The Winter Skin Survival Guide
By Leslie Woit
Be safe and comfortable in your skin by taking some simple precautions.
From deep-powder ski days to sun-kissed snowshoe treks, our snowy winter wonderland may be sparkling on the outside—but on the inside, it’s sucking the life out of us. Cold temperatures, low humidity, and harsh wind all rob the skin of moisture. Give it a break: It’s only half a millimeter at its thinnest point, yet it protects us from damage and infection. Let’s spare a moment for the body’s largest organ—the skin.
Cover Thyself
The sun may be farther away in wintertime, but it’s out there. As we go higher, there is less atmosphere to filter the its UV rays, creating greater risk of serious sunburn. At an altitude of 5,000 feet—where most ski resorts are—there is 20 percent more UV radiation than at sea level. Snow also reflects 85 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays, bouncing back off the ground and burning skiers and snowboarders under the chin and nose.
Dr. Hauscka Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Time to cover up. Hats, neck gaiters, balaclavas, wraparound glasses, and goggles are the best way of blocking out the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that blocks both UVA and UVB. Look for at least 4–5 percent zinc oxide (also called micronized zinc), or titanium dioxide, or Parsol 1789 (also called avobenzone) among the list of active ingredients. Wear complete sunblock on sun-sensitive areas like nose, ears, and lips. Apply before you go outside, and remember, sunscreens have a shelf life: Check the date on the package.
- Dr. Hauscka Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 protects sensitive skin from UVA and UVB rays, and contains natural plant waxes and beeswax. www.drhauschka.com
- Kiehl’s All-Sport “Non-Freeze” Face Protector SPF 30 forms a barrier against harsh elements and wax helps prevent it from running into the eyes. www.kiehls.com
Keep Moist
Indoors, you may be shielded from the sun, but artificially heated winter air is still a killer. If you thought moisturizers keep you hydrated, think again. All they really do is lock in the skin’s own moisture to prevent dryness and cracking. The more oil a moisturizer contains, the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come in ointment form contain the most oil, forming a thick protective layer on the skin.
- Decleor Delightful Extreme Protection Cream rescues dry skin with cereals and essential oil, and provides protection against harsh external elements in extreme climates. www.decleor.com
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream relieves cracked, dry skin and minor skin irritations with skin-soothing beta-hydroxy and vitamin E. shop.elizabetharden.com
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream includes Antarcticine, a glacial glycoprotein sourced from sea glaciers. The 24-hour, light-textured cream retains its efficacy in cold, dry, or otherwise extreme conditions. www.kiehls.com
Use a Humidifier
Closed windows and indoor heating draw the moisture out of the air. Humidifiers do a good job of putting it back, keeping skin and nasal passages from drying out. In hotels, fill the bath with hot water and leave overnight.
Pucker Up
The skin on the lips is more delicate, so it retains less moisture and tends to dry out more quickly than other areas. Licking your lips only dries them out and contributes to chapping. Use lip balm with waxes or lanolin to seal in moisture. It should also contain SPF.
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15 has emollients, protective sunscreen, and vitamin E. shop.elizabetharden.com
- The cult lip salve Carmex now has a mint-flavor Click Stick with SPF 15 for protection against wind and sun. www.carma-labs.com
Go Bare
Metal jewelry in severe temperatures is a no-no. Leave your pierced earrings at home. Cold metal posts will make you feel colder than you need to.
Drink Water
Exercise, dry air, and alcohol all sap the body of water reserves that are essential for healthy functioning. Altitudes greater than 8,000 feet may trigger increased urination and more rapid breathing, which also use up more of your fluid reserves. Combine just a few of those factors—think soaking in the hot tub with a few beers after skiing—and voilà, a recipe for dehydration. Around 2 liters of water a day is recommended, but if you’re working hard on the trails, you’ll need much more. Solution: Strap on a low-profile hydration pack, like The North Face Dogfish with a 70-ounce water reservoir.
Leslie Woit’s travels have taken her around the globe, including recent trips to Tibet and Norway.
Posted on January 29, 2007