The harsh wind and cold weather really makes me want to take extra long showers and skimp out on my morning beauty routine (because I'd rather spend the extra time in bed). But unfortunately, common beauty mistakes like these can really wreak havoc on your skin and hair.
It's important to avoid some of these common winter beauty mistakes so you're not left with flaky skin, cracked heels or dry/damaged tresses. Avoid some of these cold-weather mishaps and you'll be looking great all winter long!
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Taking long hot showers
While a 30 minute steaming hot shower during the cold winter months can seem tempting, just remember that it can do more harm than good. Hot water dries out your skin, making it harder to retain moisture afterwards. Try to keep the temperature down. And if the thought of a lukewarm shower makes you cringe, then try to shorten your shower time to 10 minutes or less.
Using the wrong cleanser
During the winter you want to opt for a facial cleanser that will help your skin retain moisture. Avoid foaming cleansers and try a creamy cleanser, like Yes to Carrots Nourishing Daily Cream Facial Cleanser ($9). If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin (like me), try a gentler formula, like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($7). I use this one all year long.
Skipping SPF
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean the sun’s harmful UV rays aren’t going to have an impact on your skin. Make sure to NEVER leave the house without applying a moisturizer that contains at least SPF 30. And remember to always extend it to your neck. Try, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35 ($10).
Not taking care of your lips
Cold weather and indoor heating can dramatically dry out your lips, causing them to peel and flake. And with all the pretty dark lipsticks out this season, the last thing you want is to be sporting a feathery pout. Make sure to always exfoliate lips with a lip scrub, like Laura Geller Lip Strip ($20). Apply a deeply hydrating lip balm to keep them smooth and hydrated throughout the day. I like Fresh Sugar Berry Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($23). It intensely nourishes my lips while adding a nice pop of color.
Neglecting your hands
My hands get painfully dry during the winter season, while my nails tend to get brittle and peel. Keep your hands nourished with an intensely moisturizing hand cream, like Avon Skin So Soft Winter Hand Cream ($3). Condition your nails and cuticles with an oil treatment, like Melvita Geranium Argan Roll-On ($15).
Avoiding your feet
Even though they’re hidden in your socks, your feet can get extremely dry and cracked during the winter. Try soaking your feet in warm water every two weeks and use a callus stone to remove any dry flakes or calluses you may have. Apply a foot cream like, Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream ($8) all over your feet before bed. Immediately slip on your socks and in the morning your feet with be as soft and smooth as a baby!
Styling hair without a heat protectant
During the winter we tend to style our hair with heat tools more often than usual. To prevent your strands from getting dry and damaged, spray a heat protectant to damp hair before styling. Try, Aussie Heat Protecting Shine Spray ($3).
