Sunburn and Windburn: Avoiding Skin Damage in the Wintertime

Sunburn and Windburn: Avoiding Skin Damage in the Wintertime

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Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Steal the Style

Winter weather wreaks havoc on your skin, and those who aren’t careful might end up dealing with rashes, infections, and open wounds. Luckily, most people can easily avoid those issues by taking a few precautions. These five tips will help you keep your skin moisturized, healthy, and glowing throughout the winter months.

Avoid Hot Showers

Taking a hot shower on a freezing day is very relaxing, but hot water can be terrible for your skin. When water reaches a certain temperature, it strips away the natural oils that protect your skin from the elements. Turning the water down a few degrees will help you preserve those oils. If you ever plan on taking a scalding hot shower, then you need to apply a high-quality moisturizer immediately after you are done.

Stay Hydrated

The water that you drink will go through all of your other organs before it reaches your skin. That is why your skin becomes dry and chapped as soon as you are mildly dehydrated. Most experts agree that you need to drink at least eight full glasses of water every day if you want to stay properly hydrated. Those who are active or perspire a lot often have to drink double that amount.

Find a Moisturizer That Works for You

There are thousands of lotions and moisturizers on the market, and you might need to do some experimenting before you find a product that works for your skin. These moisturizers often contain dozens of different additives and fragrances that could irritate your skin or dry you out. For most people, a simple moisturizer with a handful of natural ingredients will be the best option for the winter months.

Humidify Whenever Possible

Heaters and furnaces tend to bring humidity levels down by pulling moisture out of the air. Investing in a small humidifier will give you full control over your indoor humidity levels, and that could alleviate any skin issues you are dealing with. Those who are willing to invest some extra money into their home might want to install a whole-home humidifier alongside their HVAC system.

Don’t Forget about Sunburns

Even in freezing temperatures, you can still get a severe sunburn, especially with the sun reflecting off of the bright white snow. Unfortunately, many people never even consider protecting their skin from the sun’s rays during the wintertime. Whenever you plan on spending a few hours outside, you need to cover your skin with thick clothing or sunblock. 

Most of these skincare problems aren’t dangerous, but they can be painful and unsightly. If any rashes or wounds don’t go away after a week, then you need to schedule an appointment with your primary doctor or a local dermatologist.