7 Outdoor Winter Sports Skin Care Tips ...

This tops my list of good winter sports skin care because it might just be the most important thing you can do for your skin. Make no mistake – the sun’s rays can reach through the clouds and cause damage to your skin. And when the sun shines off the snow and ice, you are at high risk of a sunburn. I know it seems weird to think about a sunburn in the winter, but anytime you’re participating in winter sports, you need to slather on SPF first.

Cotton clothing is great, unless you’re skiing or ice skating and you sweat through it. That wet cotton sitting against your skin can cause irritation. It gets worse the longer it rests on your body. Instead, the experts suggest wearing moisture wicking fabric layers against your skin and then layering on the other items to keep you warm.

Oftentimes, the wind blows pretty fiercely in the winter time. If you’ll be hitting the slopes or taking your snowmobile into the backcountry, protect your skin from the wind. You can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your exposed skin, which will keep it protected and hydrated at the same time. Tuck a small container of it into your pocket so you can reapply as necessary.

Your lips are covered in skin too, so it makes sense to protect them when you’re out in the snow. Wear a good quality lip balm with sunscreen in it. That keeps the sun from damaging the thin skin on your lips as well as protecting them from the wind so they don’t get chapped and dry while you’re out having fun.

Anytime you participate in winter sports, you should have a water bottle with you. Even if it’s cold outside, you can still get thirsty and winded. Plus, downing plenty of fluids helps keep your skin hydrated so you won’t have to battle dryness and discomfort when you head back indoors.

Frostbite can occur on any exposed skin. While most of your body will likely be covered up while you’re outside in the winter, the parts that aren’t covered are at risk. Understanding the signs of frostbite can help you make sure your skin is safe. Preliminary symptoms include redness and tingling. Beyond that, you might notice discolored or numb skin. If this occurs, it’s best to head indoors and seek medical attention.

Lotion or cream is the best defense against dry winter skin. It’s a great idea to put it on often, but especially before and after you play your winter sport of choice. Your skin can only absorb a certain amount at one time, so it’s better to apply it several times each day rather than globbing on a whole bunch at one time.

What’s your favorite winter sport? Do you have any other skin care tips that help you keep your skin healthy and hydrated while you play?