When the snow starts to fly and the temperatures drop, it’s time to batten down the hatches and protect your skin from the harsh winter elements. Outdoor adventurers have a particularly tough time in the winter when they’re battling both cold weather and windburn.
But with a little bit of knowledge and some good winter skincare habits, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best even during the coldest months. In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to combat dry skin in winter, how to protect yourself from windburn, and how to stay safe and healthy during outdoor activities in the cold weather.
Before you can start to combat dry skin, you first need to understand what’s going on with your skin. Here are some of the most common skin conditions that tend to flare up during winter:
-Dry skin: As the name suggests, dry skin is characterized by a lack of moisture in the skin. This can lead to some problems, such as itching, cracking, and redness.
-Eczema: Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become inflamed, itchy, and red. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the face, hands, and feet.
-Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes the face to become flushed and irritated. It often leads to bumps and pimples and can be difficult to treat.
-Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It can be itchy and uncomfortable and is often difficult to treat.
You wouldn’t head out on a winter hike unprepared, so why would you go out into the cold without the right skin protection? Winter can do a number on your skin, whether you’re dealing with windburns, snow burns, or just general dryness.
To avoid these issues, make sure to lather up with good sunscreen even if it’s cloudy outside. The SPF should be 15 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours!
In addition, you’ll want to carry a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun and wind. Choose one that’s petroleum-free to avoid irritation.
Finally, wear a hat and gloves whenever possible. A warm hat will help keep your head and ears from getting too cold, while gloves will protect your hands from the elements.
These simple practical tools are even more relevant to higher altitudes when skiing or climbing
You know the drill: as soon as the cold weather hits, your skin feels like it’s been doused in sandpaper. The unfortunate truth is that dry skin is only going to get worse as the temperature drops, so you’ll need to take some extra measures to protect yourself.
Luckily, there are a few natural ways to combat dry skin in winter. One is to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep skin hydrated. Another is to use a humidifier in your home, which will add moisture to the air and help keep your skin hydrated.
You can also try using a light moisturiser immediately after showering, this will help seal in the moisture from your shower. And finally, make sure to drink plenty of water (at least eight glasses per day) to stay hydrated from the inside out.
As an outdoor adventurer, your skincare routine should be all about hydration during winter. Even if temperatures are low, you could still be exposed to the sun and wind, which can dry out your skin even further. Here are a few essential skincare tips you should keep in mind:
And Now for the Extra’s
Don’t forget to use a mild scrub and use circular motions when applying.
Try to avoid taking long hot showers or baths as this can strip away the natural oils from your skin. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and keep shower time to a minimum.
It’s important to give your skin some extra TLC during the winter months. Utilizing these tips along with the cold weather survival kit will help keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the season!
It’s essential to moisturise your skin during cold weather, especially if you’re an outdoor adventurer. The good news is that there are now great natural options to choose from, including Balmy Fox’s Hand and Foot Repair Cream out there, so you don’t have to sacrifice your skincare routine.
The best winter moisturisers will contain a high percentage of natural oils, butters, and waxes, like hemp, borage, sweet almond, and cocoa butter, amongst others. These ingredients work to keep skin hydrated and protected from the elements, soothing, protecting, and healing.
Another option is a balm or salve. Try a beeswax-based balm for hydration and lip protection, or go for a shea butter salve for a more intense moisturizing treatment, that can help protect your skin from the cold weather windburn.
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your lips and make them dry, cracked, and chapped. You need a good lip balm to keep them protected. The best natural lip balm formulas are made with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. These will help trap moisture in your lips and create a protective barrier that seals in hydration.
With natural lip balms, the amount of beeswax is key, to forming a barrier without being too heavy or greasy. Try to look for a formula with no more than 10% beeswax concentration, as this should be just right for keeping your lips healthy throughout winter adventures. Ingredients like Vitamin E can also help nourish and protect your lips from environmental aggressors, so it’s worth looking into.
The Best Winter Lip Balm – From Balmy Fox
Lip balms with SPF are also great for winter, as the sun’s UV rays can still be damaged during the colder months. Similarly, you may want to consider formulas that contain additional antioxidants like tea tree, hemp, and borage oils, try Balmy Fox SPF Lip Balm. These can help to defend lips from environmental stressors and free radical damage, ensuring that you have healthy, glowing lips all winter long.
It’s also important to remember to exfoliate your lips regularly. This will slough off any dead skin cells, keeping your lips looking smooth and healthy. You can easily do this by dabbing some brown sugar onto your lips and gently rubbing it in a circular motion. To keep up your hydration levels, finish up with a layer of your favorite lip balm.
The upshot? Your skincare routine for the winter months doesn’t need to be complicated. Good skincare is about management, there’s no magic wand – or despite what many manufacturers say “Miracle cures, or ingredients”! Just be sure to use gentle, non-irritating formulas, and to switch up your routine depending on the activities you’re participating in. And of course, don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
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