Holiday Skincare Myths You Need to Stop Believing
The holiday season is here! Between the hustle of shopping, parties, and family gatherings, it's easy to let your skincare routine slip—or worse, fall prey to common myths about winter skincare. For women, many of whom are familiar with medical spa treatments and skincare, misinformation can lead to less-than-glowing results during the busiest time of year. So let’s debunk the biggest holiday skincare myths and set the record straight, all while keeping it relatable and practical for your lifestyle.
Myth #1: You Don’t Need Sunscreen in Winter
The Truth: Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even when it’s cloudy or snowing.
Many believe that sun protection is only necessary during summer beach days. However, UV rays—specifically UVA rays that penetrate deep into the skin—are present year-round. During winter, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, intensifying exposure.
What You Should Do:
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 daily, even if you’re indoors (UVA rays can penetrate windows).
- Look for moisturizers with SPF to simplify your morning routine.
Pro Tip: If you’re getting treatments like microneedling or chemical peels at your med spa, your skin is even more sensitive to UV damage, making sunscreen essential.
Myth #2: Cold Weather Dries Out Your Skin, So Just Use a Thicker Moisturizer
The Truth: Hydration isn’t just about your moisturizer—it’s about your entire routine.
While cold air and indoor heating can zap moisture from your skin, slathering on a heavy cream isn’t the only solution. Your skincare routine needs a comprehensive approach to tackle winter dryness.
What You Should Do:
- Incorporate a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid to attract moisture.
- Use a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils.
- Seal hydration with a moisturizer suited to your skin type.
- Add a humidifier to your bedroom to combat dry indoor air.
Pro Tip: Treatments like Diamond Glows® at your favorite med spa are a winter lifesaver, as they deeply hydrate and rejuvenate your skin.
Myth #3: Hot Showers Are Great for Your Skin in Winter
The Truth: Long, hot showers might feel amazing, but they strip your skin of essential oils.
When the weather is cold, it’s tempting to crank up the heat during your showers. However, prolonged exposure to hot water can compromise your skin barrier, leaving it dry, itchy, and prone to irritation.
What You Should Do:
- Stick to lukewarm showers and limit them to 10-15 minutes.
- Immediately apply moisturizer after patting your skin dry to lock in hydration.
Pro Tip: If dry, flaky skin is still a problem, schedule an exfoliating treatment like a chemical peel or dermaplaning at your med spa for a fresh start.
Myth #4: Holiday Stress Doesn’t Affect Your Skin
The Truth: Stress wreaks havoc on your skin, triggering breakouts, dullness, and even aging.
Between juggling holiday shopping, cooking, and social events, stress levels can skyrocket. High cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can lead to inflammation, increased oil production, and collagen breakdown.
What You Should Do:
- Prioritize self-care: Yoga, meditation, or even a quiet 10 minutes with a cup of tea can make a difference.
- Book a relaxing med spa treatment like a massage or facial to unwind and boost circulation.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep to help your skin recover.
Pro Tip: Consider treatments like Tox to soften stress-related fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a refreshed look for holiday photos.
Myth #5: You Can Skip Your Regular Treatments During the Holidays
The Truth: Staying consistent with your treatments is key to maintaining your skin’s health and appearance.
It’s easy to put your skincare routine on hold when holiday chaos hits, but this can undo months of progress. Whether it’s microneedling, chemical peels, or injectables, skipping your appointments could mean starting from scratch in the new year.
What You Should Do:
- Stick to your regular med spa schedule, even if it means booking early to fit it into your holiday calendar.
- Ask your provider about “quick fix” treatments that deliver results with little to no downtime, like a Diamond Glow® or light chemical peel.
Pro Tip: Many med spas offer holiday specials or packages in December, making it a great time to save on your favorite treatments.
Myth #6: Eating Sugary Treats Doesn’t Impact Your Skin
The Truth: Indulging in holiday sweets can contribute to breakouts and dullness.
Let’s be honest: resisting holiday cookies and desserts is nearly impossible. But excessive sugar can spike your insulin levels, leading to inflammation that affects collagen production and increases oiliness, which can result in acne.
What You Should Do:
- Practice moderation—enjoy your treats but balance them with plenty of water and antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens.
- Incorporate skincare products with niacinamide or retinol to combat the effects of inflammation.
Pro Tip: If holiday indulgences leave your skin looking dull, schedule a brightening facial or enzyme peel to restore its glow.
Myth #7: Winter Weather Prevents Acne
The Truth: Acne doesn’t take a winter vacation—cold weather can actually make it worse.
While summer sweat and oil production are common acne triggers, winter brings its own challenges. Dry skin can overcompensate by producing excess oil, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.
What You Should Do:
- Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.
- Incorporate salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide products to keep acne in check.
- Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can irritate your skin and exacerbate breakouts.
Pro Tip: LED light therapy at your med spa is a painless, effective way to treat acne and reduce inflammation during winter months.
Myth #8: Alcohol in Skincare Products Dries Out Your Skin
The Truth: Not all alcohols are bad—some are essential for effective skincare.
While certain types of alcohol, like denatured alcohol, can be drying, others like fatty alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol) are actually beneficial for your skin.
What You Should Do:
- Read labels carefully and avoid products with drying alcohols high on the ingredient list.
- Opt for med spa-grade products recommended by your provider—they’re formulated for safety and effectiveness.
Pro Tip: Many med spas carry professional-grade skincare lines that are perfect for maintaining hydrated, healthy skin during winter.
Myth #9: You Should Skip Exfoliation in Winter
The Truth: Exfoliation is essential year-round but needs to be gentle in winter.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can make your complexion dull, allowing your moisturizer to penetrate better. However, over-exfoliation can irritate winter-sensitive skin.
What You Should Do:
- Use gentle exfoliants 1-2 times a week, such as lactic acid or enzyme-based products.
- For a deeper exfoliation, consider professional treatments like microdermabrasion or chemical peels at your med spa.
Pro Tip: Winter is the ideal time for laser treatments since less sun exposure reduces the risk of complications.
Myth #10: You Can Ignore Your Lips
The Truth: Lips are often neglected but are one of the first areas to show winter damage.
Cold air and indoor heating can leave your lips dry, cracked, and chapped. Skipping lip care can make it harder to wear that bold red lipstick for holiday parties!
What You Should Do:
- Use a hydrating lip balm with SPF during the day and a thick ointment at night.
- Exfoliate gently with a lip scrub to remove flaky skin.
Pro Tip: Lip fillers aren’t just for volume—they can help hydrate your lips from the inside out. Talk to your med spa provider about options for subtle, natural-looking results.
Lip Fillers: Hydration and Enhancement in One
When we think of lip fillers, many of us imagine plumped-up, voluminous lips—but there's so much more to these treatments than just adding size. One of the lesser-known benefits of lip fillers is their ability to hydrate your lips from the inside out, making them appear smoother, softer, and more youthful.
How Do Lip Fillers Hydrate Your Lips?
Most lip fillers use hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body known for its incredible ability to attract and retain moisture. When injected into the lips, HA fillers:
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Boost Moisture Levels: Hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules, keeping your lips hydrated and supple.
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Smooth Texture: Fillers can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on and around the lips, giving them a smoother, healthier look.
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Enhance Natural Color: By improving hydration, fillers can make your lips appear naturally more vibrant and flushed.
Subtle, Natural-Looking Results
Not everyone wants dramatically plumped lips—and that’s perfectly okay. Modern filler techniques focus on subtle enhancements that improve the overall health and appearance of your lips without making them look overdone.
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Define the Lip Border: A small amount of filler can enhance your natural lip shape and define the cupid’s bow without adding excessive volume.
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Correct Asymmetry: Fillers can balance uneven lips, giving you a more symmetrical and polished look.
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Hydration Without Volume: With precise application, providers can use fillers solely for hydration, leaving lips looking soft and natural without added fullness.
Final Thoughts: Glowing Through the Holidays
The holiday season doesn’t have to derail your skincare routine. By debunking these common myths and focusing on tried-and-true practices, you can keep your skin glowing, healthy, and ready for every festive photo.
At Colorado Beauty RN, we’re here to help you navigate holiday skincare with personalized treatments and expert advice. Whether it’s a Diamond Glow®, microneedling, or customized product recommendations, we’ll make sure you’re shining as bright as the season.
Let’s make this holiday your most radiant yet! Schedule your consultation or treatment today and treat yourself to the gift of glowing skin.