{"id":220705,"date":"2025-10-17T17:21:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T17:21:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/220705\/"},"modified":"2025-10-17T17:21:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T17:21:09","slug":"how-to-protect-skin-while-riding-in-cold-weather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/220705\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Skin While Riding in Cold Weather"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re a cyclist who rides year-round regardless of what the weather forecast is, or you prefer the warmer months but still head out for an occasional winter fat bike<\/a> ride in the snow, the cold season can wreak havoc on the body\u2019s biggest organ. But it\u2019s easy to sidestep any issues with a little know-how and preparation. Take it from us: don\u2019t wait to nurture your skin against the elements until after your winter rides. <\/p>\n

\u201cMost of my patients are 60 years old and have been outdoorsy their entire life. They say, \u2018If I only knew.\u2019 There are decades of lag time with sun exposure<\/a>,\u201d says Meghan Kennedy, MSPAS, MPH, PA-C<\/a>, a physician assistant who specializes in dermatology at Solano Dermatology Associates. \u201cDon\u2019t wait until a couple of decades later, after you develop damage. Prevention is the key to medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n

To help you prevent (and treat) skin problems that tend to pop up in winter, here are tips from skin specialists and cycling field experts who share their recommendations for taking care of these seven common winter skin issues.<\/p>\n

Related StorySkin Condition: Cold Sores and Chapped Lips<\/p>\n

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or herpes, are a cluster of tiny, painful blisters that often surface on the outside of the lips, but can also form on the nose or cheeks. The combination of a long ride<\/a>, ample sun exposure, and getting chapped and windburn can trigger cold sores, says Kennedy.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/p>\n

Use a moisturizing SPF 30 lip balm and reapply often to prevent those windburned, chapped, sunburned lips. \u201cQuality formulations include Sun Bum lip balm<\/a> and EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36<\/a>,\u201d notes Kennedy. Continue to keep lips moisturized at home. \u201cRunning heaters at home dries out the air, so chapped lips can persist,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/p>\n

Cold sores can be treated with an antiviral medication. In more severe cases, \u201cpeople that frequently get cold sores can take a prescribed prophylactic antiviral medication like Valtrex before they ride,\u201d says Kennedy. If put on the back-burner, \u201cover the years people can develop sun damage that mimics chronically dry, scaling chapped lips<\/a> that\u2019s mostly precancerous. The treatment is then uncomfortable\u2014erosive creams or freezing it off\u2014whereas someone younger could be treated with steroid cream,\u201d says Kennedy.<\/p>\n

Related StorySkin Condition: Windburn<\/p>\n

Windburn, a reddening and soreness of the skin that leaves skin more susceptible to sun damage, can get worse in winter.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/p>\n

Windburn is best prevented by placing a thin layer of a barrier ointment, like Vaseline<\/a>, Aquaphor<\/a>, or a thicker cream like CeraVe<\/a> on the skin, before you start pedaling, says Janiene Luke, M.D.<\/a>, dermatologist with Loma Linda University Health<\/a>. <\/p>\n

In step with Dr. Luke\u2019s guidance, cycling apparel designer Barb Howe<\/a>, who consistently bike commutes, spreads on Dermatone Lip and Face Stick<\/a>. She also designs and dons wind-blocking cold-weather apparel accesories for weather-exposed ears, face, and neck, like Pearl Izumi\u2019s AmFib Lite Balaclava<\/a>, Skull Cap<\/a>, and Headband<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/p>\n

\u201cTreatment is essentially the same as prevention: thick moisturizer. Use ones that contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin and emollients with fatty acids such as ceramides,\u201d says Kennedy. \u201cIn extreme weather or post windburn, you may want to double down and use something \u2018greasier\u2019 such as CeraVe Healing Ointment<\/a> or Aquaphor Healing Ointment<\/a>. Also, avoid irritants in the healing period (several days) including acne creams and washes, anti-aging treatments and after shave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related StorySkin Conditions: Saddle Sores and Chafing<\/p>\n

As the Disneyland Resort entertainment stage technician, cyclist Lindsey Bryant pedals several daily miles resort-wide even during wintertime\u2019s dry, cold 30-degree lows. Because of these conditions, her cotton work uniform can chafe and cause chapped skin<\/a> along the thighs and backside.<\/p>\n

Bryant isn\u2019t alone. Sit bones and nether regions can get irritated with saddle sores<\/a> while riding during the winter due to layered cold-weather apparel<\/a> causing increased friction while pedaling. \u201cThere\u2019s more potential for discomfort with non-svelte outfits. Compressed tissue on the saddle and moving up and down with the legs can be abrasive,\u201d explains Josh Whitmore<\/a>, an expert-level cycling coach and former cross-country mountain bike racer.<\/p>\n

Chafing<\/a> can also occur from continuous rubbing against irritating fabric, resulting in a stinging sensation and mild rash. Severe chafing can even lead to swelling, bleeding, or scabs.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/p>\n

Apply chamois cream<\/a>, such as Chamois Butt\u2019r<\/a>, to minimize friction around your nether regions, and apply a product like Bodyglide<\/a> between clothing layers and skin where rubbing exists, advises Kennedy. \u201cPowders, especially if you tend to sweat, will clump and lose their gliding effect. Make sure your saddle fit is correct so it doesn\u2019t rub the wrong way and don\u2019t wear underwear.\u201d Every cyclist may need to do some trial and error to figure out exactly what works for them, she adds.<\/p>\n

To mitigate shifting seams, Howe recommends a cold-weather layering strategy pairing high-quality, well-fitting, and moisture-wicking cycling bibs or shorts with a chamois<\/a> with a winter-shielding outer layer of thermal cycling tights. \u201cThicker tights with a chamois have a tendency to shift around,\u201d which can lead to wrongful rubbing, she notes. \u201cI wash the bibs every night and reuse the tights,\u201d Howe adds. Kennedy affirms the investment in proper apparel is helpful.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/p>\n

\u201cWith saddle sores, keep the skin from getting infected, and if you get them give cycling a break, so the skin can heal,\u201d Kennedy warns. Whitmore\u2019s hygiene tip: \u201cDon\u2019t linger in your chamois<\/a>. Clean up (everywhere the cream was) with baby wipes and put on fresh clothes,\u201d he says. By the time cyclists reach Kennedy\u2019s office, their saddle sores are usually prolonged, and those more significant infections are addressed with topical and oral antibiotics. <\/p>\n

Related StorySkin Condition: Chilblains<\/p>\n

Chilblains\u2014small blood vessels that become inflamed in the skin, as a reaction to cold temperatures<\/a>\u2014is a painful condition that can lead to itchiness, red splotches, swollenness, and blisters. \u201cI get chilblains all over my fingers, since I started winter bike commuting<\/a>. The blisters flare when the temperatures drop and go away in spring,\u201d says avid mountain biker and bike commuter Alexa Lampasona. \u201cUp to 20 little swollen blisters could be on each side of my hands at one time,\u201d she describes.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/p>\n

Prevent this condition by covering the susceptible areas, advises Dr. Luke. Specifically, to control breakouts, Lampasona wears high-quality moisture-wicking, windproof-waterproof winter gloves<\/a> when she cycles, which is likewise advised by Kennedy and \u201cworth the investment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each day, Lampasona considers windchill to help her select the proper level of glove insulation. For instance, if it\u2019s 20 degrees Fahrenheit, she wears a pair rated for 10 degrees, especially on descents<\/a>. <\/p>\n

On ascents, she switches to lighter weight gloves mid-ride to avoid sweating, as trapped moisture can also trigger the condition. For cyclists that experience frequent symptoms, \u201cwe also often prescribe creams or oral medications to people that increase blood flow like Viagra, which can be prescribed to women and men,\u201d says Kennedy.
<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/p>\n

According to Dr.Luke, one chilblains treatment is rapid rewarming, which means immersing the affected area in a tub of warm water for 30 minutes. \u201cIt is also important to seek medical attention if [riders are] exposed to extremely low temperatures or if more severe symptoms such as intense pain or blister formation occurs,\u201d says Dr. Luke. <\/p>\n

Related StorySkin Condition: Dryness<\/p>\n

Other issues that can occur when people are exposed to the elements are irritated or dry skin or eczema, says Dr. Luke.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/p>\n

Kennedy\u2019s advice: Get a sunscreen with moisturizer<\/a>, so the product serves as double-duty to both block the sun\u2019s rays and fight off dryness.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/p>\n

Use gentle skin care products and moisturize right when you get home. \u201cShowers strip the oils and dry out skin. Pat dry afterwards and moisturize, otherwise your skin\u2019s moisture evaporates and gets drier,\u201d says Kennedy.<\/p>\n

Look for moisturizers<\/a> with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which sequester water into the skin and help retain moisture. Ceramides, a fat\u2014in products like CeraVe moisturizing cream<\/a>\u2014also help retain moisture and act as building blocks for skin repair. Severe dry skin or eczema can require topical steroids or anti-inflammatory medications, notes Dr. Luke.<\/p>\n

Related StorySkin Condition: Frostbite<\/p>\n

Frostbite can occur when the skin temperature drops below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, explains Dr. Luke: \u201cAs the body strives to maintain its core temperature, the blood vessels in the extremities, as well as the nose and ears, vasoconstrict, or become smaller.\u201d To avoid the risk, Jane Marshall<\/a>, a USA Cycling Level 1 and Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association Level 1 certified coach, rides an indoor trainer<\/a> on frigid, blustery days.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/p>\n

When cycling outdoors<\/a>, \u201cbe concerned with the static body parts like the face, hands, and feet. Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite,\u201d says Chris Carr, a flight paramedic at Eagle County Paramedic Services, Category 1 road racer, and year-round outdoor cyclist. If you wear close-fitting cycling shoes<\/a>, thicker socks can inhibit circulation. So, wear a half-size larger shoe\u2014and use shoe covers.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to hydrate. \u201cBeing dehydrated<\/a> puts you at risk of frostbite. You don\u2019t have the blood volume to make it to your extremities, making them colder, quicker,\u201d says Carr.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/p>\n

Frostnip, the mildest form of frostbite, causes skin to appear white or blanched when touched. Carr explains: \u201cAs soon as you lose feeling on exposed or unexposed skin, go inside. Frostnip has no permanent damage and dissipates when warmed. The mild form can make you more susceptible to future cold injuries, though. Prevention is key.\u201d<\/p>\n

Superficial frostbite is moderately severe\u2014numbness persists after the area warms. The skin can become white, yellow, firm, or raised. \u201cLet the area thaw out (you can take a shower), but prevent thawing and refreezing\u2014such as stopping to thaw out your hands at a restaurant and then riding another 15 miles home\u2014which increases complications. If you have blisters, go to the emergency room,\u201d says Carr. Deep frostbite damages blood vessels and muscle tissue or even bone, though is not common among cyclists, he says.<\/p>\n

Related StorySkin Conditions: Sunburn and Photoaging<\/p>\n

Higher altitude amplifies the amount of UV exposure, but sunburns are possible year-round and nationwide at all elevations, says Kennedy. \u201cUse a sunscreen with SPF 30 to SPF 50 (levels of protection are barely measurable beyond SPF 50) and broad spectrum coverage with UVA\/UVB protection. UVA rays cause photoaging: loss of collagen, melanoma\u2014the worst type of skin cancer\u2014wrinkles, and brown sunspots. UVB rays cause more skin cancers and sunburns,\u201d explains Kennedy.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/p>\n

Products with zinc oxide have good broad spectrum coverage, says Kennedy who recommends products such as the SPF 50 CeraVe mineral sunscreen stick<\/a>. Apply sunscreen before you ride, make sure to cover the entire surface area, and reapply every two hours. <\/p>\n

On sweaty rides, reapply more often. \u201cApply on the head if there\u2019s thinning hair or baldness, especially where the skin is exposed through the helmet<\/a> vents. Don\u2019t forget the backs of the legs and behind the ears\u2014spots that don\u2019t come to mind until cancer pops up,\u201d says Kennedy.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/p>\n

Moisturize the skin to manage a sunburn, says Dr. Luke. Second-degree sunburn can cause small blisters that are typically white and fluid-filled. Let the blisters heal (don\u2019t pop them), and use a heat-soothing moisturizer with aloe vera or soy, reports the American Academy of Dermatology Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Morgan Tilton writes about the outdoors with a focus on travel, industry news, and human endurance. Her work is featured in more than 70 publications, and she\u2019s a recipient of many North American Travel Journalists Association awards, including double-awards for the essays, \u201cWild & Broken: A First SUP Descent of Utah\u2019s Escalante River\u201d and \u201cA Wild Space.\u201d Morgan grew up mountain biking, hiking, and playing in Colorado\u2019s San Juan Mountains before moving to Crested Butte, in the adjacent range.<\/p>\n