Winter Skin Care Essentials

The winter season brings great opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and skating, but the cold air and strong winds can leave our skin feeling dry. Here are some strategies to help maintain soft, radiant skin while you enjoy your favorite winter activities.

Don’t forget that sunscreen is important year-round. “People often don’t realize that sunscreen is just as crucial on bright winter days,” says Dr. Frances Jang, founder of Skinworks dermatology clinic.

For those engaging in winter sports, the risk of sunburn is often higher; UV rays can be up to 45% stronger at high altitudes due to factors like snow reflecting sunlight. Remember to apply a broad-spectrum, mineral sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outside. Selecting a winter-specific sunscreen with added moisturizers such as lanolin or glycerin is ideal.

Winter can be harsh on our skin, leading to chapped lips, flaky skin, and itchy scalps, exacerbated by the dry air from central heating. A simple solution is to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home or work environment.

Whether you’re skiing or shoveling snow, wet socks or gloves can be harmful. Cold, damp clothing can irritate sensitive skin and provoke eczema flares.

Keep spare mittens handy for emergencies or opt for breathable cotton gloves under waterproof ones for better insulation and protection.

While there’s nothing quite like a long, steamy shower on a cold day, hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. For maintaining hydrated skin, keep showers to 10 minutes with lukewarm water. If your skin feels dry or itchy, consider adding ground oats to your bath for their moisturizing and soothing properties.

“Dry and sensitive skin issues can be worsened in winter,” warns Dr. Jang. “Exercise caution with your skincare products during this time.”

To avoid worsening winter dryness, opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers such as castile soap, and omit harsh soaps, exfoliants, and toners. Look for soothing natural ingredients like:

• Almond flour
• Borax
• Ground oats
• Cucumber
• Calendula
• Aloe
• Glycerin

While winter breezes feel invigorating during outdoor activities, no one enjoys the aftermath of windburned skin. Ensure you dress warmly with protective gear like hats, scarves, and gloves.

“It’s important to be cautious of frostbite and windburn while participating in outdoor sports,” says Dr. Jang. “Be sure to protect exposed areas like your nose and cheeks.”

If windburn does occur, soothing aloe vera can help alleviate irritation and promote healing.

Staying hydrated is crucial in every season, but cool weather can make ice-cold water less appealing. However, it’s vital to drink enough fluids year-round to keep your skin healthy, especially when active. Be sure to rehydrate frequently during activities that cause sweating, like skiing or snowboarding. It’s best to skip alcohol, as it can lead to dehydration.

Our hands are often the first body part to show signs of winter damage. Frequent handwashing with harsh soaps can further aggravate dryness.

Be gentle with sensitive skin—wash your hands with warm instead of hot water, and scrub only the palms and between fingers if your knuckles are red and chapped. Keep them soft by regularly applying an oil-based moisturizer throughout the day.

Your lips also need appropriate care during winter months. A protective lip balm is essential to prevent windburn and sun damage, which can lead to cold sores in outdoor enthusiasts.

Select natural, sun-protective balms to keep your lips soft. Look for ingredients that help combat dryness, such as:

• Honey
• Almond butter
• Cocoa butter
• Shea butter
• Avocado oil
• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Vitamin E

It’s crucial to keep moisturizing during the winter months. “Applying moisturizer right after a shower or bath is the most effective,” advises Dr. Jang. “Ensure that you layer it over towel-dried skin to lock in moisture.”

To maintain soft skin while enjoying winter sports, moisturize areas prone to dryness, like your face and hands, two to three times daily. Opt for an oil-based ointment without alcohol, fragrances, or harsh chemicals for the gentlest care.