Winter skincare requires understanding the specific needs of your skin in colder conditions. Avoiding these common mistakes can help protect and nourish your skin throughout the season, ensuring it remains healthy and hydrated.
