It’s cold and it’s dry, and apt to stay that way for a while. It’s winter, after all; and runners need to pay special attention to their skin care routine this time of year. The cold weather, harsh winds, and dry air can really take the juice out of your skin, especially when you’re spending time outdoors.
We figured it was high time to check in with our friend, Jennifer Lopez, a family nurse practitioner at Novant Health Northlake Dermatology. She hooked us up with the intel on how to keep your skin healthy for the rest of the winter.
The Importance of Year-Round Sun Protection
Many people assume that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer, but Lopez emphasizes the need for sun protection throughout the year. “We definitely have less of an intensity of the UVB rays. But there’s still the UVA rays out there, and they go through the clouds and definitely affect us,” she explains.
For runners, this is particularly important as they often spend extended periods outdoors. Lopez recommends using “SPF of 30 or more” year-round, even on cloudy days. She adds, “Even when it gets real cold, if it snows, you can have a lot of like 80% of the sun reflected from the snow.”
Adapting Your Skin Care Routine for Winter
Even if you have a great routine, as the seasons change, so should your skin care routine. “For some people, it might be advantageous to switch to a more gentle face wash,” added Lopez. She recommends looking for products that specifically say “gentle” on the label.
When it comes to moisturizing, Lopez advises maybe even switching from a lotion moisturizer where it comes out of a pump to a moisturizer that’s thicker. You know, the kind that’s in a tub where you have to stick your hand in it to kind of spread it on. This thicker cream is usually more hydrating and better suited for winter conditions.
Actionable Tips for Runners
1. Apply sunscreen before every run: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Don’t forget often-missed areas like the back of your neck and ears.
2. Moisturize immediately after showering: Lopez recommends, “When you shower, really put on that moisturizer right away so that it gets absorbed within like 2 to 3 minutes. You want to do it right after the shower.”
3. Stay hydrated: “Making sure that you drink plenty of water so that you have enough moisture” is crucial for skin health, adds Lopez.
4. Use a humidifier: Lopez suggests, “For some people, it’s even advantageous to use a humidifier in the room. And that can help hydrate the skin, especially for people who really have dry, dry skin.”
5. Protect your lips: Don’t forget about your lips when running in cold weather.
With a little bit of effort this winter, you can protect your skin from the harsh effects of cold weather. And as Lopez reminds, it’s not just for cosmetic reasons but for cancer protection, too.
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