You’re dedicated to your running routine, even when the temperatures drop. But while you’ve got the right gear to keep you warm during winter runs, don’t forget about your skin. Cold winter air and harsh winds can affect your skin, leaving it dry, chapped, and irritated. As an avid winter runner, you must take extra precautions to protect your skin. You’ve invested in suitable thermal leggings and a fleece-lined jacket, but now it’s time to develop an effective skincare strategy. Keep your skin healthy and hydrated this winter to do what you love:” racking up the miles on snow-dusted trails. With the right products and techniques, you can defend against the elements and cross the finish line with soft, glowing skin. Here are the tips and tricks to protect your skin during winter runs.
As an avid winter runner, you know the satisfaction of braving the elements for your workout. But all that wind, cold, and dry air can affect your skin. Here are some common skin problems runners face in winter and how to prevent them.
The cold, dry air is murder on your lips. To avoid painful cracking, exfoliate your lips regularly with a soft-bristled brush and apply a thick lip balm with shea butter or beeswax whenever you run. Look for lip balms that contain hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.
Frigid temperatures and low humidity zap moisture from your skin. Slather on a rich moisturiser immediately after showering while your skin is damp to lock in hydration. For persistent dry, itchy areas like your hands, elbows or feet, apply an ointment like petroleum jelly, beeswax or shea butter and then cover the area with cotton gloves, socks or elbow sleeves.
Intense, cold winds can cause windburn, leaving your skin red, chapped and irritated. Protect exposed areas like your face by wearing an insulating hat, scarf, balaclava or neck gaiter. Apply a thick cream with hydrating oils and dimethicone or petrolatum, which help form a protective barrier against the elements. Reapply every 30-60 minutes when outside.
You can run all winter without your skin revolting with the proper protective measures and hydrating skincare. Now get out there – your skin and your run are waiting!
When the temperature drops, protecting your face becomes critical for winter runners. Here are some tips to keep your skin healthy and happy during cold weather runs:
Apply a rich moisturiser daily, especially after washing your face. Look for one containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and dimethicone. This helps create a protective barrier and locks in moisture.
Apply an extra layer of a richer cream, especially on exposed areas like your cheeks, nose and chin, before heading out for a run. This provides an extra shield against cold, dry air and wind.
Your lips can easily get chapped in cold, dry weather. Apply lip balm before running and reapply as needed during your run. Look for lip balms containing hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax and vitamin E.
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Wear a breathable face mask, scarf, headband or face wrap to protect your skin from the elements. Fleece or insulated gear works well for cold-weather running. Ensure any coverings allow for airflow and do not irritate your skin.
Run when possible during the warmest part of the day and limit time outside. The longer you are exposed to cold, dry air, the more it can dehydrate and damage your skin.
As soon as you get back inside after your run, wash your face and apply a rich moisturiser to help your skin recover from the dehydrating effects of the cold. Pay extra attention to exposed areas like your cheeks, nose, chin, and other windburned spots.
Following these tips will help ensure your face stays hydrated, protected and healthy all winter long so you can keep doing what you love – running!
An all-natural cream like Balmy Fox Hand and Foot Repair Cream is ideal for winter runners. Apply it generously before heading out for a run to protect your skin from windburn and the drying effects of cold air. It creates a protective barrier without feeling greasy. Balmy Fox cream moisturises, protects, and cools inflammation; it is made from beeswax, cocoa butter, almond oil and essential oils like tea tree. It’s also great for the face!!
After your run, apply another layer of a deep cream or balm to rehydrate your skin and protect it from environmental damage. The shea butter and almond oil nourish your skin with fatty acids and vitamins while the beeswax seals in moisture. The tea tree essential oil provides natural antibacterial properties and a refreshing aroma.
“On the Trail” – Runners Hand and Foot Repair Cream
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Other natural skincare products for winter runners include:
Coconut oil – Contains medium chain fatty acids that moisturise and protect skin. Apply before and after running.
Shea butter – A rich cream made from the fat of shea nuts. It is very effective at hydrating and softening dry, cracked skin. Use daily, especially after showering.
Hemp oil – A lightweight oil that moisturises without clogging pores. It can be used alone or added to shea butter and beeswax to make a protective balm. Apply before and after running.
Essential oils – Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, tea tree and peppermint provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Add a few drops to a carrier oil like jojoba oil or a balm like shea butter. Apply to problem areas before and after running.
Exfoliate – Use a natural sugar or salt scrub 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells. Gently massage onto damp skin, then rinse. Exfoliating keeps your skin soft and improves absorption of moisturisers and balms.
Using natural products free from harsh chemicals will keep your skin healthy and protected during winter runs. Staying adequately hydrated before, during and after your run will also make a big difference. Keep your skin comfortable, and will be able to enjoy running all winter long.
Protecting your skin from windburn and chapping is critical to enjoying winter runs. As the temperature drops, the air becomes drier, and cold winter winds can zap moisture from your skin. Follow these tips to keep your body comfortable all season long.
Dress in breathable layers that insulate and protect. Wear a base layer of thermal underwear or running tights under your outer gear. Add a breathable fleece or soft-shell jacket. For your outermost layer, choose a wind-resistant running jacket. Look for a jacket specifically designed for winter running that is water-resistant and breathable.
Protect exposed areas like your face, hands and neck. Wear insulated gloves or mittens, a hat, scarf, neck gaiter or face mask. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your face – even in winter. Sun and wind exposure can still damage the skin.
Moisturise your entire body within a few minutes of towelling off after a shower to lock in hydration. Use a fragrance-free cream, especially on dry areas like your hands, feet and elbows. Reapply moisturiser, especially to your hands and face, throughout the day, before, during, and after your run. Moisturising frequently creates a protective barrier against the elements.
Your lips are particularly prone to chapping and windburn. Apply a moisturising lip balm with SPF before heading out for a run. Reapply lip balm every 30 minutes during your run and as needed throughout the rest of the day. Look for a balm that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax and vitamin E.
Following these steps will safeguard your skin all winter and allow you to enjoy your running routine despite the cold. Focusing on insulation, coverage, hydration and protection will keep your body comfortable and prevent painful windburn and chapping. Now, get out there and enjoy your winter runs!
As a winter runner, your feet take a beating from the cold, wet conditions. It is important to properly care for them to avoid painful blisters, cracks, and other injuries.
Wet feet lose heat faster, so keep them as dry as possible. Apply a waterproofing balm or wax specifically for feet before heading out in snow or rain. Look for products containing beeswax, shea butter, jojoba oil or lanolin. Reapply as needed if feet get wet.
When you get home after a run, immediately dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. Change into warm, dry socks and shoes.
In winter, dead skin builds up, leaving feet rough and prone to cracking. Gently buff away calluses and dead skin with a foot file or pumice stone after showering when feet are softened. Then apply a rich foot cream, ointment or balm – specially formulated for dry, cracked feet. Look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin, cocoa butter, shea butter and jojoba oil. Massage cream into your feet, paying extra attention to heels and cracked areas. Exfoliate and moisturise at least 2-3 times a week.
“On the Trail” – Anti-Chafe Cream
If certain parts of your feet are prone to blisters, apply moleskin, athletic tape or a liquid bandage product before heading out for a run. Reapply as needed to keep these areas well protected. You can also apply silicone gel pads or athletic gel sleeves to prevent friction.
See a podiatrist if your feet show signs of injury like open cracks, sores, or severe blistering. They can adequately treat the injury and may advise you on orthotics or special shoes that provide more protection and support for your feet during winter running.
Caring for your feet doesn’t stop when your run ends. Keeping them dry, exfoliated and properly moisturised will help you through winter training blister-free and ready to hit the road for your next run.
So there you have it, all the tips and tricks you need to keep your skin happy and healthy while running outside this winter. By moisturising regularly, wearing breathable layers, protecting exposed skin, staying hydrated, and listening to your body, you’ll enjoy your winter runs without worrying about the effects of cold weather. Running in the winter can be challenging, but with the right precautions, it’s doable. Don’t let a little chill stop you from lacing up your shoes and getting outside. Your skin and your sanity will thank you. Stay warm out there!
Elevate your winter running experience with Balmy Fox’s invigorating gift bundles. Crafted with all-natural ingredients, our skincare formulas are a runner’s best friend in harsh conditions. Our gift sets are thoughtfully curated to provide essential protection and nourishment for winter running athletes. From soothing muscle balms to skin-rejuvenating creams, these bundles are tailored to enhance your cold-weather workouts. Explore the perfect blend of nature’s goodness and athletic performance. Discover Balmy Fox’s gift bundles today and treat yourself or the runners in your life to the ultimate skincare solutions for winter runs. Stay protected, stay comfortable, and keep conquering those chilly miles.
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