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Winter workouts require more than just grit—your skin needs TLC too. Discover SPF must-haves, hydration hacks, and more with our winter skincare guide now.
Staying moisturised, hydrated and healthy: Skincare tips for your winter workout
Maintaining that summer body during winter is one of the most difficult things to do. As the cold weather makes one want to snuggle up and watch movies in bed all day, maintaining regular exercise can become a challenge. The chilly winter months can leave us feeling demotivated to stay fit, and the dry air that accompanies the season can leave our skin dehydrated, which can lead to issues like tight skin, rough knuckles and chapped lips.
That’s why it is especially important to take care of both your skin and your body during the frosty season.
Protecting your skin is an essential part of the fitness journey
Caring for your skin should always be an essential part of the winter fitness routine. There are many common misconceptions about the effects winter has on the skin, leaving many confused about how to take care of it. Seasonal changes can drastically affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture and hydration due to low humidity and cold and dry air.
Here are some tips for maintaining that summer body glow when temperatures drop.
1. Even in the colder months, don’t skip the SPF
Going for that morning run layered up? Whether it’s 6am or 11am, the sun’s UV rays can still have a harsh effect on the skin. Although there is less UVB in winter, there is still a significant amount of UVA rays that could age the skin. Applying strong SPF products like the NIVEA SUN Protect and Moisture Lotion, which contains SPF 50 UV protection and 48-hour moisture, complete with a light and non-greasy formula, can make a massive difference to the skin. Applying it in the early mornings can help maintain a youthful appearance.
2. It’s about staying hydrated both on the inside and the outside
Switching to a more water-rich diet is not just about quenching thirst after an intense exercise routine. Consuming more water is also one of the best ways to avoid skin dehydration. Including more water-rich foods like cucumber, avocado, pomegranates and spinach in meals can add to the hydration needed to keep skin radiating.
3. Lock in or upgrade your moisturiser
Moisturising once a day is simply not enough to beat the arid conditions. The harsh air requires a more frequent moisturising routine. Either moisturise twice a day (preferably before and after exercising) or use creams instead of lotions for a thick consistency. Case in point, the NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Cream deeply nourishes for up to 72 hours. With pure hyaluron, almond oil and deep nourish serum, it helps to replenish the skin throughout the day to prevent tightness and irritation.
4. Unfortunately, hot showers do more harm than good
Of course, it’s tempting to want to take a sizzling shower after an awesome workout session to counter the freezing temperatures, but a regrettable fact is that hot water dries out your skin and removes the natural oils needed to protect the skin’s moisture barrier. It is important to be mindful of shower heat – either stick to lukewarm or warm water, or limit your shower time.
5. At the end of the day, rest is your best friend
When it comes down to it, the best skin enhancer is rest and sleep. Don’t forget that, after a powerful workout routine, give your body the time to be still and rejuvenate. Good amounts of rest and sleep are crucial and have been shown to improve mental health and mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and strengthen cardiovascular functioning. Taking time off is just as important as putting the time in.
In these frigid conditions, maintaining fitness is already difficult. By using these small tips, caring for yourself has just become less overwhelming, helping you retain that summer glow no matter the season.