Five winter skin care myths busted

Talk about winter skin care and people will bombard you with desi and videsi nuskas. But are you sure that they will really work? Let’s have a look at five surprising winter skin care myths.

Myth 1: Warm water hydrates and soothes your dry skin

Truth:Though nobody can resist a warm shower on a cold winter day, you must never over indulge in it. Research has proven that your skin starts drying up if it is exposed to water over the temperature of 99 degrees for more than five minutes. That is why, time yourself in the shower and try not to indulge in a hot tub for too long. After bathing, pat your skin dry with a microfiber towel and moisturize it with a good quality body lotion. It is said that you must moisturize your skin within twenty minutes of taking a bath for best results.

Myth 2: Oily skin does not need moisturizer

Truth: People with oily skin need moisturizers as much as people with a normal skin. During winter, people with oily skin start developing dry patches on their body. That is why, it is essential for you to invest in a light moisturizing cream (suitable for oily skin) and apply it twice a day. Moisturizers act as a barrier between dust and pollution and your skin. So no matter how oily your skin is, you need to moisturize it, especially during the winter.

Myth 3: You don’t need to apply sunscreen in winter

Truth: One of the biggest myths is that since it is never sunny during winter; you do not need to apply a sunscreen. What people forget is that in today’s times, the ozone layer is fast depleting which has increased the penetration of the ultra violet rays. So even if it is not particularly sunny, the UV rays can still harm your skin. Don’t ever forget to apply sunscreen even if you are stepping out for just 15 minutes.

Myth 4: Saliva is enough to hydrate your lips

Truth: Many people are under the misconception that lip balms can be addictive. It is widely believed that your lips can become reliant on lip balms and that is why, saliva is a natural and the best alternative for it. However, recent scientific studies have proven that saliva has a drying effect on your lips. For a few moments you will feel good, but its long term effects are bad for your lips. It is said that saliva can break down the protective layer on your lips as well. That is why; you must get a good quality lip balm for yourself. Don’t go for fancy lip balms with exotic perfumes as they can adversely affect your lips. A petroleum jelly based lip balm is best.

Myth 5: You should not exfoliate during winter

Truth: Exfoliating can have a drying effect on your skin but it is really helpful for cell renewal. Exfoliating encourages formation of new cells which can make your skin glow. That is why; you must not hesitate to exfoliate during winter. Just remember to moisturize your skin thoroughly with a high concentrated serum to ensure that your skin does not have dry patches.