Dermatologists warn: 5 cosmetic products to avoid in winter.

According to ТСН: In cold weather, usual cosmetic products can have a different effect than in summer. What didn't cause problems in summer might lead to irritation or excessive dryness of the skin in winter. Therefore, specialists advise reviewing your daily care and temporarily abandoning aggressive components.

Why skin becomes more vulnerable in winter

Dermatologist Papri Sarkar explains: cold, dry air, and frosty wind affect the skin, gradually destroying its natural barrier. When this barrier is damaged, the skin retains moisture less effectively and becomes more sensitive to irritants. As a result, dryness, flaking, itching, and redness may occur.

However, not everyone experiences problems in winter conditions. If your skin remains unchanged, there's no need to drastically change your care. But specialists still recommend switching to more nourishing creams, gentle cleansing products, and limiting active ingredients — prevention is always better than treating irritated skin.

Soap: limit use in winter

The habit of actively using soap in winter can lead to excessive dryness. Dermatologists emphasize that soap should only be used where it is truly necessary — in intimate areas and underarms. For the rest of the body, warm water or a gentle gel will suffice. Regular bar soap has a high pH and dries out even vulnerable skin, so it's better to choose delicate gel or cream products for washing.

Alcohol toners

Many toners for oily skin contain a high percentage of alcohol, which can significantly dry out the skin in cold weather. Sarkar advises avoiding toners with alcohol among the main ingredients. If it’s hard to give up toner, it's better to choose moisturizing formulas without alcohol — they help maintain skin balance and do not harm the barrier.

Clay masks: use less often and with caution

Clay masks effectively cleanse pores but remove a lot of moisture. In summer, this might go unnoticed, but in winter it may worsen dryness and cause redness. Specialists recommend reducing their frequency of use or replacing them with gentle moisturizing masks.

Winter peeling: reduce frequency

Peeling remains an important element of care, but in winter, the risk of skin damage increases. Dermatologists advise exfoliating less frequently and choosing gentle formulas. Chemical peels based on glycolic, mandelic, or salicylic acids work effectively, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended frequency of use.

Strong fragrances and essential oils

Fragrant creams and serums can be pleasant, but in winter, the skin reacts more sensitively to them. A damaged barrier may allow more potential irritants to penetrate, so substances that previously didn’t cause problems may lead to discomfort. It’s better to choose fragrance-free cosmetics or use them cautiously, carefully watching the skin's reaction.

As can be seen, winter conditions can significantly affect the state of your skin, and to maintain its health, it's important to choose the right care products. Adjusting the use of active ingredients, reducing the application of aggressive products, and choosing moisturizing alternatives will help avoid unpleasantness in the cold season. By paying more attention to skin care in winter, you will help it remain beautiful and healthy.