7 Common Winter Skincare Mistakes…And How To Avoid Them

Winter is often when people double down on skincare, adding extra products or steps to their routine, yet it’s also the season when skin tends to feel its worst. Tightness, flaking, redness and sensitivity are common complaints, even among those who normally have calm skin. 

The problem isn’t usually neglect. It’s doing too much of the wrong thing, especially in cold weather. Here are the most common winter skincare mistakes, and how gentle, natural alternatives can help restore balance.

1. Over-cleansing

When skin feels dry or tight, it’s tempting to cleanse more often, assuming dirt or product build-up is the issue. In reality, winter skin already struggles to hold onto moisture due to cold air, indoor heating and low humidity.

Using harsh or foaming cleansers twice daily can strip away natural oils your skin desperately needs.

What to do instead:

Switch to a gentle, natural face cleanser that cleans without disrupting the skin barrier. In winter, cleansing once in the evening is often enough for many skin types, especially if you don’t wear heavy makeup.

2. Exfoliating too frequently

Exfoliation can improve texture and brightness, but in winter, too much of it does more harm than good. Over-exfoliating weakens the skin barrier, making redness, sensitivity and dehydration worse.

Physical scrubs, strong acids and frequent exfoliating toners are common culprits.

What to do instead:

Limit exfoliation to once a week, or pause it entirely if your skin feels sore or reactive. Focus instead on repairing and nourishing the skin with natural face creams and calming ingredients.

3. Using alcohol-based toners

Many traditional toners rely on alcohol to create a “tight” or “clean” feeling. In winter, this tightness is a warning sign, not a benefit. Alcohol evaporates quickly, pulling moisture with it and leaving skin more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.

What to do instead:

Choose a natural face toner formulated with gentle botanical extracts and humectants. A good toner should support hydration, not strip it away.

4. Skipping moisturiser because skin feels congested

When cold weather meets rich products, some people experience congestion or breakouts and assume moisturiser is the problem. In reality, it’s often the wrong type of moisturiser, or not enough hydration underneath.

Avoiding moisturiser altogether leaves skin dehydrated, prompting it to produce more oil.

What to do instead:

Opt for a natural face cream that supports the skin barrier without synthetic occlusives. Apply to slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture rather than sitting heavily on the surface.

5. Forgetting about the rest of the body

Winter skincare often focuses on the face while the body is left to fend for itself. Hot showers, harsh soaps and cold air strip moisture from the skin, leading to itchiness and dryness. Light lotions often aren’t enough during winter months.

What to do instead:

Switch to natural body butters, especially after bathing. Rich plant butters like pure murumuru butter help seal moisture into the skin, leaving it soft without synthetic additives.

6. Using the same routine all year round

Skin changes with the seasons, but many people keep the same routine year-round. What works in summer can be too harsh or drying in winter. This is especially important for sensitive skin, and for babies, whose skin barrier is still developing.

What to do instead:

Adjust your routine seasonally. In winter, prioritise gentle cleansing, nourishing moisturisers and fewer active ingredients. For little ones, natural or vegan baby moisturisers can help protect delicate skin from cold weather dryness.

7. Ignoring hair and scalp health

Dry air doesn’t just affect skin: it impacts hair and scalp too. Over-washing, harsh shampoos and skipping conditioner can lead to flaky scalps and brittle hair.

What to do instead:

Use a natural shampoo and organic hair conditioner that cleans without stripping. Conditioning in winter is essential, even for fine hair, to maintain moisture balance.

Winter care for calm, nourished skin 

Simplifying your winter skincare routine often leads to calmer, healthier skin. Fewer products, gentler formulas and a focus on nourishment rather than correction can make a noticeable difference.

Choosing natural, vegan or organic skincare products can support your skin’s natural barrier when it needs it most, helping you head into the New Year with skin that feels comfortable, resilient and balanced.

If you’re rethinking your winter skincare routine, exploring gentle, naturally formulated products can be a simple first step toward calmer skin, without overwhelming it.