When seasons change, so do our skin care routines. Winters are cold and dry, and tend to take a toll on our skin. So, it only makes sense that we up our skin care game in times of low temperatures. In order to do this, you’ll need to know if you’re doing anything wrong—we’re all guilty of skipping some essential steps or are making unintentional mistakes while looking after our skin. To help you out, we’ve created a list of a couple of mistakes you’re probably making with your winter skin care regimen.
1. Not exfoliating
 

1. Not exfoliating

Exfoliating your skin in the winter is as important exfoliating it at other times of the year. It’s common knowledge that when you exfoliate, you end up getting rid of dead skin cells. You also end up removing all dry skin that would otherwise make your skin seem dull and scaly.

2. Forgetting to wear SPF

The temperature may be low outside, but that doesn’t stop the sun’s harmful rays from causing damage to your skin. As we tend to relate SPF to summer, it’s a common thing to forget about it during the winter. But beware—those harmful UV rays are creeping in through the clouds! It’s best to use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to keep your skin from any additional damage.

3. Not wearing moisturizer

The importance of moisturizer cannot be stressed enough in the colder months. Because of dry weather, your skin also tends to dry out. Especially if you’re going to be wearing makeup, moisturise your skin first and let it get hydrated. If you ask us, this is the perfect season to use the Pond's White Beauty Winter Anti-spot Moisturiser that works as a skin lightening treatment along with a cold cream—just what you need as a prep step when it comes to applying makeup perfectly in the winters.

4. Neglecting your lips
 

4. Neglecting your lips

We’ve all experienced chapped lips in the winter. They can be quite uncomfortable, and can also start to bleed. Now, that’s not what we want, do we? We can’t avoid this if we forget to look after our lips though. Our lips are quite sensitive to dry weather, as they have fewer oil glands and are hence more susceptible to drying out. What you need is a lip balm that also lends colour to your lips. Our fave product? The Lakmé Lip Love Lip Care that will give your lips SPF 15, nourishment and a hint of colour—perfect for the weather you’re dealing with.

5. Applying toners with alcohol

In winter, these toners can be your skin’s enemy. Alcohol can rob your skin off its natural oils and proteins, and can hence make your skin extremely dry. So, in winter, it’s best to skip toner, or try to find one that doesn’t contain any alcohol.

6. Taking really hot showers

We’re all guilty of taking a steaming hot shower on a cold day—after all, they feel so, so good! However, really hot water can considerably dry out your skin, and can leave you with skin that’s really itchy. It’s best to shower with warm water. If you can’t resist that steaming hot shower, slather on a layer of moisturizer all over your skin once you’re out.