Cold Weather Skin Hacks
Winter weather brings thoughts of cozying up by the fireside with a hot cup of cocoa, skiing down mountainsides bundled in layers, and sliding on your warmest wet suit - because not even the weather can stop you from shredding waves.
However, waves aren’t the only thing shredded during the winter season, but your skin meets its shredding woes as well. As the temperature drops, so does your skin’s ability to fend off Mother Nature - but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered this season… and the next...
Snowy Skincare
Those of us that don’t live in sunny climates all year long can understand when we say that winter can be our foe as much as she is our friend. With all of these wintery activities, we expose our skin to colder climates which result in cracked, itchy, painful and even bleeding skin.
These cold temperatures and low humidity levels result in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin - so even when we’re getting toasty by the fireplace, our skin is exposed to dry heat. The temperature also removes the natural oils from your epidermis, making it dry and prone to irritation.
Now, your rosy cheeks look very authentic but let’s give you the tools to combat and prevent the harsh aftermath you’ll feel.
Hailing Hacks
SPF
Now I know what you may be thinking, “Sunscreen?! But that’s for the summer when the sun is out!” Well, I hate to break it to you, but unfortunately, the sun can still do damage to your skin, even when she’s hiding behind the clouds. Even though sunblock is considered a summer accessory, SPF stands for “sun protection factor” - and the keyword here is protection because you’ll need all the protection you can get for your skin. Whenever your bare flesh is exposed to the elements, they take their toll; and by applying a moisturizer with the proper SPF, you multiply your skin’s defense against the weather.
STAY HYDRATED
Just add water! Stock up on H2O to replenish your skin’s hydration, but be wary of how you sip it - drinking directly from a cup or bottle leaves watery residue on your lips. When that runoff evaporates, it draws your natural oils with it. This can result in chapped lips, which trigger a thirst for more water, creating a vicious cycle. Instead, you should drink from a straw and try applying a petroleum-based salve on your lips at the first signs of chapping or chafing. You can also use humidifiers to replenish the missing humidity in the air of your home.
SHOWER RULES
We understand that a hot shower can feel amazing after a day in the blistering cold, but it’s best to stick with lukewarm water during these months. Hot showers temporarily relieve the itch associated with dry skin while the water is beating down, making the problem worse in the long term. Hot water temporarily distracts the itch receptors on the skin, stripping away more of your body's natural oils and protective barrier, causing dry skin. In addition, it’s important to limit the amount of time you spend in the shower because long-term exposure can irritate your skin. When you take a shower is just as important as well. Take a shower at night, applying a heavy moisturizer that will absorb overnight, and wake up to soft, supple skin. When taking a bath, adding a ½ cup of oatmeal, which contains anti-inflammatory avenanthramides, in cheesecloth to your tub, soothes dry and ruddy skin.
JUST A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR
Just a spoonful of sugar makes the flakiness go down. Sugar is a natural exfoliant, and when added to shampoo, can exfoliate away dead skin, allowing the conditioner to nourish your scalp more effectively. You can also use a spoonful of sugar and honey to create a lip scrub that will exfoliate the dead skin on your lips.
Surf Soap Sledding Through!
Pssst… In addition to the at-home hacks, we have a few products that will work wonders for your chilled skin!
Better Butter utilizes natural protectants like coconut and raspberry seed to moisturize and heal dry skin anywhere on the body. For winter surfers, Better Butter stays on in the water, protecting the skin through harsh conditions of all kinds.
Coral Glow uses a curated blend of skin-loving oils such as jojoba, rosehip, and prickly pear to restore the skin's natural sebum production, contributing to supple, hydrated skin - even through the harshest of Mother Nature’s temperatures.
Aloe cream aids in healing and hydrating windburnt and chill-peeled skin using ingredients like Hawaiian Kukui nut oil and banana. It’s absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin, protecting against environmental damage.
