With the arrival of cold weather it does not mean that you are doomed to exercise indoors until spring. Whether you’re running, biking, or hiking, there are plenty of ways to stay active outdoors in the colder months, though they can affect your skin.
In winter it is normal to have a cold and dry climate, so if you exercise outdoors, cold temperatures combined with the wind can strip the skin of essential oils, causing dryness, irritation and deterioration of the skin barrier. If you plan to sweat outside this time of year, keep in mind the following tips to save your skin from the harshest elements.
Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is still a must-have for outdoor workouts, even under the gloomy winter skies.
Many people think that sunburn is not a problem during the winter months. However, it is very important to use SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin every time you exercise outdoors. Even on cloudy or cold days, the skin is still at risk of damage from ultraviolet light. At a minimum, apply sunscreen to your face about 30 minutes before leaving.
Protects all exposed skin
After applying a base coat of sunscreen, add a layer of moisturizer to help protect your skin from cold, windy weather, which can cause wind burns and dry skin.
Think of moisturizer as a glove for the skin, providing a protective seal over it and protecting it from the environment. Get moisturizers that contain petroleum jelly. Since your lips can be particularly susceptible to the irritating effects of cold weather, be sure to apply lip balm as well.
Wear training suits that are windproof and moisture wicking
If you’re going to sweat in particularly cold or windy weather, make sure your outer layer, especially your gloves or mittens, is windproof. Also, since you still sweat when you exercise in the cold (you may not notice it as much as in the summer), opt for inner layers made with fabrics that absorb moisture. Sweat that accumulates on the skin can cause irritation or even breakouts.
Clean quickly
The idea of undressing immediately after a winter outdoor workout is probably not very appealing, especially when you prefer to just enjoy the warmth of being back inside. But it is a smart move.
Make sure you remove your sweaty or wet clothing and shower as soon as possible to remove sweat, dirt and oil from your skin. Otherwise, you only increase the likelihood of irritation (and delay the chance to hydrate).
Take a cool shower
Another temptation so real that you have to avoid after exercising: a long, hot shower. Even if you feel like paradise, it will end up damaging your already stressed skin.
The water temperature should be around what you imagine a heated pool would be like during the summer, which is generally around 30ºC. Yes, that temperature will feel a little cool, but it is the best: the hotter the water, the more it removes moisture from the skin.
At that temperature, you’re also less likely to stay too long. Experts recommend not lasting more than 10 minutes in the shower.
Beware of exfoliation
If your skin is dry or visibly flaky, what you really need is hydration. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using exfoliating brushes or body scrubs in a shower after a cold-weather workout can irritate already sensitive skin.
If you still notice scales the next day, you can rub; but refrain from doing so immediately afterward.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
To replace the hydration your skin lost during training or in the shower, and to restore a solid foundation of moisture, it is recommended to apply moisturizer within five minutes after leaving the shower. Smear your hands and scaly areas before going to sleep.
Drink a lot of water
Dehydration affects the entire body, including the skin. The problem is, you may not realize how much you sweat during outdoor winter workouts, or feel as thirsty as you do during the hot summer months; which leads us to accidentally underhydrate.
Make sure you drink enough water by checking the color of your urine. How will you know that you are hydrated? Look for a pale yellow color.
