Hello. For those of you out there with skin that is sensitive to cold temperatures, how do you protect your face in the winter from wind and snow? I have a down jacket with a hood, which is pretty good if the wind is at my back or coming from the side, but not so good for wind blowing directly into my face. Thanks for any suggestions!
I recommend using a neck gaiter or a balaclava. I personally use The North Face Whimzy Powder Hood because traditional balaclavas tend to get wet from my breath and freeze. This one has a looser fit that prevents moisture buildup and the fleece material is really warm.
I use a Buff.
Taylor said:
I use a Buff.
I specifically recommend the ‘thermonet’ Buffs for winter. They’re thicker than the regular ones, providing more warmth and they dry quickly.
For complete coverage, Klim makes excellent balaclavas designed for snowmobile use. They include a shroud that directs your breath downward, which I’ve found effective even in temperatures as low as -35 degrees.
A balaclava is usually sufficient. If it gets extremely cold, or if the wind chill is severe, you might want to add a ski mask to protect your eyes.
I’d suggest a fleece balaclava. They’re great for keeping your head and face warm.
A ruff, or a fur-lined hood, helps a lot by deflecting wind away from your face, reducing wind burn. A buff is also good for covering your face, and if you drive a snowmobile, the Klim Arctic Balaclava is outstanding.
I recommend a Smartwool buff. And growing a beard helps too.
Dezi said:
I recommend a Smartwool buff. And growing a beard helps too.
Agree with the beard suggestion, even a short one helps a lot.
A ski mask could be a simple solution.
Buffs are great for basic protection. On really cold days, I use a KN94 mask underneath for better breathability and protection against wind and cold. Applying a little vaseline on exposed skin helps prevent wind chapping. Additionally, a fur ruff on your jacket’s hood can provide extra protection.
Consider a thick fleece balaclava for maximum warmth.
A buff might direct your breath upward and fog your glasses. Look for face masks made from Windstopper material by Outdoor Research. They fit closely and cover from below your eyes down to your neck, including your ears, preventing air from venting upwards.
I wear a lightweight balaclava for active days to avoid overheating, and a fleece one for extremely cold, less active days. As I’ve gotten older, my skin has developed an allergy to cold, leading to hives if my skin is exposed or gets wet.
We use hoods or balaclavas that cover the entire face except for the eyes.
A couple of lightweight gaiter buffs made from SPF material work well. They’re versatile enough to be worn with a hat or alone, and they’re easy to pack and inexpensive.
I use double-layer buffs, especially those made by Black Strap, which are designed for winter conditions.
I wear a neoprene mask and, in really cold conditions, layer it with wool underneath.
Pee in a Nalgene bottle for warmth.