What chapping and windburn are
Chapped skin is dry, rough, sometimes cracked skin, most often on the lips, cheeks, nose and hands. Windburn is a related but slightly different problem: skin that looks red, feels tight or stings after time outdoors in strong wind and cold. Despite the name, it is not a true burn, although it can feel like one, and it can occur alongside actual sunburn, particularly in snow or at altitude.
Both come down to the outer layer of the skin losing moisture and oils faster than it can replace them. Cold air holds little moisture, wind strips away what is left on the surface, and heated indoor air dries skin from the other direction. The result is a weakened skin barrier that allows more water to escape and lets irritants in, which is why chapped skin stings when you apply certain products.
Who gets it most
Anyone can develop chapped skin, but it is more common in people who:
- work or play outdoors, such as walkers, skiers, cyclists and runners
- have naturally dry or sensitive skin
- wash their hands often
- lick their lips frequently
- have a history of eczema
Before you go out
Prevention is easier than repair. A few general habits tend to help:
Apply a protective layer. A thicker cream or an oil-and-wax based balm gives a physical barrier against wind. Rich products such as body butter or solid lotion bars are popular for this, since they contain butters and waxes that sit on the surface of the skin. Put the product on before you leave, not after your skin is already raw. Water-based lotions alone can feel light, and in very cold weather the water in them may not offer much protection.
Protect the lips. A simple lip balm applied several times a day is helpful, and homemade lip balm explains what goes into one. Balms with strong flavors or heavy fragrance can irritate some lips, so a plain one is a safer choice. If you notice you reach for balm constantly because your lips feel worse afterward, an ingredient may be bothering you.
Cover up. Scarves, hats, gloves and a high collar reduce the wind on exposed skin more reliably than any product can. Gloves matter for hands, and hand cream before putting them on is a good pairing.
Do not forget the sun. Winter sun, especially when reflected off snow, can still affect skin, so sun protection remains relevant on bright days.
Gentle care when skin is already chapped
If skin is already red or cracked, the goal is to calm it and avoid making it worse.
- Wash gently. Use lukewarm water rather than hot, and a mild, unscented cleanser if you need one. Hand washing soap for people who wash often is worth a look, and face cleansing covers the basics for the face. Pat dry rather than rubbing.
- Moisturize while skin is slightly damp. This helps seal in water. Reapply during the day, particularly after washing your hands.
- Hold off on active products. Scrubs, strong exfoliants, alcohol-heavy toners and peels can sting and delay healing. A gentle approach to exfoliation means waiting until the skin has recovered, and the section on natural exfoliants explains why. Skip body scrubs on irritated areas too.
- Use a thick ointment overnight. A plain, rich balm on lips, hands or cheeks before bed is a simple routine. Our article on the night routine describes evening habits in more detail.
- Avoid picking at peeling skin. Let it come off by itself, or trim loose edges cleanly, as pulling can create small tears.
Cool compresses may soothe the burning feeling of windburn. Very hot showers and baths can make the dryness worse, so keep them short and warm rather than hot.
Ingredients to be careful with
Some ingredients are commonly bothersome on already irritated skin: fragrance, certain essential oils, menthol or camphor in lip products, citrus, and alcohol-based items. If you want to try a new product, do a patch test first on a small area, and not on the cracked part. Note that some people react even to ingredients that are generally considered mild, such as lanolin or particular plant oils, so introduce one new product at a time. Our article on common skin allergens explains what to watch for.
Hands and feet
Hands are in the wind, wash frequently and rarely get protection. Moisturize after each wash and consider a heavier hand cream at night, perhaps with cotton gloves over it. For feet, thick socks and regular moisturizing help, and foot care covers simple habits at home.
Indoor air counts too
If your skin chaps mainly in winter, indoor heating may play a part. A humidifier can make the air a little more comfortable, though results vary. Drinking water is sensible but will not by itself cure dry skin. The broader picture of cold weather care is covered in winter skin care.
When to see a professional
Mild chapping usually improves within days with gentle care. Seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist if:
- cracks are deep, bleeding or painful
- there are signs of infection, such as pus, spreading redness, warmth or a fever
- corners of the mouth stay cracked and sore for a long time
- skin turns white, waxy, numb or blistered after prolonged cold exposure, which can be a sign of frostbite and needs prompt medical attention
- the problem keeps returning despite good care, since it may be eczema, an allergy or another condition
This is general information, not medical advice.