7 Winter Health Tips for Your Cold-weather Getaway
While some people dream of a sunny beach vacation during frigid months, cold-weather destinations attract those who embrace the snow. Whether skiing, snowmobiling or snuggling in a warm cabin, winter offers tons of fun activities for the family. However just like in summer, harsh conditions can take a toll on health and skin. That’s why we came up with these winter health tips, so you feel your best.
Winter Health Tips for Cold-weather Travelers
Stay Hydrated
In winter, people tend to forget about the importance of hydration. However, it’s essential for keeping the body and skin healthy. Drink tea throughout the day to stay hydrated and warm. Bring plenty of water on hikes and ski days, and try putting some lemon in warm water for flavor. In addition, hydrate by eating foods with high water content. Fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, strawberries and lettuce, help quench the body’s thirst.
Apply SPF
The sun shines bright in winter and can cause skin damage. UV rays become stronger with elevation, so those skiing are especially prone to sunburn. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen to exposed skin such as the face, ears, lips and scalp. It will also help prevent a goggle tan line in vacation photos.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Dry winter air will leave skin feeling cracked and thirsty. Avoid dry skin by moisturizing and then moisturizing some more. Choose an oil based lotion with natural ingredients to help lock in the skin’s natural oils. Or try an intensive care lotion suited for harsher conditions.
The best time to moisturize is after a shower and overnight. If hands feel especially dry, wear cotton gloves after applying lotion. Keep the gloves on overnight while sleeping and wake up with smooth, healed skin.
Cover Up
The less skin exposed to cold air, the less dry skin. Wear a fashionable scarf, hat, socks and mittens to cover sensitive skin. In addition to cold-weather essentials, sunglasses help protect the eyes. The glare from the sun reflecting off the snow can also damage eyes.
Avoid Hot Showers
Take a warm — not hot — shower, and keep the length under 10 minutes. Hot showers strip skin of its natural oils, drying out the skin at a faster rate. Save the hot water for relaxing in a hot tub after a day outdoors. Just remember to moisturize afterwards.
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers rank among these winter health tips because heating systems dry out the air, depriving skin of natural moisture. Place a humidifier next to the bed to replenish moisture in the air. While it may seem impractical to bring a humidifier on vacation, they make small, portable humidifiers guests can fit in any suitcase.
Exfoliate
In winter, skin creates more dead skin the drier it gets. Exfoliating allows moisturizers to work more effectively. Make it a part of the morning and night routine to help skin glow all day. Research cleansers that have exfoliating qualities, or try an all-natural sugar scrub. Don’t forget smaller areas, such as lips, which become dry in winter.
After noting these winter health tips, escape to a winter wonderland! View vacation homes in these top ski destinations: Colorado, Utah and Whistler, Canada. Then find out how to travel with privacy.