The snowflake-covered wonderland that is winter is usually the toughest time for beauty and skincare enthusiasts. The harsh winds, the soggy streets, the chill that seeps into our bones, and then even when we go inside we have central heating and stuffiness to worry about. It seems like there’s no place to escape to where we’ll be fully free of the harmful influences, so it’s important to start planning for a new routine in time. Sadly, a lot of us don’t really know which steps to take, so we make a bunch of mistakes that leave us with woefully dry skin, hair, and nails.
What are these mistakes and how can you avoid them? Let’s find out.
Too Many Hot Showers
We know it feels great to linger in a hot shower when the temperature outside is freezing, but this can really dry out both your hair and your skin, and the damage can be difficult to repair if you keep doing it. Reduce your shower time and try using a gentle wash gel and shampoo. There’s also no need to shower every single day.
Wrong Foundation
You can’t really use the same foundation shade throughout the whole year, especially if you spend a lot of time outside in summer. The bronzed tan that you got on your vacation will slowly fade, and you’ll need something that’s a shade or two lighter for winter. Also, a matte finish works great when you struggle with sweat and oiliness in the summertime, but for winter it might not be a bad idea to go for something dewier, especially if you struggle with patches of dry, flaky skin.
Not Using Sunscreen
Please don’t forget that your SPF needs to be applied every day, even when the weather starts getting cold. Sunscreen is a must, especially if you’re very fair, so find a multitasking moisturiser that has SPF 30 in it, and use it religiously. It’s not just about cancer-prevention, you see. Sunscreen is the best way to fight wrinkles and other early signs of aging.
Neglecting Your Hands
Hands always dry out in winter, but there’s a fun solution to this: DIY hand masks. Apply a really thick layer of shea butter, almond oil, and beeswax, then put a pair of old cotton gloves over it. Let it sit on your hands for an hour or go to sleep with the gloves still on. Your skin will be instantly rejuvenated.
Too Much Self-Tan
We know you miss that summer glow, and it’s perfectly alright to use self-tan, but bear in mind to go easy on the application. After all, you don’t want to end up looking orange and blotchy. Before you begin, apply regular lotion to your palms to protect them from soaking up too much self-tan, and avoid your knees and elbows because they can end up looking way too dark.
Over-Washing Your Hair
No one likes a greasy mess on top of their head, but over-washing and using hot water every time can end up drying out your ends and making your roots even oilier. It stimulates the production of sebum and that might be the reason your hair gets so greasy, so fast. Space out the washes with the help of dry shampoo, and also don’t forget to use heat protection sprays when blow drying and styling with the hot iron.
Not Using Appropriate Skincare
Your skin needs an added dose of protection from the elements, and you should switch to more nourishing moisturisers that will help hydrate it and retain elasticity. It’s not a bad idea to visit your dermatologist or a skin clinic*, either. Winter is the best time to indulge in some treatments, and seeing a professional who can give advice and help you address your specific skin problems can really save you the pain during the cold season. Why not try dermal fillers to smooth out your wrinkles and give yourself a fresh look?
Don’t let cold weather ruin your mood. This season can be really fun if you see it as an opportunity for some extra luxurious treatments and a way to enjoy taking care of yourself. Put on a sheet mask, relax, and indulge in some restful beautification.
*When it comes to skin clinics, I personally love the Aphrodite and Apollo cosmetic skin clinic because I had such a great experience there. The staff are incredibly experienced and polite, and they really helped me a lot. I definitely recommend checking them out!
Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Travelling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on the lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty, and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips.
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