Winter Skin Care Essentials

The colder months are perfect for enjoying activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating; however, the chilly air and brisk winds can strip moisture from our skin. Here are some strategies to maintain soft and radiant skin while partaking in your favorite winter sports.

Sunscreen isn’t reserved solely for sunny beach outings. As Frances Jang, MD, founder of Skinworks dermatology clinic, points out, “Many are unaware that sunscreen is essential even on bright winter days.”

Alpine athletes should especially be cautious since they can be more prone to sunburn due to conditions like intense sweating and UV-reflecting snow. For instance, UV rays can be more potent at high altitudes—up to 45 percent stronger at elevations of 10,000 feet (3,048 m).

Prior to venturing outside, apply a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Opt for winter-specific sunscreens incorporating moisturizing agents like lanolin or glycerin, if available.

Chapped lips, dry skin, and itchy scalps are common winter woes aggravated by the drying effects of central heating. Connecting a humidifier is a straightforward way to introduce essential moisture into the environment, whether at home or in the office.

Whether skiing or shoveling snow, soggy socks and gloves can irritate sensitive skin and may trigger eczema flare-ups. Keep extra mittens available for emergencies, or wear breathable cotton gloves under waterproof ones for better insulation and protection.

While taking a long, hot shower may be tempting during cold days, hot water can strip natural oils from the skin, exacerbating dryness. Limiting showers to 10 minutes with lukewarm water and showering once a day can help retain moisture. If experiencing itchiness, you might want to add finely ground oats to the bath for their soothing properties.

“Dry or sensitive skin issues often worsen during the winter,” says Jang. “Users must be particularly careful with the skincare products they choose.” To alleviate winter-related skin struggles, it’s advisable to avoid harsh soaps, toners, and exfoliants. Focus on a streamlined skincare routine with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser or soap like castile, and consider soothing components within natural cleansers such as:

• almond flour
• borax
• finely ground oats
• cucumber
• calendula
• aloe vera
• glycerin

While the winter wind can feel exhilarating during outdoor activities, it can also lead to irritated, windburned skin. Athletes indulging in outdoor sports should protect their skin with hats, scarves, and gloves. “Be mindful of frostbite and windburn risks,” warns Jang. “When skiing, remember to shield your nose and cheeks.”

In the event of windburn, peeling skin is natural as it heals; however, you can mitigate discomfort through frequent applications of cooling aloe vera.

Staying well-hydrated is crucial during all seasons, but it can be easy to forget in colder weather when ice-cold water is less inviting. Nevertheless, proper hydration is vital for skin health, particularly during physical activities. Activities that encourage sweating, like skiing or snowboarding, necessitate consistent rehydration. Avoid reaching for that post-ski beer because alcohol can dehydrate you.

Our hands often show the most signs of wear during winter activities, especially when we wash them frequently with harsh soaps to fend off illness. Treat your dry hands with gentle care; opt for warm water instead of hot, and consider scrubbing only specific areas if your hands start to feel chapped. To restore moisture, apply an oil-based moisturizer throughout the day.

Lips require care just like hands do, especially during the harsh winter months. A good-quality lip balm is essential for guarding against windburn and sun damage, both of which can lead to cold sore outbreaks for outdoor enthusiasts. Opt for natural products with sun protection and moisturizing agents such as:

• honey
• almond butter
• cocoa butter
• shea butter
• avocado oil
• coconut oil
• jojoba oil
• extra-virgin olive oil
• sweet almond oil
• vitamin E

Emphasizing hydration is key during winter months. “The optimal time to apply moisturizer is right after showering or bathing,” states Jang. “Apply it over towel-dried skin that is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.”

For well-hydrated skin on and off the slopes, remember to moisturize areas such as the face and hands two to three times daily, using an oil-based ointment that is free from alcohol, fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals.