Weather can be harsh on your skin, especially in the winter. Visit urgent care near you today for treatment, no appointment needed.

Winter weather can be harsh on your skin. The combination of cold temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated. It’s common to struggle with dry skin in the colder months, especially when enjoying local outdoor activities like visiting the Biltmore Estates. You also might not realize that the way you treat your skin could be making things worse. If you notice flaky, itchy skin, it may be time to reevaluate your winter skincare routine. Here are 5 common winter skincare mistakes you might be making and simple ways to fix them.

Visit AFC Urgent Care South Asheville for treatment today!

First, Taking Hot Showers

Mistake: After a long, chilly day, it’s tempting to take a hot shower to warm up. Though it may feel good in the moment, it can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving your dermal layer vulnerable to dehydration and irritation.

How to Fix It:

• Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to prevent your skin from drying out.
• Limit your shower time to 5 – 10 minutes, as prolonged exposure to water can weaken the skin’s moisture barrier.
• Use a gentle, moisturizing soap that’s free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, or alcohol, which can further dry out your skin.

Pro Tip: After showering, pat your skin dry with a soft towel (don’t rub!) and apply a thick, nourishing moisturizer immediately to lock in moisture.

Over-Exfoliating Your Skin

Mistake: Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells but overdoing it in the winter can cause more harm than good. Harsh scrubs or excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin, leaving it raw and prone to further dryness or inflammation.

How to Fix It:

• Exfoliate once a week or every other week, depending on your skin type.
• Choose gentle exfoliators that are hydrating and suitable for sensitive skin. Avoid products with harsh physical exfoliants (like sugar or salt) and instead look for chemical exfoliants with mild acids like lactic acid or glycolic acid.
• Moisturize after exfoliating to keep your skin soft and hydrated.

Pro Tip: If your skin is particularly sensitive during winter, try avoiding exfoliation altogether until the season changes.

Neglecting to Moisturize

Mistake: It’s easy to forget to moisturize when your skin doesn’t feel as oily as it does in warmer weather. However, skipping moisturizer during the winter can lead to tight, dry, and flaky skin.

How to Fix It:

• Moisturize immediately after showering while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture more effectively.
• Use a rich, thick moisturizer that’s designed for dry skin. Look for ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
• Don’t forget about your hands, feet, and lips these areas are often more prone to dryness in winter.

Pro Tip: Consider adding a humidifier to your home to keep moisture in the air and help your skin retain hydration.

Skipping Sunscreen

Mistake: Even though it’s cold and cloudy in the winter, UV rays can still damage your skin, leading to premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer. Skipping sunscreen during the winter months is a common mistake.

How to Fix It:

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, every day, even on cloudy days.
• Look for moisturizers with SPF built in, so you’re killing two birds with one stone. You don’t need to reapply as often unless you’re spending extended periods of time outdoors.
• Protect your lips with a hydrating lip balm that contains SPF.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget the back of your hands, ears, and neck areas often neglected but vulnerable to UV damage.

Over-Cleansing Your Skin

Mistake: Frequent washing of your face or hands in winter can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Over-washing, especially with harsh soaps, can aggravate winter dryness.

How to Fix It:

• Wash your skin less frequently in the winter, and only when necessary. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
• Avoid harsh, stripping cleansers that contain alcohol or strong fragrances. Instead, look for creamy cleansers or oils that help retain moisture while cleansing.
• If your skin is feeling especially dry, skip the cleanser altogether and just rinse your face with water or use a hydrating micellar water to remove dirt and oil.

Pro Tip: After washing, apply a rich moisturizer right away to help restore moisture.

Bonus Tips to Protect Your Skin This Winter

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Incorporate healthy fats into your diet (like avocados, nuts, and fatty fish) to help nourish your skin from the inside out.
• Wear soft, natural fabrics like cotton or silk to avoid irritating your skin. If you wear wool, layer it with a softer fabric to prevent itchiness.
• Run a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air and combat dry indoor heating.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re still struggling with dry, cracked, or irritated skin despite your best efforts, it could be time to visit an expert. AFC Urgent Care South Asheville offers professional dermatology care and can help assess your skin’s condition. Don’t wait for your dry skin to turn into a painful issue. Visit us for a consultation and get the help you need today!