How To Protect Sensitive Skin When Doing Winter Sports

No matter which winter sports you like, dressing in dependable clothes is crucial to staying warm and comfortable.

During winter, it's important to do some activities to keep the blood pumping, the heart in good shape, and the skin healthy. But when you're going outside without proper protection and the right clothing,  cold winter winds may disrupt your comfort.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), dry skin often gets cold during winter. They explained that the cold air outside, combined with the hot air inside, and dry air everywhere can “disrupt the skin’s barrier during the winter months.”

Since the weather transitions from fall to winter, the temperature changes may cause water loss, leading to dry and itchy skin that can be detrimental for people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

At Cottonique, we want to make your skin look best and feel cared for without messing up the outdoor winter activities you've lined up throughout the colder months. Here are some tips to avoid putting  extra strain on your skin and keep them protected.

1. DON'T FORGET TO APPLY SUNSCREEN

Sunscreens are not just for summer—they're for winter too!

Using moisturizing sunscreens, particularly broad-spectrum ones, with an SPF of at least 30 and built-in protection against both UVA and UVB light, is a necessary part of protecting your skin all-year-round. According to North Pacific Dermatology, everyone’s skin remains at risk for sun damage even in the middle of winter since "snow is excellent at reflecting sunlight."

The World Health Organization also informs everyone that fresh snow, as a good reflector, "doubles a person's UV exposure." Whenever you’re skiing, sledding, skating, or snowboarding, don’t forget to put sunscreen on areas not covered by clothing, such as the face, neck, ears, and hands.

2. STAY HYDRATED

Although it may seem odd to some to drink liters of water during winter, our skin still needs plenty of liquids to stay hydrated under cold temperatures.

Water, an essential component of the human body, plays a vital role in normal physiological balance. They help regulate body temperatures, allowing the blood to do its functions properly by carrying important nutrients and oxygen around your body.  

So just because you're not thirsty, it doesn't mean your skin remains hydrated. Doing physical activities, staying under the sun, and remaining at higher altitudes can all increase the risk of dehydration, directly affecting your skin's overall moisture. To avoid getting dry winter skin and boost skin hydration, always drink plenty of water everyday.

3. UPGRADE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Just because you will perspire less during winter doesn't mean you won't have to continue doing your skincare routine. As the seasons change from warm to cold, make sure to update your skincare methods to keep the skin protected and well maintained.

Our skin naturally fends off the drying effects of cold and windy winter months, so make it a habit to apply moisturizer after washing your face or taking a shower to help lock in moisture to your skin.

Also, as per North Pacific Dermatology, people with eczema should use thick moisturizers as their skin requires a lot of moisturizing. "Without a heavier moisturizer or eczema cream, it's possible that the cold, dry weather outside will exacerbate the condition," they said in an article.

Aside from moisturizing, don’t forget to cleanse and exfoliate as regularly as possible. After all, the cold winter winds can be harsh on your skin, that’s why having a proper skincare routine backed by your dermatologist is important!

4. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND GEAR

Bundling up and layering clothes to brave the cold weather can sometimes aggravate your skin condition. Fabrics like wool, nylon, and other synthetics sometimes give people a hard time during winter as the fabrics contain chemicals in them, triggering their skin conditions in the process.

To avoid flare-ups, we urge you to ditch irritating clothing made with rough fabrics and wear more organic fabrics like cotton instead. Cotton clothes are not only soft and breathable, but they are also warm and hypoallergenic. They feel smooth and comfortable whether you layer them over heavier fabrics or wear them solo.

If you're looking for clothes to keep the winter winds off your body without triggering your skin allergies, you may want to check out our allergy-free thermal collections! Made with 100% organic cotton, our thermal collection provides much-needed warmth and allergy-free comfort perfect for people with skin allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities. Here are our picks:

• Men's Thermal Base Layer Long Johns with Fly
  An efficient base layer or comfortable sleepwear that gives insulation and comfort to support your daily outdoor activities under low temperatures.
  
  
• Women's Thermal Base Layer Leggings
  A hypoallergenic bottom that keeps bodies insulated, comfortable, and protected under  chilly weather.
  
  
• Men's Thermal Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt
  Your perfect companion on chilly days that helps retain body heat in cold temperatures without causing irritation
  
  
• Women's Thermal Base Layer Long Sleeve Tee
  Chase the chill away with this 100% organic cotton-rich thermal top that keeps you safe from allergies.
  
  
• Hypoallergenic Gloves
  Latex-free organic cotton gloves that give unwavering allergy-free comfort and defense against allergens.

TAKEAWAY: While the dry and cold winter season may be challenging for people with skin allergies and sensitive skin, wintertime can still be fun and enjoyable with a proper skincare routine and the right clothing. Don't let the cold and your skin conditions stop you from having fun in the cold. As long as your plans came with enough preparations and the decisions are backed by your trusted dermatologist, you're good to go! 

If you want to know more about winter skin survival tips, read this article written by ADA. You may also read our related blog: 5 Tips for Protecting Sensitive Skin in the Cold Weather

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.