There is nothing like feeling the fresh air on your face during a windy day. However, it’s crucial to remember that as beautiful as nature can be, it can often harm our skin. Windburn is one of those risks we face while enjoying the outdoors. It can be painful, irritating, and damaging to our skin. In this post, we will share different ways you can protect your skin from windburn and keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.
What is Windburn?
Windburn is a type of injury that occurs when the skin is exposed to cold and harsh winds. Just like sunburn, windburn can cause redness, inflammation, and even blisters on your skin. The cold and dryness of the wind quickly strip your skin’s natural moisture, leaving it dry and sensitive. Windburn is often mistaken for sunburn because the symptoms are quite similar.
What are the Symptoms of Windburn?
The symptoms of windburn are easy to spot. They include:
- redness
- dryness
- sensitive skin
- inflamed skin
- peeling,
- itching and
- even pain.
Once you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to provide your skin with the care it needs to heal.
Distinguishing Windburn from Sunburn: How to Tell the Difference
Although windburn and sunburn may seem interchangeable, there are some subtle distinctions to take note of. One of the most immediate differences is when the symptoms are experienced. Windburn predominantly surfaces during periods of cold, blustery weather due to the skin being excessively dry and irritated.
On the other hand, sunburn is commonly caused by lengthy exposure to unprotected sunlight. Interestingly, windburn is less significant during the summer months when the winds are calmer, but sunburn can occur at any time of year. However, it is essential to realize that even with sunscreen, Windburn can still occur, whereas sunburn is prevented with proper sunscreen application.
How to Protect Your Skin from Windburn?
Protecting your skin from windburn is not only about anticipating it, but it is also about preparation. Before stepping out, make sure that your skin has a good layer of sunscreen. Although you may not see the sun, the UV rays get through the clouds and can affect your skin.
Moreover, using a humidifier or air purifier can help maintain moisture levels, which are crucial in keeping your skin healthy during the wind season.
One of the best ways to prevent windburn is by avoiding prolonged exposure to the wind. Whenever you are going to be outside, it’s always helpful to ensure you have a scarf or a hat to cover your face. Additionally, putting on an oil-based moisturizer or balm can act as a barrier and shield your skin from the harsh winds.
Protect your skin barrier
Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against daily assaults like pollution, UV rays, and wind. When wind exposure damages your skin’s outer barrier, it weakens its protective powers. To keep your skin strong and healthy,
-stick to your skincare routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing daily
– make sure the products you use actually penetrate the skin’s surface to provide the moisture it needs.
– if you notice any redness or inflammation, act quickly to avoid damaging your skin’s barrier. Because when your skin is compromised, it’s more vulnerable to everything that hits it – including harmful UV rays.
The Importance of the Skin Barrier
Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is key to achieving glowing and hydrated skin. This thin layer of cells acts as a shield, keeping moisture in and environmental irritants out. However, damaging factors like allergens, irritants, pollutants, sun exposure, alkaline detergents, an unbalanced diet, lack of hydration, and sleep can weaken the skin barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and conditions such as eczema. If your skin lacks its natural glow and appears unhealthy, it may indicate a damaged skin barrier, which can be further indicated by breakouts, redness, rashes, and cracks. Thankfully, restoring the barrier function can help mitigate these symptoms and restore the skin back to its healthy state.
The Best Skincare Ingredients to Treat Windburn
If your skin has already been damaged by the wind, don’t worry. There are still ways to treat it. A few great ingredients that can soothe and calm down wind-burned skin include aloe, shea butter, chamomile, and vitamin E. You can also try using an ointment with hydrocortisone. All of these ingredients have healing properties that can help restore your skin to its natural state.
Metabiotic skincare to the rescue
Metabiotics are 2nd generation probiotics, a mixture of natural hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, peptides, enzymes, and other organic compounds. A specific metabiotic enzyme called SMase has a specialized role in producing the protein sphingomyelin. This protein is a building block of ceramides, essential molecules for skin barrier integrity.
The time it takes to improve your skin barrier depends on how sensitive your skin is and how damaged it is. Overall, it might take from 2 weeks to two months to get your skin back to normal. As the skins hydration levels improve so will the skins health
Final note
Windburn can cause painful and irritating symptoms, but with a few precautionary steps, you can prevent it from damaging your skin. Remember always to cover your face during windy days and apply proper sunscreen. Additionally, keeping your skin hydrated with appropriate moisturizers and skincare ingredients can help your skin cope with the harsh nature elements. So, go ahead, enjoy nature any time of the year, and take necessary measures to protect your skin at all times.