Love to opt outside all year round? After a humid summer with oppressive heat, winter running is a welcome gift. Cooler temps and snowy landscapes beckon me outside to run. While many runners focus on skincare in the summer months, winter skincare is just as important. Check out these top winter skincare tips for runners who love the outdoors. (This post contains affiliate links)
Top Winter Skincare Tips For Runners Who Love The Outdoors
Winter outdoor endeavors can pose their own challenges however, skincare does not have to be one of them. Adopt a few of these strategies and you are on your way to happy and healthy running all winter long.
Sunscreen-is it really necessary?
Yes, yes, and yes. Snow and ice can reflect the sun’s rays and damage skin. Skin can be more sensitive and drier in the wintertime making it more susceptible to damage. Consider a moisturizer with a built in SPF. Sport specific facial sunscreens that are sweat resistant are also a great option.
Long hot post run shower?
Not so fast! While a long hot shower after a cold run might be super tempting, it is very drying to winter skin. While it is suggested to shower immediately after your run to avoid clogging your pores, try to limit your exposure. Consider laying off harsher exfoliants and opt for a moisturizing cleanser.
Lip Service
Sensitive skin on the lips can get windburn and chapped very easily. Protect them with a lip balm that contains SPF like this or this. Want a little color? Try this lip balm with SPF and a tint of a hue.
Give yourself a hand
Frequent hand washing and winter weather can cause super dry skin. Moisturize before and after your outdoor run with a petroleum-based balm like this. Pro tip: Apply a liberal amount to your feet, layer on socks, and sleep your way to smoother feet.
Humidify your room
Sleeping with a humidifier during the winter can help keep your skin better hydrated.
Opt outside all winter long with these top Winter Skincare Tips for Runners. Happy Running!
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
That tip to moisturize the feet and then wear socks! What a good idea!
I will try that tonight.
My feet need some tender loving care – they do most of the hard work during the runs and they do have dry, calloused skin.
Oh it works so well you are going to love it!
My hands get soo dry in the winter. (Especially this year as I am washing them more than ever). I always like to use moisturizer before I put on my running gloves. Thats too bad that a long hot shower isn’t good for you after a cold run! It feels so nice!
Oh I love my post run showers too so I have to extra moisturize afterwards 🙂
All great tips. I’m pretty lax on all.
And after a long run I get in the hot tub then take a hot shower.
That does sound delightful!
My dry skin hates the winter (which is only one of the many reasons I detest the cold LOL). I do the lotioned-up feet/socks routine frequently this time of year by necessity. I’m also an advocate for sunglasses…to keep from squinting (wrinkle control!) and as a wind-barrier. Just give me the summer year-round!! 😉
Sunglasses are great year round have to protect those peepers!
I never used to have to moisturize my palms until this year! Now #thestruggleisreal. Even with daily moisturizing, my right hand is very dry. Not quite sure why the left hand is ok, it’s so weird, but it’s so 2020, right?
I will admit that I don’t usually use sunscreen on my body in the Winter. What little sun we have really isn’t getting through #allthelayers although I know I probably should still do it. But I’m pretty religious about my face, which is kind of funny, because of course even in Winter i sweat it off!
I never used to use sunscreen in the winter but my Dermatologist has convinced me it’s a necessity. I think everyone’s hands are so much more dry this year with all the hand sanitizer and washing constantly! I like aquaphor at least a few times a day
All great tips! My biggest challenge is dealing with dry skin – there can never be enough moisturizer!
I know it’s tough especially with the hand sanitizer and extra hand washing
A friend of mine was just saying I should I buy a humidifier for the house! My skin gets so crazy dry…. maybe I should lay off the hot showers right after my runs also… dang!
A humidifier in my bedroom really helps. I also love a long hot shower but I make sure to extra moisturize afterwards
I need a new lip balm so thank you for the tip
Great hope they work out for you
Love the advice about the sunscreen. I am just starting to get in the habit of using it before every outdoor run and it is so important! Also humidifier for the dry winter air is always a good idea!
I am really trying to be better about sunscreen as well. Super important!
I think I need a humidifier. While my skin is still somewhat oily, my lips are always so dry and peeling and my hands are actually cracking, especially after all the washing and hand sanitizer over the last year.
Yes the hand sanitizer has done a number on my hands as well!
YES! I use MORE sunscreen in the winter when I’m running outside!
It’s super important!
We never get too dry down here, so my routine doesn’t have to change too much. I did get some chapped lips this year, but I blame a lot of that on stress and anxiety.
I blame everything on stress and anxiety this year!
I’m glad you said what you said about sunscreen! It’s summer here so the context is slightly different – BUT on a very cloudy day, I decided I wouldn’t wear sunscreen. My husband quickly said, you know how hot it is here, it will be sunny before you know it. So I put in on. And even WITH sunscreen (and a cloudy day) I came home with a tan line!
yes exactly it’s so important all year round
I love that you shared this because my skin is so dry during this season! I want to run more so this is a big help!
Fantastic hope you found a few tips that work for you
What a great tip to sleep w/ a humidifier. I live in Arizona where it’s always dry. I need to consider adding one. Thanks!
What a great tip to sleep w/ a humidifier. I live in Arizona where it’s always dry. I need to consider adding one. Thanks for the tips!
I find it super helpful to sleep with one in my room
I feel like sleeping with a humidifier is a big tip that is often overlooked but super helpful! Great reminder!
so helpful for us!
Hi Deborah, I am Margaret and I will like to appreciate the efforts you put into running this blog. I particularly find this article to be very beneficial and will surely try out these tips. Thanks again.
thanks!