How wind burn accelerates skin aging

When we think about the external factors that contribute to skin aging, sun exposure often takes center stage. We (hopefully) diligently apply sunscreen, seek out shade, and wear wide-brimmed hats to protect our skin from those damaging UV rays. But there's another environmental force that can quietly chip away at our skin's youthful appearance: wind.

The Drying Effects of Wind Gusts

One of the most noticeable ways harsh wind gusts impacts our skin is by stripping away its natural oils and moisture. This dehydration can happen gradually, often without us even realizing it, leading to dull, tight, and flaky skin. Over time, this chronic dryness can exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making us look older than our years.

But the aging effects of winter wind don't stop at dehydration. Strong gusts can also:

- Break down the skin's protective barrier, known as the epidermis, making it more susceptible to environmental pollutants and allergens.

- Weaken skin elasticity over time, leading to sagging and more pronounced wrinkles.

- Increase oxidative stress, breaking down the collagen and elastin fibers that keep our skin firm and youthful.

The Cumulative Damage of Wind Exposure

While a single windy day is likely not a big deal, the cumulative effects of repeated, prolonged exposure can really accelerate skin aging. For example, if you play an outdoor winter sport or visit/live in a generally cold climate—you now have another environmental factor to get ahead of.

Another sneaky way winter wind contributes to skin aging is by lulling us into a false sense of security when it comes to sun protection. We often associate the need for sunscreen with warm, sunny days, but the truth is that UV rays can still penetrate the skin and cause damage on cloudy,windy, and even snowy days. Solar radiation can penetrate 80% of light cloud cover¹. Meanwhile, on the ground, snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV radiation and double your UV exposure, while sand only reflects 15% and sea foam 25%². By skipping sunscreen in the winter, we leave our skin vulnerable to the aging effects of both wind and UV exposure.

Wind can also:

- Carry microscopic particles and pollutants that can be abrasive to the skin, contributing to premature aging.

- Cause the outer layer of skin to dry out and weaken, reducing its sun-protective defense mechanisms and making it more vulnerable to UV radiation.

Shielding your skin from winter wind

So, how can we protect our skin from the aging effects of winter wind? The key is to focus on maintaining skin hydration and supporting the skin's natural barrier function.

Here are some tips:

- Apply a rich, emollient moisturizer regularly to replenish hydration, seal in moisture, and create a protective layer on the skin's surface.

- Apply a very thin layer of a healing ointment like Aquaphor or Vaseline on top of your moisturizer or on target areas that are rash, flake, or dry-prone to protect skin even further.

-Never skip sunscreen, even on the most blustery of winter days; choose a broad-spectrum formula with at least SPF 30.

- When spending extended time outdoors in windy conditions, cover up with protective clothing like hats, scarves, and gloves.

For those living in particularly dry, windy climates, using a humidifier indoors can help add moisture back into your environment, which in turn keeps skin hydrated and less prone to wind-induced damage.

References:

¹https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/uviposter.pdf

²https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)