Just because it's winter, it doesn't mean that competition has to be put on hold until spring. From skiing to snowboarding and everything in between, some of the most thrilling sports are played in the winter.
However, wintry conditions can be harsh on the skin. That's why we turned to Dr. Alina Zufall, BestReviews skin care expert, for advice on choosing the best products that soothe skin and protect it from exposure to winter weather. Completing her dermatology residency, she understands skin care needs regardless of the season.
In this article: Cetaphil Sun 50 Mineral Sunscreen, Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick and Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Cream.
The chill in the air and the excitement of navigating terrain covered in snow or ice are what attracts many people to winter sports. But the weather poses challenges to keeping with looking and feeling your best.
"Winter weather is very harsh on the skin," Zufall said. "With winter air comes low humidity and cold wind, both of which lead to moisture loss from the skin and irritation. This causes xerosis cutis, or excessively dry skin. Dry skin easily flakes off and cracks, leading to itchy skin and painful open wounds. Dryness of the scalp can also occur, making it itchy and painful."
She added the conditions are even harsher in the mountains, where skiing and other cold-weather sports often take place.
"The higher-altitude air is thinner and drier, leading to more moisture loss," she noted. "Sun exposure [ultraviolet radiation] is stronger at higher altitudes. The reflection off of the white snow also increases your skin’s exposure to harmful UV rays, especially in areas not usually affected, like under the chin and nostrils."
Zufall said that those who have skin conditions, such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and Raynaud's syndrome (a condition that causes loss of circulation to the fingers in the cold), may also find that these issues are worsened by wintry conditions.
Participating in winter sports requires proper clothing. However, bundling up in layers and warm coats can lead to other skin issues. Zufall explained why clothing plays a role in winter skin problems.
"During winter sports, we sweat under this clothing," she said. "The clothing clings to your body and causes occlusion of your pores. This can lead to worsened acne and folliculitis of the face, chest, back and any other part of the body where this occlusion [or] friction occurs."
Most people associate skin damage from sun exposure with summertime. However, it's a mistake to think you can put your sunscreen away in the winter. If you've been wondering if you need to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors to participate in winter sports, Zufall has a clear answer.
"Yes, yes and yes. Don’t let the cold weather fool you," she replied. "As I said before, the sun is still very strong in the wintertime, if not stronger at higher altitudes. If it’s snowy out, then you have the added reflection off the ground to worry about."
Dry, chapped and irritated skin in the winter isn't inevitable. Zufall offered some tips to keep it in good shape, even when playing sports that expose it to the elements.
Cetaphil Sun 50 Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Zufall likes this mineral sunscreen for its water-resistant formula that is good for sensitive skin and doesn't leave behind a white cast. It won't clog pores and contains prebiotics, vitamin E, ceramides and hyaluronic acid that are moisturizing and good for skin.
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Supergoop Play 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Because it's made of minerals and resistant to sweat and moisture, Zufall recommends this highly portable stick sunscreen by Supergoop.
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Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Cream
This rich body cream is made with hydrating ingredients that keep skin moisturized when winter conditions dry it out. The lightweight formula absorbs fast, which is another reason Zufall recommends it.
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Zufall said this lip balm provides protection from the sun's rays while it moisturizes. It's water-resistant too.
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Coolibar UPF Sailing Hoodie UPF 50+
Extra sun protection when playing winter sports is a bonus. Zufall advises anyone playing winter sports to wear clothing with UPF protection, such as this hoodie that also offers face protection.
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Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream
Zufall recommends this rich cream, which is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, for use at night. It provides outstanding hydration for dry winter skin and isn't likely to irritate sensitive skin.
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Dermalogica Intense Moisture Balance
Playing winter sports can damage the skin's natural barrier, but this premium moisturizer contains lipids that can help repair it. Zufall also likes that it's made with antioxidants and other ingredients that hydrate the skin.
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Oakley Flight Deck M Prizm Goggles
Don't forget goggles when playing certain winter sports, Zufall advised. This pair features an anti-fog coating and spherical prism for outstanding visibility on the slopes and in other wintry conditions.
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Cetaphil Gentle Clear Cleanser
Zufall said this cleanser, made with benzoyl peroxide, is good for controlling winter skin breakouts. The formula is micronized, so it's not likely to irritate.
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This gel is made with cooling aloe and offers a lightweight formula. It also contains allantoin, which, according to Zufall, is soothing and moisturizing to the skin.
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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
