With the arrival of cold weather does not mean that you are condemned to exercise indoors until spring. Whether you run, bike or hike, there are plenty of ways to stay active outside in the colder months, although they can take a toll on your skin.
Cold, dry weather is normal in winter, so if you exercise outside, cold temperatures combined with wind can strip your skin of essential oils, causing dryness, irritation, and a breakdown of the skin barrier. If you plan on sweating outside this time of year, keep the following tips in mind to save your skin from the harsher elements.
Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is still a must for outdoor workouts, even under 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 whenever you exercise outdoors. Even on cloudy or cool days, your skin is still at risk of damage from UV light. At a minimum, apply sunscreen to your face about 30 minutes before going outside.
Protects all exposed skin
After applying a base layer of sunscreen, add a layer of moisturizer to help protect your skin from cold, windy weather, which can cause windburn and dry skin.
Think of moisturizer as a glove for your skin, providing a protective seal over your skin 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 windproof and moisture-wicking training clothes
If you're going to be sweating in particularly cold or windy weather, make sure your outermost layer, especially your gloves or mittens, are 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 moisture-wicking fabrics. Sweat that accumulates on the skin can cause irritation or even acne breakouts.
clean yourself quickly
The idea of stripping down immediately after a winter outdoor workout probably isn't very appealing, especially when you'd rather just bask in the warmth of being back inside. But it's a smart move.
Be sure to remove any 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 your chance to hydrate).
take a cool shower
Another very real temptation to avoid after working out: a long, hot shower. Even if it feels 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 bit cool, but it's for the best: the hotter the water, the more it pulls moisture away from your skin.
At that temperature, you're also less likely to stay too long. Experts recommend not spending more than 10 minutes in the shower.
Be careful with 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 flakes the next day, you can rub it off; but refrain from doing it immediately afterwards.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
To replace the hydration your skin lost during a workout or in the shower, and restore a solid foundation of moisture, it's recommended to apply moisturizer within five minutes of getting out of 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 that you may not realize how much you sweat during outdoor winter workouts, nor 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 you are hydrated? Look for a pale yellow color.