Skincare for Freezing & Humid Weather

Cold wind and long periods outdoors can gradually dehydrate exposed skin despite moderately high humidity. Cheeks, lips and the eye area may feel increasingly tight, while heated cabins, hotels and vehicles can intensify dryness. Use a hydrating serum followed by a medium-weight barrier cream containing ceramides or squalane, plus balm on the lips and nose. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is important during extended daylight and around reflective snow or water. Hair can become wind-tangled, dry at the ends and slightly frizzy when humidity rises. Use nourishing conditioner and lightweight leave-in protection. Keep wet hair protected from freezing air and avoid overly hot washing or blow-drying.

Hydrate, Strengthen and Defend

Polar summer travel may involve four to five hours of walking, wildlife viewing, boat journeys or outdoor exploration in cold wind and extended daylight. Because the temperature is low, travellers may not notice thirst or perspiration and may consume less water than the body requires.

Humidity between 60% and 80% may initially make the skin feel relatively comfortable. However, cold airflow, long outdoor exposure and movement into heated interiors can leave the cheeks, lips and eye area increasingly tight. Cold airflow has been shown to affect skin temperature, skin pH and epidermal hydration-related measurements.

What may happen to your skin:

• Gradual dehydration: The body can still lose water during activity even when sweating is not obvious.
• Cold and wind sensitivity: The cheeks, nose and lips may become uncomfortable during prolonged outdoor exposure.
• Uneven moisture balance: The centre of the face may remain normal while outer areas begin to feel dry.
• Indoor-heating dryness: Heated cabins, vehicles and accommodation may intensify tightness.
• Longer sun exposure: Extended summer daylight can increase the number of hours spent outdoors.

The right approach:

The priority is to maintain hydration, strengthen the moisturising barrier and protect exposed skin. Choose:

• A hydrating serum containing glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid or beta-glucan
• A medium-weight lotion or cream containing ceramides, squalane or barrier-supporting lipids
• A soothing formula containing panthenol, allantoin, centella or oat derivatives
• A gentle cleanser that does not leave the skin feeling stripped
• Broad-spectrum SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen for long periods outdoors
• Lip balm, sunglasses, protective clothing and regular water intake

Snow and water can contribute to reflected ultraviolet exposure, while winter and water-based outdoor activities may also remove sunscreen through wiping or moisture. Sunscreen should therefore be applied to exposed areas and reapplied according to its label. The ideal mantra for this weather is: Hydrate, Strengthen and Defend. Humid polar air may reduce extreme surface dryness, but the skin still needs protection from cold wind, indoor heating and prolonged outdoor exposure.

Skincare Ideal for These Climates and Countries

Winter / cooler months:

• December-February: Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; Warsaw, Poland; Kraków, Poland; Prague, Czechia; Vienna, Austria; Munich, Germany; Zurich, Switzerland; Geneva, Switzerland; Shenyang, China; Kyiv, Ukraine
• December-March: Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; Vilnius, Lithuania; Montréal, Canada; Québec City, Canada; Ottawa, Canada; Chicago, USA; Minneapolis, USA; Sapporo, Japan; St Petersburg, Russia
• January-February: Toronto, Canada; Boston, USA; New York City, USA; Sendai, Japan; Seoul, South Korea
• November-March: Anchorage, USA; Harbin, China; Moscow, Russia