As temperatures drop, your skin might start to feel the chill. The harsh combination of cold, dry air and indoor heating can leave it feeling irritated, uncomfortable and dull. As skin care experts, we know how to help. Here are some major winter missteps to avoid and what to do instead: 

Mistake #1: over-exfoliating

Winter skin can feel dry and flaky, making it tempting to exfoliate more often to slough off the dead skin cells. But over-exfoliating can make things worse by irritating the skin and stripping away its natural oils, resulting in a compromised skin barrier. When your barrier is compromised, it’s more prone to redness and sensitivity and can increase the risk of breakouts. 

What to do instead: Dial back the exfoliation sessions, and search for a gentle, hydrating formula to use once or twice a week. Exfoliants like skin editor and quick refiner for eyes are formulated with lactic acid, which exfoliates while moisturizing, making them ideal options for winter. 

Mistake #2: over-layering products 

It’s easy to go overboard when layering products, especially when you want to tackle a variety of skin concerns. But when you layer too many products, you risk overwhelming your skin, causing congestion or irritation. Too many formulas, especially those that are rich or heavy, can also create a barrier that prevents your skin from breathing properly.

What to do instead: Simplify your routine and focus on quality, not quantity. A few well-formulated, expert products can deliver the results you’re craving. For a winter hydration boost, start with plump start, an antioxidant concentrate, followed by crucial moisture, an emollient creme moisturizer. This expert-recommended combo hydrates, plumps and protects without overwhelming the skin. Top it off with dewluxe, our luxurious facial oil, for a dewy triple-threat! 

Mistake #3: Not adjusting your skin care routine 

Relying on the same routine you used in the warmer months won’t cut it as temperatures drop. Those lighter formulations are often not rich enough to keep your skin hydrated and protected during the winter – your skin needs more attention. 

What to do instead: Opt for richer, more hydrating formulations that lock in moisture while shielding your skin from harsh winter elements. Look for ingredients like jojoba oil, found in dewluxe for body, which mimics your skin’s natural oils. Niacinamide, found in vc10 nightly bright, helps calm inflammation and reduce winter redness. 

Mistake #4: Neglecting the neck, chest and v-neck area 

We often forget to extend our skin care routine to the neck and chest, but this area is just as prone to dryness, sun damage and premature aging as the face – especially in the winter. The cold, dry air can damage this sensitive area, leading to a noticeable difference in texture and tone between it and your face. 

What to do instead: The skin here is thinner and can show signs of aging more quickly, so keeping it hydrated and protected is key. Target creases, weathered skin and spots with a potent product like v-neck smoothing creme. Fueled with anti-wrinkle peptides, brightening alpha arbutin and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this creme is a rich, moisturizing option for winter. 

Mistake #5: Using very hot water 

Although there’s nothing quite like a hot shower on a cold winter’s day, indulging in one can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Over time, your skin barrier can become compromised, making it more susceptible to winter dryness.