What It Is & Derm Tips To Help

Given the lack of moisture that leads to a weakened skin barrier and inflammation, the solution really shouldn't surprise you: hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the barrier. All of this is possible with a combination of the three types of moisturizers. "Look for a moisturizer that has humectants to help moisturize, emollients to help the skin barrier, and occlusive products to lock in moisture," says King.

"Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are mostly low molecular weight substances that bind water into the stratum corneum, but they have to be used with the other components to maintain the water content," she explains. "

From there, you'll also need emollients: these are ingredients that prioritize your barrier. "Emollients are saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons of variable length that help with skin barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling, resulting in an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance," she says. "Examples are cholesterol, squalene, fatty acids and ceramides." She adds that you can use ingredients to help reduce inflammation: "Use soothing ingredients like aloe vera or oatmeal," says King.

Then seal everything with water and those nutrients won't escape into the cold air. “Sealing agents are oils and waxes that form an inert layer on the skin and physically block transepidermal water loss. Examples include beeswax, oils, silicones, lanolin, and zinc oxide, ”she says.

According to the experts, prevention is primarily about physical protection. Remember to wear a mineral sunscreen like zinc oxide formulas to create an occlusive barrier that will also help with sun protection. You should also be sure to wear adequate face and body coverage: "Prevent windburn by wearing protective clothing like a scarf around your face," says Hatfield. Since we're all currently wearing masks outdoors, the latter point should be a lot easier.

When you finally find yourself suffering from windburn, be extra gentle with your skin for the time being: "Don't pick or peel your skin," says King. "And avoid ingredients that could irritate – like alcohol or ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or glycolic acid – until the skin has healed."