Lips And Skin Take A Beating During Winter

As winters go, we’ve had a fairly easy one in the Inland Northwest this year. But we’re several weeks away from the official start of spring, and cooler conditions can still cause all sorts of difficulties for your skin. Most people are aware of the problems brought on by cold temperatures, but dry air and exposure to the sun can also cause damage.

Whether you spend your winter months in the cold climates of the north or relax on the sunny beaches in the south, you need to be aware of the factors that can harm your skin and take steps to prevent trouble before it starts.

It’s important to remember that your skin needs moisture. The dry conditions brought on by turning up the thermostat can work against you. One simple solution is to keep the thermostat below 68 degrees and to run a humidifier in your home and office. A small cool-air unit will make the environment much more comfortable.

Plants add humidity to a room, too. The more plants in a room, the more moisture in the air. The air in airplanes can also be very drying. If you spend a lot of time traveling, take along a misting bottle filled with mineral water and spritz your face lightly every hour or two to help rehydrate your skin. And don’t forget to drink water, at least six 8-ounce glasses each day.

Extremely cold temperatures can quickly lead to frostbite and windburn. When outside, watch for signs of your skin suddenly turning pale, accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation. To help avoid frostbite, be sure you cover any exposed skin with several layers of clothing before going outside.

If you notice early signs of frostbite, get indoors as soon as possible. Thaw the affected areas slowly, starting with cool water, gradually increasing the temperature to just slightly warm. Never run hot water over an area of frostbite. It will be very painful and can cause permanent injury.

Many people don’t realize it’s almost easier to get a sunburn in the winter than in the warmer months. Skiers and snowboarders are especially susceptible to winter sun damage. These activities take place at higher altitudes with the sun reflecting off the white snow. Always wear a protective sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and sunglasses or goggles with UV-protective lenses.

Lips are especially vulnerable during winter months. Wear a protective coating of lipstick, gloss or balm with SPF protection during the day and apply a liberal amount of lip ointment before going to bed each night. For chapped or cracked lips, try a balm that contains an analgesic to help ease the pain.

If you’re lucky enough to escape the cold regions for a sunny tropical paradise, be sure the first thing you put on every morning is a substantial sunscreen. Nothing less than a waterproof SPF 30 will do, especially if you have skin that’s been bundled up for months.

Limit showers, baths and trips to the hot tub to a maximum of 10 minutes once each day, and consider using a moisturizer either in the water or applied directly to your skin. This helps replenish some of the natural oils and prevents that dry, flaky feeling your skin develops this time of year.

Taking a few minutes each day to pamper yourself can help you avoid most winter skin problems and keep you feeling great until the spring thaw.

MEMO: Shanna Southern Peterson is a Spokane writer and home economist. The Clothesline appears weekly. Ideas for the column may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or e-mail shanptr@aol.com.