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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

Winter Beauty Tips

4 Winter Beauty "Myths" That Are Actually 100% True

True or false: every "myth" you hear is totally false. Nope! We've partnered with Sephora to set the record straight on a handful of Winter beauty claims.

A million and one beauty myths have been shared and spread over the years. If you pluck your gray hairs, two (or more) will grow back in their place! People with oily skin can't use face oils! A magical cure for cellulite does, in fact, exist! Fortunately or not, none of these misconceptions are true.

That being said, there are a handful of unconfirmed beauty "myths" or claims that are actually not myths at all. So to help you get your beauty routine in good shape as we creep closer to Winter, keep reading to discover which cold-weather beauty claims you should keep in mind.

1. There *Is* Such a Thing as Overexfoliating

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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd

When it comes to exfoliating, there are usually two types of people: those who think it should be a step in their everyday routines, and those who hardly do it, if ever. In a perfect world, everyone would fall somewhere in the middle, but if you're in the camp of "daily exfoliators," allow us to explain why you might be doing more damage to your skin than good.

Although exfoliating semiregularly (aka once or twice a week) can keep your skin clear, happy, and flake-free, overexfoliating can completely strip your skin — and even crack it — leading to added dryness, slower cell turnover, and breakouts. In other words, exfoliating is good (and very necessary!), but don't overdo it.

2. You *Should* Swap Your Beauty Products Based on the Weather

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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Emily Faulstitch

No matter if your complexion is oily, dry, or somewhere in between, when temperatures dip, your skin has a tendency to go into panic mode. The cold, dry air is notorious for dehydrating skin, which can include things like flaking, cracking, and rougher texture. Similar to the way you'd replace your Summer moisturizer for an emollient formula packed with nourishing ingredients, your approach to makeup should follow suit — starting with your foundation. Be sure to choose a formula with the weather in mind, paying special attention to the ingredients, the skin type it's intended for, and the unique benefits.

To completely remove the guesswork, we created a handy Makeup Forecaster tool that'll serve up a thoughtful lineup of products based on your local weather. Find it at the end of this post.

3. Hot Water *Can* Dehydrate Your Skin

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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim

After spending a day (or even a few minutes) in freezing-cold air, jumping in a piping-hot shower can feel like the perfect cure. But resist temptation, and hear us out; the temporary relief of hot water on your skin isn't worth the consequences.

Much like overexfoliating, hot water can strip your skin's essential oils and damage the surface of your skin, causing dryness and irritation. So instead of turning the heat all the way up (literally), keep the water as close to lukewarm as possible. It may not sound enticing now, but trust us, you'll appreciate it in the long run.

4. The Fabrics You're Wearing *Do* Matter

Outerwear, warm layers, and shoes with good traction aren't the only things to consider when stocking your closet for colder temps. For the sake of your skin, keep fabrics top of mind, too.

Think of them like ingredients for your clothes; some have serious benefits for dry skin, while others are best to avoid at risk of causing further irritation. The latter category includes fabrics like wool and anything synthetic — polyester, acrylic, rayon, nylon, spandex, the list goes on. Instead, prioritize soft and gentle fabrics made from natural sources, such as cotton, silk, or linen. Whether you have eczema, have generally sensitive skin, or are just struggling with a temporary bout of dryness, this seemingly small detail can make a major difference.

TRY THE MAKEUP FORECASTER TOOL FOR YOURSELF!