Biting winds, extended steamy showers, dipping temps and drying indoor heat can literally suck the life right out of your skin, leaving it vulnerable to premature wrinkles and dry patches. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can pack away your skincare routine, in fact it may require a little more attention. Here are a few winter skincare myths that need busting…

MYTH 1: "I don’t need to wash my face. I’m not wearing makeup, it’s cold and I haven’t been sweating or anything!"

FACT: Even if you’ve been makeup free on a chilly day, dirt, oil and environmental residue can clog your pores and lead to break outs. Even grosser: when you lay on those cozy pillows of yours, that dirt is transferred, ready to breed bacteria, a pore clogging culprit.

+Body Shop offers a wide selection of face washes and you should go with the mildest for winter. We love their Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser, which is described as a "mild and creamy soap-free cleansing lotion"that promises to leave your skin feeling baby soft and hydrated.

MYTH 2: "I’m broke and can’t afford quality skincare."

FACT: Sure, some quality skincare products are expensive, but they don’t have to be. Just be sure to look for the right active ingredients like collagen to firm, a combination of Salicylic Acid & Glycolic Acid to get rid of and prevent blemishes and Vitamin C to refresh and even skintone.

+The Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Cream not only keeps the skin hydrated in harsh weather but constantly works on repairing damage. You’ll have to look for it in Pakistan, though, or order online.

MYTH 3: "I have good genes, I don’t need a skincare routine."

FACT: While good genes do go a long way, taking care of your skin makes the good genes last, making sure that the harmful effects of nature don’t take their toll on your skin.

MYTH 4: "My skin feels tight  because it’s cold out."

FACT: Your skin may feel cold because of the weather, but if it feels tight it’s because your face is stripped of its natural oils. What does that mean? It means you need to moisturize! If you don’t, fine lines may be more noticeable and your skin may break out.

+Even someone as fresh faced as Anoushay Ashraf has to take extra care of her skin in winter. "I need a face moisturizer since I have really dry skin," she shared. "I keep changing brands all time though. I started with Olay then invested in La Mer and am using Lancome these days."

MYTH 5: "There’s hardly any sunlight so I don’t need sunscreen."

FACT: The sun is actually closest to the sun in winter and the ozone layer (which filters sunlight) is the thinnest. Harsh cold winds amplify the impact of sharp sunlight and ‘windburn’ can be the worse thing for skin, resulting in premature wrinkling. So the higher you are (in terms of altitude) the more sunscreen protection you need.

+Neutrogena ultra sheer sunscreen is easily available in Pakistan and is an effective protectant in winter.