You messed with the wrong person, windburn. With arctic-like temperatures sweeping the Northeast, I found myself sporting red patches on my cheeks — and not the cute rosy kind, either. I took to the internet to read more about the causes, treatments, and preventions of windburn. To my surprise there wasn’t much information about it and, much to my dismay, there are conflicting reports about the causes. Wikipedia says it’s akin to a sunburn while FitSugar argues it’s not caused by UV rays at all. Regardless of what windburn actually is, I’ve made a pact with myself to start wearing sunscreen daily. Admittedly, I’ve been neglecting sunscreen in the winter because my BB and CC creams all contain SPF. I know, major mistake on my part. I’ll have to get back to you on whether sunscreen actually prevents windburn. For now, here’s the 411 on how to treat this beast:
1. Drink water. Lots of water. Cold, dry weather strips skin of essential oils leaving you dehydrated, much like a sunburn. In turn, water restores moisture to your skin.
2. Wash face with a gentle cleanser. Though you should always use a gentle cleanser in lieu of one with sulfates, this is especially the time to do it. I used Yes To Cucumbers. Avoid exfoliators and scrubs, which will only irritate the skin further.
3. Moisturize with jojoba oil. As you probably know, I’m a huge proponent of all-natural face oils. Jojoba is known for soothing windburned and sunburned skin, as well as restoring pH balance. I used Seventh Generation’s hydrating serum which contains jojoba oil as its main ingredient.
4. Aloe vera. After moisturizing, apply aloe vera, which is one of nature’s very best elixir for burns.
5. Blueberries. Though any food with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components will do. Most websites recommend NSAIDs but I prefer a 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries.
6. Finally, plenty of sleep. After water, sleep is the best medicine for our skin. Who can argue with that? Sure enough, my windburn had been defeated when I woke up this morning. Told ya you messed with the wrong person, windburn.
Have you ever had a windburn? Let us know how to dealt with it in the comments.
