When the temperature drops, skincare routines often take a back seat. Sunscreen gets left in the cupboard, showers get hotter, and that refreshing summer moisturiser stays forgotten on the bathroom shelf. But experts are warning that these everyday habits could be quietly speeding up the skin’s ageing process during the colder months.
“Colder weather puts your skin under more pressure than most people realise,” explains Joseph Cann, co-founder of retailer Branded Makeup. “And often it’s the everyday stuff you don’t think twice about that does the real damage.” From skipping SPF to turning up the hot water, here are the key mistakes Cann says most people make – and why they matter more in autumn and winter than at any other time of year.
Forgetting SPF when the sun disappears
It’s easy to assume you can stop wearing sunscreen once summer ends. But according to Cann, UV rays don’t disappear just because the temperature drops.
“Even through clouds, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin,” he says. “That means invisible damage is happening every day, quietly building into wrinkles and dark spots years down the line.”
The NHS advises wearing SPF 30 or higher with good UVA protection all year round, including on overcast days. UVA rays are present at relatively constant levels during daylight hours year-round, and they penetrate clouds and glass. This makes them a major contributor to premature skin ageing, even in autumn and winter.
Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth – not something reserved for sunny holidays.
Scalding hot showers
There’s nothing better than a hot shower on a freezing morning, but your skin isn’t enjoying it quite as much as you are.
“Hot water washes away the oils your skin actually needs to stay healthy,” Cann says. “Keep it up long enough and you’ll notice more dryness, irritation and a barrier that just doesn’t do its job.”
When the skin’s barrier is compromised, it loses moisture more quickly – a problem made worse by dry indoor heating. The result is tightness, flaking, increased sensitivity and, over time, a faster breakdown of the skin’s structure.
Dermatologists typically recommend lukewarm water and shorter showers, ideally under 10 minutes, to minimise disruption. If you want that spa feeling, adding a little bath oil is a gentler way to keep skin soft without stripping it.
Over-exfoliating to ‘fix’ winter flakiness
As soon as flakes appear, many people reach for harsh scrubs – but Cann warns this does more harm than good. “Over-exfoliating strips off too much of the protective layer,” he says. “That leaves skin red, sensitive, and more likely to age faster.”
Experts usually recommend exfoliating no more than once or twice a week in colder months, and switching to gentler options like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids. This keeps skin smooth without damaging its barrier – and actually helps moisturiser absorb more effectively.
Using the wrong moisturiser for the season
That lightweight gel cream that worked in July won’t cut it in November. Cold air outside and central heating inside both draw moisture out of the skin, making richer formulations essential.
“Light summer lotions just don’t cut it when the heating’s on full blast and the air is cold and dry,” Cann explains. “Your skin needs something heavier – look for ceramides and hyaluronic acid. They don’t just coat the surface, they strengthen the barrier and trap water in.”
Dermatologists also advise applying moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp, to seal in hydration effectively.
As well as those season-specific habits, a few measures should be taken year-round to make sure your skin is properly protected. For example, many toners and cleansers use alcohol for that ‘fresh’ sting, but Cann says this is one of the biggest culprits for skin issues.
“Products high in alcohol give you the illusion of clean, but they’re stripping your skin dry,” he warns. “Your oil glands overreact, breakouts follow, and collagen starts breaking down – so lines appear earlier.” If alcohol is listed in the top five ingredients on a product, experts suggest switching to something gentler and more hydrating.
Sleeping in makeup is also a classic mistake, as “your skin does most of its repair work overnight,” he explains. “Makeup clogs pores and blocks that process. And with central heating drying the air, the makeup actually sucks more moisture out of your skin while you sleep.”