The bitterly cold months of winter are here and unfortunately, so are the harsh winds that oftentimes accompany it. While they’re hallmarks of the season, they can definitely make fun outdoor winter activities a bit difficult. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, or going for a scenic walk, it’s easy to get windburn without even realizing it until it’s too late. That’s why we’ve gathered these top tips for you to treat it when it does happen.

1. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar & Aloe

When windburn has initially set in, it’s best to gently apply soothing natural products. Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburn; it’s also ideal for calming down irritation and redness caused by windburn. You can also gently press on apple cider vinegar with a soft cotton round. While it’s important to keep it away from the eyes, these products make a huge difference in making you comfortable in the beginning stages of windburn development.

1. Mix & Match Serums

After you’ve begun the process of soothing the skin with some old school remedies, next it’s time to bring out the big guns. Layering on serums that are specially designed to treat various needs of the skin can further help windburn woes. First, apply a Vitamin C Serum to help speed up the healing process and protect it from any possible future damage caused by the outdoor elements.  Zinc + Niacinamide Serum is also a great one to help correct redness and inflammation, and it also helps to promote healing in the skin. Lastly, you’ll want to boost back the hydration that was stripped away from those harsh winds by applying a Hyaluronic Acid Serum.  HA also helps to protect the outer layers of the skin as well.

Be sure to allow each individual serum to sit and sink into the skin for about 5 minutes in between applications.

Restore Moisture

After you’ve allowed all of your serums the proper time to fully sink into your skin, seal in all of that healing hydration with a lightweight yet powerful facial moisturizer. The right natural moisturizer will provide gentle hydration, heal the skin’s surface as well as deeper levels, and provide an additional protective barrier between your skin and the outer elements that can damage it.

Windburn can sneak up on you and oftentimes is inevitable. Rather than feel bad about it, arm yourself with the knowledge of how to treat it when it comes up, or better yet armor up your skin with these serums and moisturizer beforehand, so as to not have as bad of an issue with windburn to begin with. With just these few simple steps, you’ll be able to calm and soothe the skin, so you’ll be ready for any winter weather skin issues that may arise.