Winter Skincare for Outdoor Exercisers
Winter is no excuse to stay indoors for outdoor exercisers. Whether you’re an avid runner, cyclist, skier or walker, the fresh air and endorphin boost can be invigorating. However, winter conditions pose unique challenges to the skin, from biting winds to frigid temperatures and low humidity. Without proper care, exposure can lead to dryness, redness, chapping, and even long-term damage.
Here are six tips to building a winter skincare routine that keeps your skin healthy and resilient, even in the harshest conditions.
Table of Contents
Tip 1: Hydrate Your Skin While Cleansing
Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness. Winter weather requires extra hydrating cleansers
- Opt for a cream-based or oil-based cleanser that nourishes while it cleans
- Look for ingredients like glycerin, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture
- If you tend to sweat a lot during outdoor workouts, take a quick rinse with lukewarm water post-exercise rather than over-washing with soap
Ingredients to look for in winter Cleansers:
- Glycerin. Attracts water from the environment and helps keep skin hydrated, smooth & and soft by preventing moisture loss
- Hyaluronic Acid. Can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps plump the skin & reduce the appearance of fine lines
- Ceramides. Lipids (fats) naturally found in the skin barrier that help lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage
Favorite cleansers for winter exercisers
Tip 2: Moisturize Strategically
Winter air has low moisture content, which can weaken your skin’s natural barrier and cause excessive water loss, often leading to tightness, dullness, redness, and conditions like eczema and chapped lips
- Switch to a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that creates a protective barrier against elements
- Look for ingredients like shea butter, squalane & niacinamide that help replenish and strengthen the skin
- Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing to lock in hydration
- don’t forget often-overlooked areas like the neck and ears
Ingredients to look for in Winter moisturizers:
- Glycerin. Attracts water from the environment and helps keep skin hydrated, smooth & and soft by preventing moisture loss
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5). Hydrates, soothes irritation, and supports skin barrier repair, helps with wound healing and reduces redness from dryness
- Hyaluronic Acid. Can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps plump the skin & reduce the appearance of fine lines
- Shea Butter. Provides deep moisture and prevents water loss. Rich in vitamins A & E , which help repair and nourish the skin
Favorite moisturizers for winter exercisers
Further Readings
→ Winter Skincare for Outdoor Exercisers: Facial Cleaners
→ Winter Skincare for Outdoor Exercisers: Moisturizers
Tip 3: prioritize sun protection
One of the biggest skincare mistakes in winter is neglecting sunscreen. UV rays can be just as harmful, if not more so, when reflected off snow and ice.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days.
- For extra protection, opt for mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate sensitive winter skin.
- Protect your body with UPF 50+ clothing to protect against 98% of UVA and UVD rays.
Elements to look for in Winter Sun Protection:
- UPF 50+ Clothing. Protects against 98% of UVA & UVB rays. Look for independent lab certification.
- Mineral (Physical) UV Filters. Best for sensitive skin. Includes Zinc Oxide (provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB) and Titanium Dioxide (effective against UVB and short-wave UVA; gentle on the skin)
- Chemical UV Filters. Lightweight & transparent formulas. Active ingredients include avobenzone, octocrylene & mexoryl SX & tinosorb S
OUR FAVORITE SUN SHIRTS FOR WINTER EXERCISERS
"Sunscreen is a year round essential. Think of it as brushing your teeth - something you do every morning."
Tip 4: protect your lips
Cold air and wind can quickly dry out and chap lips, leading to painful cracks.
- Use a thick, protective lip balm with ingredients like beeswax, shea butter or lanolin.
- Avoid products with menthol or artificial fragrances, as these can be drying.
- Reapply frequently, especially if you’re skiing or running in exposed conditions.
- Protect your body with UPF 50+ clothing to protect against 98% of UVA and UVD rays.
Ingredients to look for in Winter Lip Protection:
- Hyaluronic Acid. Draws moisture into the lips, keeping them plump and hydrated
- Aloe Vera. Soothes irritation and provides lightweight hydration
- Glycerin. Attracts and retains moisture, preventing dryness
- Beeswax. Creates a protective barrier against harsh winter winds and cold air
- Lanolin. Helps seal in moisture and heal cracked lips
Favorite Lip Treatments for winter exercisers
Tip 5: Invest in post-workout skincare
Skin may be red, wind-chapped or sensitive after an outdoor workout.
- Avoid hot showers, as they can further strip moisture.
- Opt for lukewarm water and apply a rich moisturizer immediately afterward.
- If your skin feels irritated, use a soothing aloe vera gel or a ceramide-rich repair cream to help calm inflammation.
"Cold weather strips away natural oils on the surface of our skin. This can lead to dryness, flakiness and irritation. It can aslo weaken the skin’s barrier and make it more prone to redness and cracking."
Tip 6: Adjust your routine based on your skin type
Different skin requires different types of maintenance
- If you have oily skin, you may still need lightweight hydration without clogging pores.
- If your skin is dry or sensitive, prioritize richer, fragrance-free products.
- Those prone to eczema may benefit from barrier-repairing creams containing ceramides and colloidal oatmeal.
- If your skin is agitated, take a break from retinoids and exfoliating acids
Further Readings
→ Winter Skincare for Tennis Players
→ Winter Skincare for Walkers & Hikers
Conclusion
Winter outdoor exercise is exhilarating and rewarding, but your skin needs extra attention to withstand the elements. These six winter skincare tips will allow you to build a thoughtful skincare routine and enjoy your winter workouts without sacrificing skin health. Hydration, protection, and recovery are key— bundle up, lather on that SPF and embrace the chill with confidence.
JOJU
JOJU is a line of luxury sun protective clothing. We make buttery soft, ultra lightweight UPF 50+ sun shirts for men, women & teens. We believe in the power of time spent outdoors and the importance of sun safety. Our mission is to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors - safely and comfortably.
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