What Is Windburn and How Can You Manage It?

Windburn is skin irritation that happens when the wind wicks away moisture from the top layer of skin. This leaves the newly exposed skin underneath dry, irritated, and more prone to sunburn.

Symptoms

When you are exposed to a lot of wind, it can irritate your skin. This can happen in warm weather and in cold weather. Experts agree that time spent outside can potentially expose the skin to more ultraviolet (UV) light rays from the sun, causing sunburn.

Symptoms of windburn include:

• Burning, itching, or discomfort on the windburned area
• Cracking or peeling of the skin in severe cases
• Dry skin, which may feel tight or uncomfortable
• Skin color changes, including light-colored skin may appear red, while darker skin tones can have a darker or a purple-tinged hue

You can also experience windburn on any exposed skin, including your hands, legs, or torso. 

What Causes Windburn?

When you’re out in the wind, the moving air draws moisture from your skin. The wind can remove the top few layers of skin, as well. The newly exposed skin is more prone to sunburn since the protective layer has been removed. Part of what you’re experiencing as windburn may actually be sunburn, exacerbated by the wind.

How to Treat Windburn

Once you have windburn, restoring hydration to the skin is important. There are also treatments designed to keep you more comfortable, including some first aid that you’d use for other burns. Here are the go-to windburn treatments:

• Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera is a gentle natural moisturizer that will hydrate your skin and soothe burns, whether from the wind or the sun. It also fights the inflammation that windburn can cause. Apply a layer to the impacted skin frequently. 
• Moisturizing cream: Applying a gentle moisturizer without fragrance can help calm your skin and restore moisture in your face.
• Cold compress: A cold compress can ease the burning feeling and make you more comfortable. It can also help fight inflammation and redness. 

When you have windburned or sunburned skin, skip hot showers and harsh soaps, which can only irritate the skin. 

Related Stories

Why Are My Feet Peeling?

Spotting the Signs of Shingles vs. Herpes

Tips for Preventing Windburn

Ways to reduce windburn include:

• Covering your skin: To keep the wind off your face, wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, a hat, or sunglasses.
• Reducing your exposure: Avoid time in the sun on windy days.
• Wearing sunscreen: Frequently reapply sunscreen while out on windy days, as the wind makes it less long-lasting.

Windburn vs. Sunburn

Windburn is caused when moving air dries out your skin, leaving it red and irritated. Sunburn is caused by damage from UV rays from the sun. 

However, windburn and sunburn often go hand-in-hand—the wind erodes the top layer of your skin, leaving the exposed areas more vulnerable to the sun. 

It’s not important to differentiate between windburn and sunburn, since the treatments and prevention are the same. Whenever you’re exposed to the elements—including the wind and sun—take steps to protect your skin by frequently reapplying sunscreen, covering exposed skin, and staying hydrated.