Skincare Mistakes You Should Avoid!!

Over exfoliating

Winter coincidentally falls at the same time as the wedding season. And wedding season implies a lot of makeup and consequently, way too many harsh cleansers and exfoliators to get all the goop off your skin. But remember, while you do need a thorough cleansing, you can’t treat your skin the same way you do during any other season. Winter leaves your skin in a super sensitive state, making it flaky and dry. To complicate matters, if you aren’t hydrating your skin with ample moisturiser and drinking lots of water, your skin is going to start looking terrible.

Saving the SPF for the summer

So many women (including us) give sunscreen a slip if it’s not summer; probably one of the biggest mistakes according to most dermatologists. Unfortunately, the sun’s rays don’t rely on the seasons to cause skin damage. Irrespective of whether it’s January or July, you’ve got to employ a broad spectrum sunscreen in your beauty routine. In addition, a tiny detail you should pay attention to is ensuring that the lip balm you’re using has SPF to ensure that lips too are sun protected.

Taking hot showers

While stepping into a hot shower might be the one of the best ways to deal with the drop in temperature, it isn’t advisable. Since your skin is already quite sensitive in the winter, hot showers can suck the moisture and dry it out further, causing it to itch and flake. So take warm showers lasting not more than five to 10 minutes and replace your regular body washes with a milder one for the winter months. Once you’re done, wipe your body and while you’re still in the bathroom, slather on some winter protect moisturiser or oil to hydrate your skin (the moisture in the bath helps your skin better absorb emollients).

Skincare Tips for Winter

1. Try not to bathe in very hot water as very hot water dries up the skin.

2. Use a face scrub and also exfoliate your body at least once a week.

You can make your own scrub by mixing fine granulated sugar or coarse sea salt with some olive oil or coconut oil and massaging that into your body before your shower.

3. Moisturise whilst the skin is still damp.

Don't use whitening lotions in the winter. Aim for ones that can moisturise deeply and if required, add some cold pressed almond oil or coconut oil into your lotion for an added boost.

Try to moisturise in the bathroom itself where the steam from the shower will keep your skin damp.

4. Make it a point to exfoliate your lips every day and use lip balms (preferably made of beeswax) regularly—especially at night.

Just moisten your towel and rub it in circles on your lips after your shower when your skin in still damp. OR take an old soft bristle toothbrush and rub it gently on your lips after brushing your teeth. (It’s best if done first thing in the morning as soon as you brush.)

5. Use foot creams and hand lotions to reduce dryness and chapped feet.

Of course, you can use your regular body lotion for this, but food and hand creams come with a little extra moisture boost. Rub foot cream and massage your feet before going to sleep and it will soon show you the results. Moisturise your hands after washing them every time. It will help save your hands from ageing too soon.

Face pack

To give your skin a surge of moisture, make a face pack with 2 tablespoons oat flour, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon yogurt (or a bit more, as per requirement, to make a paste and easily apply), and apply on face and neck area. Wash off with warm water after 15-20 minutes.

Here’s wishing you all great skin this winter!