Why Your Face Flakes: 5 Critical Mistakes in Winter Skincare

Winter is a real challenge for facial skin. Cold winds, dry indoor air, sudden temperature changes, and thick clothing cause even normal skin to become tight, red, and flaky. We often blame this on the cold, but in most cases, the problem lies in improper skincare. We at joy-pup explore the five most common mistakes that literally “destroy” your skin in winter.

Aggressive cleansing instead of gentle care

Many consider a feeling of tightness after washing a sign of clear skin. In fact, it’s a warning sign: the protective lipid barrier has been compromised. In winter, skin is especially vulnerable, and sulfate-containing foams, alcohol-containing toners, and frequent washing with hot water exacerbate dryness.

The right way:

Favor gentle, creamy gels, milks, or cleansing balms without alcohol or SLS. Wash with warm, not hot, water and limit cleansing to twice a day.

Ignoring Humidification

We carefully select our creams, but we forget about our surroundings. Central heating and space heaters literally suck moisture out of the skin, leaving it dehydrated, dull, and prone to flaking.

The right way:

Use a humidifier at home and at work. The optimal humidity is 40-60%. This simple step noticeably improves the condition of your skin within just a few days.

Creams that are too light in winter

Gels and fluids are great in the summer, but in winter, they don’t protect the skin from cold and wind. As a result, moisture evaporates faster, causing microcracks and peeling.

Correct:

Choose thicker creams with oils, ceramides, squalane, and panthenol. Apply day cream at least 30-40 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb and protect the skin.

Overuse of peels and acids

The desire to get rid of peeling often leads to the opposite effect. Frequent scrubs, acids, and retinoids in winter thin the skin and make it even more sensitive.

Correct:

Keep exfoliation to a minimum – once every 7-10 days. Opt for gentle enzyme peels and be sure to restore the skin with soothing and nourishing products.

Lack of protection and SPF in winter

Many believe that the sun is only dangerous in the summer. However, ultraviolet rays are active year-round, and in winter, they reflect off the snow and increase skin damage, causing dryness and irritation.

How to:

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even in cold weather, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or in the mountains.

To be continued…