Your Winter Skin Reset Starts Here

At Dr. Angela Azar MD, we often see patients struggle with winter skin concerns simply because their routine hasn’t adjusted to the season.

Below are some of the most common winter skincare mistakes, and what to do instead to keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and balanced all season long.

Over-Exfoliating

When skin feels dry or looks dull, it’s tempting to exfoliate more often. In winter, this can backfire.

Cold weather already weakens the skin barrier. Adding too much exfoliation, whether from scrubs, acids, or retinoids, can lead to redness, stinging, flaking, and even breakouts.

What to do instead:

Scale back exfoliation to once or twice a week and focus on repairing the skin barrier. Look for products with ceramides, peptides, and hydrating ingredients that help restore balance and protect the skin.

Skipping SPF in the Winter

One of the biggest skincare myths is that sunscreen is only needed in summer. UV exposure happens year-round, even on cloudy or cold days, and it continues to contribute to premature aging and skin damage.

What to do instead:

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even in winter. Make sunscreen the final step of your morning routine and don’t forget areas like the neck, ears, and hands.

Using the Same Products You Use in Summer

Your skin’s needs change with the seasons. Lightweight gels and oil-free products that work well in summer often don’t provide enough moisture or protection in colder months.

Common signs your routine needs updating include tightness after cleansing, makeup settling into fine lines, or increased sensitivity.

What to do instead:

Switch to richer moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and nourishing serums. Winter is also a great time to introduce barrier-repair products or professional-grade hydrators recommended by Dr. Angela Azar and her team.

Ignoring the Neck, Chest, and Hands

The face usually gets the most attention, but the neck, chest, and hands are some of the first areas to show signs of aging. These areas are frequently exposed to the sun and often neglected in daily skincare routines.

What to do instead:

Extend your skincare routine beyond your face. Apply cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen to the neck, chest, and hands daily. In-office treatments offered by Dr. Angela Azar can also help improve tone, texture, and sun damage in these areas.

Forgetting to Protect Your Lips

Lips are one of the most vulnerable areas of skin, yet they’re often overlooked in winter. The skin on the lips is thinner, has fewer oil glands, and is more prone to dryness, cracking, and irritation in cold, windy weather.

Common winter lip mistakes include licking lips to relieve dryness, using fragranced or flavored balms, and skipping SPF.

What to do instead:

Use a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. During the day, choose a lip balm with broad-spectrum SPF. At night, apply a thicker, occlusive balm to lock in moisture while you sleep.

Ready for a Winter Skin Reset?

Avoiding these common mistakes can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels throughout the winter months. If you’re unsure what your skin needs right now, Dr. Angela Azar and her team can help create a personalized plan tailored to your skin concerns.

Schedule your appointment today and give your skin the care it deserves this winter.