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Crisp, cool air is one of the most refreshing parts ofwinter outdoor workouts.
Cavan Images/Adobe Stock
One of the worst?
The wind burn on your face that can pop up after exercising outside during especially breezy days.
But what exactly is wind burn, and how can you ease that raw tenderness?
Heres what it’s crucial that you know.
What exactly is that wind burn on your face?
Wind burn is damage to your outer layer of skin, says Dr. Piliang.
This causes irritation and inflammation of your skin, says Dr. Katta.
As a result, you may experience redness, sensitivity, andpeeling of the skinon your face.
In many cases, it can look similar tosunburn,but it tends to feel a little different.
While sunburned skin feels hot and swollen, wind burned skin feels prickly and chafed, says Dr. Piliang.
This includes an increased risk of skin cancer.
You absolutely can get sunburn and wind burn at the same time.
Thats why its important to protect against both before heading out for your outdoor workout.
He likesCerave Moisturizing Cream($13, walmart.com).
Its also important to pay attention to sun protection.
He likes Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen ($42,neimanmarcus.com).
If youre going to be skiing, consider using face protection in addition to goggles, says Dr. Katta.
If thats the case, youll want some immediate relief.
Agood moisturizercomes in handy for wind burn treatment as well as prevention.
Thick moisturizers like creams and ointments that contain ceramides can help repair your skins barrier, says Dr. Zeichner.
And products with coconut oil or colloidal oatmeal can feel soothing, says Dr. Katta.
Then afterward, apply your product: Using a moisturizer on damp skin can really help lock in moisture.
These can beantiaging productswith retinoids or acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, says Dr. Katta.
These can feel especially irritating on skin with wind burn, since its protective barrier is not intact.
Using it twice a day can calm down the irritation and hasten the healing of your skins barrier.
In most cases with wind burn, youll start to feel better in a few days.
