Winter is challenging. Running and cycling are challenging. The year 2020 has definitely been challenging! Challenges, however, are there to be overcome. With that in mind, here are some useful winter skincare tips for runners and cyclists.
Reassess your everyday diet
It’s quite common to need extra complex carbs in winter to help your body keep warm. The more time you spend outdoors, the more complex carbs you’re likely to need. Runners and cyclists may also need to look at their protein intake. If your muscles are battling the elements as well as your training regime, they’re going to need to be well fed.
You should also make sure that you’re getting sufficient vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D. This is linked to sunshine and so can be in short supply in winter. If your body is short of any nourishment, you may feel out of sorts, especially if you’re exercising. There’s a very high chance that your skin will be in poor condition.
Remember to use sun protection
The sun is still definitely a force to be reckoned with in winter. This does have its benefits. Sunshine can be great for your mental health. It can, however, do a lot of damage to your body, especially your skin. Runners should still wear visors, put them over a beanie when it’s cold. Cyclists should wear helmets with peaks (or visors).
All exposed skin needs to be covered with appropriate sun protection. This has to be able to withstand both the elements and sweat. Even then it may need to be reapplied frequently. It’s a good idea to invest in a pair of exercise-friendly sunglasses. These not only protect your eyes but also protect the delicate skin around them.
Harness the power of steam
Facial steaming has long been used as a way to give skin an effective deep cleanse. It’s particularly useful for runners and cyclists in winter because it opens up the skin’s pores. This primes the skin to absorb other products like moisturizer. Your skin will absolutely crave this if you regularly exercise outdoors in cold weather.
You can use steam on other parts of your body too. In fact, exposure to steam is one of the benefits of showering and bathing. This is why immediately after a shower or bath is a good time to apply body moisturizer. If you’re carrying aches, pains, or minor injuries, it’s also a good time to harness the power of ENDOPERFORMANCE™ technology.
Invest in moisturizing, antibacterial foot cream
It may not be glamorous but it can make your life a whole lot more comfortable. Even when it’s cold outside, your feet are going to get really hot and sweaty inside your footwear. Breathable socks can be very helpful, but there’s a limit to what they can do. This means that you generally want to use a combined strategy.
Moisturizing, antibacterial foot cream will soothe your feet after the friction they experience during exercise. It will also help fight the bacteria, the cause of many common foot problems. As a bonus, this can help reduce foot- and footwear-odor.