Windburn Overview

Since windburn can affect any exposed skin, the simplest way to prevent it is to cover up. When you brave the elements in the winter, wear long pants, a jacket, gloves and a hat. You may want to invest in a ski mask that protects your entire face, especially if you're involved in recreational activities. And since UV rays shine year-round, you'll need sunscreen to protect your skin.

Your face, neck, hands and ears get windburned -- and sunburned -- most often in the winter. The sun can reflect up to 80 percent of UV rays back at you when it bounces off snow [source: US Air Force]. What's more, cold winds can exacerbate even the smallest sunburn. To protect any exposed areas, use a sunscreen and moisturizer that won't irritate your skin; pay special attention to the underside of your chin and neck, since light reflected from snow can burn the tender skin there. The sunscreen also creates a layer of moisture that will protect you against the wind [source: US Air Force].

Remember that your skin isn't the only part of your body adversely affected by the cold weather: make sure you protect your eyes and lips as well. Wear goggles or sunglasses that protect eyes from UV rays and apply lip balm as needed.

Finally, take some preventative measures in your skin care regimen before you head out into the cold. Don't use anti-wrinkle creams that contain retinal, anti-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid for five days before your planned outing [source: Baumann]. These chemicals remove oils and dry out your skin -- which is exactly what you don't need when you're facing sun and wind exposure. You should also avoid skin treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion for seven days before you head outdoors [source: Baumann]. If you take these precautions, you'll have a better chance of withstanding the effects of the sun and wind.

If you didn't take precautions this time around, read on to learn about the best ways to treat windburn.

Although windburn is often accompanied by sunburn, the good news is that its lasting effects on your skin aren't nearly as serious as those associated with sunburn. In fact, windburn should fade on its own in a few days. Here are some tips to help you ease the irritation.

Treat the surface of your skin by applying aloe vera or another moisturizer several times each day. Since the wind and sun have stripped the lipids necessary to keep your skin moisturized, you'll need to get that moisture from an outside source. The skin affected by windburn may peel as it does when irritated by sunburn, but keeping it moisturized can make you feel more comfortable [source: Health.com].

You can also take medication to reduce pain or soreness associated with severe windburn. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines can help speed up the healing process.

Other parts of your body, such as your eyes and lips, may have been affected by the wind as well. Treat lips with a moisturizing lip balm and use eye drops to help soothe eye irritation. Keep the affected areas away from fires or heaters, and avoid taking hot showers for a few days -- all these actions dry out your skin. If your skin is still irritated after a few days, you should see your doctor. You may have a similar condition called rosacea.

Although windburn can be painful, the condition itself is preventable. The next time you plan outdoor winter activities, take the necessary steps to protect yourself from the wind and the sun. You'll be happy you did.

To learn more about skin conditions, visit the links on the next page.