Winter is here and this time it’s going to be colder than before, that is why it’s high time that we share the top 11 winter skincare myths and what the truth really is behind all of them. Let’s dig in:

1. Chilly weather means no SPF!

TRUTH: It is true that there are few ultraviolet rays in winters as compared to summers but the ozone layer or the Earth’s sun shield is the thinnest in winters. This means that while there are fewer UV rays in winters, there is enough to burn your skin which can lead to wrinkles and aging in the long run. Hence, applying sunscreen in winters is as important as in summers especially, during 10 a.m. and 4 p.m when the sun rays are the strongest. That is why ladies we say; “SPF ALWAYS!!”.

2. Lots of lip balm can prevent chapping

TRUTH: It really depends on which lip balms are you using. Few common ingredients that your lip balm should have are mineral oil, cocoa, or shea butter. Beware of the funky chapsticks with flavors, perfumes, and colors as they can dry out your lips.

If you use them a lot. Some of my favorite ones are Vaseline Rosy Lip Therapy, Burt’s Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm and Neutrogena Lip Balm. I got mine from Rakanaa.com.

3. Steamy shower leads to dry skin

TRUTH: This is true to a certain extent as; “Exposure to hot water with temperatures over 98.6 degrees causes blood vessel dilation that results in water loss throughout the epidermis,” Dr. Shapiro warns. But because it is impossible to avoid hot water in freezing cold weather, one should keep it under 5 minutes and use a body wash like Soap and Glory Rich & Foamous Body Wash because it will leave your skin moisturized.

 4. People with oily skin don’t need a moisturizer in their skincare routine

Does weather affect your skin according to its type? No, right? Thus, moisturizer is needed by all skin types, even oily, when the winter winds start blowing. The lack of moisturizer leads to an increase in the production of natural oils in the skin that eventually leads to breakouts. I personally prefer a gel-cream in winters like The Body Shops Seaweed Oil Control Gel Cream that specifically targets combination and oily skin.

5. You shouldn’t exfoliate in the winters

TRUTH: it’s not hidden from anyone that in winter’s skin is prone to dryness, flakiness, and dehydration. Therefore, exfoliating after every 15 days or a month would actually help in preventing the skin from getting patchier. Moreover, exfoliating also allows other skincare products to perform better. A personal favorite exfoliator for winters is Aura Craft’s Nirvana Body Scrub and The Body Shop’s Tea Tree 3 In 1 Wash Scrub Mask.

6. Cold air gives skin a beautiful glow

Harsh winter winds on the skin cause capillaries to burst, which will eventually lead to redness and spots on the skin. So why not just protect your skin with a scarf when you head out?

It is always better to protect your skin than to just leave it exposed.

7. You do not need to moisturize your skin if it is covered with layers of clothing 

Just because your skin is shielded with clothes, doesn’t mean that it does not need any additional hydration. Skin needs to be taken care of by avoiding hot showers, using soothing soaps, and applying lotion regularly. And when you apply lotion on your body daily immediately within 3 minutes after a bath, it will help trap water content.

Personal favorite moisturizer is THE ORDINARY Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

8. The thicker the cream the better it hydrates 

Just because the cream is thicker it doesn’t mean that the cream is more concentrated and eventually better in hydration. It is better to apply a good serum on the skin before topping it off with a moisturizer. The best serum is  24k Gold Serum.

9. Downing tons of water daily will help dry skin

Chugging water will not help in maintaining skin moisture. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids including flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil in your diet can be very helpful in preventing dryness in the skin and body.

10. Only women care about skincare 

Men, too, have something to worry about, and that is irritation of facial hair which can get worse in cold. Men can help prevent facial redness through pre-shave cleansing and exfoliation ritual. A moisturizing shaving gel or after-shave moisturizer can also help to avoid irritation.

11. A humidifier is not good for skin in winters

A humidifier infuses the air with moisture, eventually, help in treating symptoms of cold and revitalize skin. Startup the heat for a few minutes a day to give your skin a perfect glow and moisture.

Were these facts helpful? Will you be heading to Rakanaa to purchase your skincare products? Let us know!

This post has been written by Rabial Saqib from Team Rakanaa.

This post has been sponsored by Rakanaa.

Cover image via @sajalaly/Instagram