Winter skincare myths vs facts: Dry skin truths explained
With winter comes the phase where your skin begins to feel dry, dull and less supple. Skin dryness, itchiness, and flaky patches are some of the common skin issues faced during the winter season. In this article, let us learn about some of the common winter skincare myths and uncover the real facts behind it. Read the full article to also know about the effective‘winter skincare routine’ for luminous and supple skin.
The Science Behind Skin Dryness During Winter
Skin dryness is majorly caused by cold temperatures and low environmental humidity during the winter. Apart from these, hot showers and prolonged exposure to heated indoor environments can further worsen dryness, as hot water strips the skin of its natural oils. Once the skin gets stripped off its natural oils, transepidermal moisture loss increases, weakening the skin barrier and leading to dryness related problems.
Below are some of the common skin concerns during winter:
➤ Itchiness & Skin Irritation
➤ Dry and flaky skin
➤ Skin tightness or discomfort
➤ Increased skin sensitivity
Top 10 Winter Skincare Myths & Facts
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Fact |
|---|---|
| Only dry skin requires winter skincare. | It is a common misconception that only people with dry skin will require winter skincare. Individuals with all skin types require an appropriate skincare routine to maintain healthy, hydrated skin during winter. Because, even oily skin and combination skin types experience moisture loss during winter. Moisture imbalance can trigger breakouts and increased skin sensitivity. |
| Sunscreen is not required during winter. | This is one of the greatest myths of all time. Many believe sunscreen is necessary only during Summer. This is not true. Sun exposure occurs all throughout the year and sunscreen should be applied even during winter to prevent pigmentation, skin barrier damage, and premature aging. |
| :Hot showers soothe skin during winter. | No. In fact, hot showers can worsen dryness during winter. Go for a lukewarm water to help keep skin’s natural oils intact. |
| Hydration alone can help prevent dry skin. | No. Though hydration is important, it is not the only factor to prevent skin dryness. Topical creams and moisturizers are required to maintain skin hydration and protect the skin barrier during winter. |
| Exfoliating more can remove flakes from the skin. | Over exfoliation can significantly damage the skin barrier. Exfoliation should be limited to once or twice a week during winter. |
| Applying Lip Balm once a day is enough to keep lips moisturized. | Your lips don’t have oil glands. Therefore they dry out faster during winter. Regular application of lip balm and lip masks can keep lips moisturized and prevent cracking. Apply lip balm whenever it wears off or dries out. |
| Moisturization is not necessary for acne-prone skin | Skipping a moisturizer can cause more breakouts, as your skin will get dehydrated. Opt for a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturizer that is ideal for winter. You can seek guidance for skincare specialists if you are not sure what type of moisturizer suits your skin type. |
| ‘One’ skincare routine is possible throughout the year. | Nope! The same skincare routine is not suitable throughout the year, as different weather conditions require different skincare approaches. During the winter, moisturization and hydration are essential. |
| Skin remains unaffected by Indoor heating. | Your skin will be significantly affected by indoor heating and cooling devices like heaters, and air conditioners. These devices can decrease humidity indoors and increase moisture loss. This will worsen winter skin dryness and irritation. |
| Individuals with darker skin don’t require winter skincare. | Winter skin dryness affects all skin tones. So, people with darker / lighter skin tones require winter skincare, as per their skin type and concerns. |
Common winter skin diseases you should not ignore!
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
This is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It worsens to a great extent during winter. Cold weather and hot showers can weaken the skin’s barrier, causing increased moisture loss.
Common Symptoms During Winter:
➤ Persistent Itching that often worsens at nights
➤ Red, inflamed patches
➤ Cracked, oozing or thickened skin
➤ Increased sensitivity to topical products, soaps and fragrances
Psoriasis
This is an autoimmune condition where skin cells multiply at an accelerated rate. This will lead to the buildup of thick and scaly plaques. Winter often worsens the symptoms due to increased skin dryness and low humidity.
Common Symptoms During Winter:
➤ Red / Whitish-silvery plaques that are flaky
➤ Skin dryness & cracking, which can sometimes bleed
➤ Itching, burning or painful soreness in affected areas
➤ Visible flaky scaling on the scalp
➤ Pus-filled bumps (seen in severe or pustular variants)
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This is a common inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects oil-rich regions of the body (scalp, eyebrows, sides of nose, ears, eyelids, chest and armpits). It worsens during winter because of increased scalp dryness and reduced exposure to sunlight. The condition can flare up with stress or fatigue.
Common Symptoms During Winter:
➤ Greasy, flaky, dandruff-like patches on the scalp
➤ Red patches around the nose, eyebrows, ears, & beard area
➤ Mild to persistent itching, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation
Dermatologist-approved 5-Step Winter Skin Care Routine
➤ Gently cleanse your skin using a mild and soap-free cleanser twice a day.
➤ Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of cleansing to lock in moisture. Use a gentle moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and shea butter for good results.
➤ Never skip sunscreen. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or above everyday, even during winter.
➤ Gently exfoliate skin once a week during winter. Over-exfoliation can worsen skin dryness.
➤ Use overnight face and eye masks suitable for your skin type. Apply lip balms and hand creams to prevent dryness.
DRY SKIN - DON’TS FOR YOUR SKIN DURING WINTER
➤ Avoid exfoliating or scrubbing more than twice a week
➤ Do not use alcohol based skincare products
➤ Avoid hot showers and saunas
➤ Do not neglect body care; body moisturization is equally important
➤ Avoid licking dry lips; use lip balm for moisturizing
➤ Avoid wearing rough fabrics even during winter
Last but not least, never ignore dry skin related symptoms. Early treatment can prevent complications.
Skin dryness can get on our nerves during winter. But, with the right care and consistent routine, you can tackle it well. Whether it’s winter dryness, eczema or chronic skin conditions, VCare’s science-backed treatments are proven to result in visible relief and healthier skin. This winter, let us keep our skin healthy, moisturized, comfortable, nourished, and radiant.
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