Winter Woes: Preventing and Treating Windburn

Those who spend time outdoors during the bitterly cold winter months are no stranger to the itching, flaking, and irritation that comes with a windburn. Commonly seen in winter runners and people who enjoy spending time on the slopes, windburn is caused by a combination of low temperatures, low humidity, and fast winds that strip your skin of moisture and its natural, protective barrier. This results in the redness, pain, and extreme skin dehydration that we associate with this condition. 

Prevention

The easiest way to protect your skin from windburn is a physical barrier. If you decide to venture outside, cover as much of your skin as you can with clothing. While windburn is most common on the face, it can occur anywhere that skin is exposed to the elements, so covering up from head to toe is critical. When you dress for a winter trek, you should include earmuffs, gloves, and scarves.

Keeping your skin well hydrated can also help prevent windburn, as it keeps your skin barrier in good health. Because this condition occurs when your skin is stripped of healthy oils by the cold air and low humidity, maintaining your moisture levels with an emollient cream or lotion, complete with SPF protection, drastically decreases your chances of getting chapped during your time outdoors.

Treatment

If it’s too late for prevention, you can still reduce the amount of time spent suffering by taking action at the first sign of chapped skin. Start with moisturizer. When your skin is windburned, it is extremely dry and irritated. Quenching it with high-quality hydration can help it start the healing process and decrease the discomfort you’re feeling. Soothe and calm your skin with Meg-21 Redness Relief, it promotes skin healing with soothing ingredients such as Burdock, Aloe, and Licorice root, as well as patented Supplamine.

Ingredients to look for include humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which will help your skin draw in moisture. Products that contain ceramides, a lipid that our body naturally produces, can help the damaged skin barrier heal faster. Hydrating B5 Gel by SkinCeuticals is an excellent oil free hydrator that is perfect for all skin types.

It’s critical to avoid products that contain fragrances, exfoliants, or parabens. These can exacerbate the condition, causing additional irritation and extending the time it takes for your skin to heal. 

If you’re dealing with windburn or any other winter skin woes, talk with the experts at Advanced Skin Therapeutics about products that can help protect, soothe, and nourish your skin. We can help your skin stay healthy and hydrated all year long.