How To Prevent Cracked Skin In The Winter Outdoors

Sevelx | January 11, 2016 | General

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The skin is the largest organ of the body; it varies greatly in thickness offering both physical protection from minor traumatic injury and denying access to potentially dangerous microorganisms. The outer layer of the skin (epidermis) is extremely tough and contains melanin while the more sensitive underlying layers—dermis and subcutaneous tissue (or hypodermis)—contain blood vessels, nerve endings, subcutaneous fat, and connective tissue. …………

Dry, chapped, and cracked lips, hands, or feet are, at the very least, uncomfortable and at worst, may lead to an infection and evacuation. Problems tend to arise as environmental conditions become increasingly dry, hot, cold, windy, and/or wet. Exactly the type of conditions found on many wilderness trips. Wind quickly draws heat and moisture from exposed skin. Cold causes vasoconstriction thus reducing blood flow to the extremities and slowing general cell maintenance and healing; cold skin cold skin is also more susceptible to trauma…………

The first step is prevention and begins with recognizing the environmental conditions you may encounter on your trip or expedition. Come prepared and take preventive action well before dry skin becomes cracked. Protection begins with proper gear and by using a protective skin product on exposed skin. Much of this is “common” sense. Some requires education.

Wear a windproof face mask to protect your lips and face in windy conditions, especially if the air is dry and either excessively hot or cold.

Wear nylon or neoprene pogies (specially designed “mittens” that attach directly to the paddle, oar, or cycling grip) when paddling or cycling in cold, windy conditions.……….

The second step is to apply a moisturizer multiple (5-6) times a day before your skin becomes dry. There are a LOT of moisturizer preparations available in drug stores and on the internet. Look for preparations that contain emollients and humectants; avoid those with fragrances or dyes. Emollients fill the crevices between skin cells that are ready to be shed and help the loose edges of the dead cells that are left behind stick together. They act as lubricants on the surface on the skin and make the skin feel slippery (not the best thing for technical paddling). ………..

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When on personal trips or acting as a guide in harsh conditions (shoulder season paddling and cycling trips, winter ski and climbing trips, and mid-season desert trips) I require everyone to:

bring and wear pogies on shoulder-season paddling and cycling trips.

bring light-weight neoprene liner gloves and socks (in addition to heavier gloves and shells) on all trips, especially winter ski and climbing trips.

bring large container of Bag Balm (for daily and night use); keep easily accessible in the top of each person’s pack or dry bag.

bring sun block with zinc oxide.

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