Every season comes along with unique skin problems to worry about. For most, winter brings dry, dehydrated skin, even for those with typically oily complexions. But some of the information out there about how to care for winter skin is a little misguided. In fact, some myths you may be accepting as the truth could be making your dry skin worse!We spoke with Dr. Michael Shapiro, Medical Director and Founder of Vanguard Dermatology, to debunk the top 10 winter skin myths.  Find out how to tweak your habits for amazing skin all winter long:Myth 1: Thicker cream is more hydrating.Reality: “Concentrated doesn’t necessarily equal optimum hydration,” Dr. Shapiro explained. An overdose of thick hydrating ingredients can actually trap dead cells and leave skin looking dull. Instead of upping the thickness of your lotion, layer a serum underneath to boost moisture. “Serums are light, yet have super-concentrated ingredients — ideal for absorption,” Shapiro said. We like: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum ($36).Myth 2: You can cut back on sunscreen when it’s cloudy.Reality: “SPF is a year-round endeavor,” emphasized Shapiro. Clouds do little to filter out UVA rays, and an ozone layer that has depleted over time has upped the amount of UVB rays that can sneak through. Continue to use a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher to keep skin protected from aging and cancer-causing rays. Try: Olay Total Effects Fragrance-Free Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($17.99).Myth 3: Exfoliating makes dry patches worse.Reality: “Have you ever wiped away pieces of dry skin just to see double the amount reemerge after a few seconds? If your skin is trying to shed itself, there’s a reason—so don’t fight it,” notes Shapiro. Sloughing away dead skin cells helps remove dry patches for softer, brigther skin; plus, it prevents pores from being clogged with dead skin and oil. “A gentle exfoliator will clean dirt and debris from your skin before it becomes trapped in your pores and attracts acne-causing bacteria,” Shapiro adds. Try: Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Power Brightening Cleansing Powder ($45).READ MORE: 8 Skin Brightening Tips for Winter WeatherMyth 4: Steamy showers hydrate skin.Reality: Sorry to burst your bubble: Hot showers and baths are extremely drying. “Exposure to hot water with temperatures over 98.6 degrees causes blood-vessel dilation that results in water loss throughout the epidermis,” Shapiro explains. If it’s a bone-chilling day and you just can’t live without a hot shower, limit it to five minutes or less. Also use a soap- and fragrance-free body wash, as detergents and perfumes can strip moisture from the skin. We like Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash Unscented ($8.99).Myth 5: Indoor heating systems dry out skin.Reality: It’s really the level of moisture in the air that matters when it comes to skin. “Being that warmer air has the capacity to hold the most moisture, cold air naturally has a lower humidity,” says Shapiro. “When this cold, dry air is brought inside and you crank up the heat, you are increasing the temperature but not the moisture.” It’ll feel drier inside since warmer air has the potential to hold more moisture, resulting in a lower relative humidity and a higher water evaporation rate. Combat this by investing in a humidifier.Myth 6: Drinking lots of water can fix dry skin.Reality: “Water is good for your overall health and the skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from extra fluids, Shapiro says. “But the average person’s skin does not reflect the amount of water being drunk.” Your best bet is to treat dry skin from the outside with moisturizers—lotion, cream, ointment, oil—which all form an effective barrier to prevent water loss. For best results, apply right after showering when skin is still damp, to lock in more moisture. Check out the luxurious body oils we’re loving right now.Myth 7: Oily skin does not need moisturizer.Reality: Dry, cold weather affects all skin types—even oily. “Without some added protection, barrier function (which keeps pollution and other damaging elements out) gets compromised.” If you tend to be on the oily side and feel that creams can be a bit too heavy, try a lighter lotion or a gel-cream. “For true combination skin, use different moisturizers for different areas: a light formula for your T-zone and a richer one for cheeks that get dry,” Shapiro says. Try: ($11.09).Myth 8: Fresh air gives your skin a healthy glow.Reality: “This ‘healthy glow’ is actually considered to be broken capillaries in the cheeks—which is what regular exposure to harsh winds can do,” says Shapiro. It can also lead to permanent redness (rosacea). Before heading outdoors, apply a protective-barrier moisturizer and cover as much of your face as you can—especially if you have sensitive skin. Use gentle cream cleansers and balm-like moisturizers to calm skin if you do happen to get a little wind-burned. Try: L’Occitane Shea Butter Cleansing Milk.READ MORE: 4 Easy Ways to Winter-Proof Your Nails

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