Dress appropriately to enjoy nature to the fullest
When dressing for an arctic climate like the one in Kiruna, follow the layer-by-layer principle.
- Base layer (closest to the body) – The main task of this layer is to manage moisture (sweat) by transporting it away from the skin, so that you remain dry. Moisture can quickly cool down the body. Material: Choose materials that effectively transport moisture away. Merino wool is excellent because it retains heat even when wet. Synthetic materials are also good alternatives for moisture transport.
Avoid: Cotton, as it absorbs sweat and dries slowly, which can make you cold. - Mid-layer (insulation) – This layer provides the main insulation by trapping air. The number and thickness of mid-layers can be adjusted depending on the cold. Material: Fleece is lightweight and dries quickly. Wool (such as knitted sweaters or cardigans) is a traditional and effective insulator. Down or synthetic fiber jackets (for example, PrimaLoft) are good for extreme cold or as thicker mid-layers.
- Outer layer (protective shell) – The outer layer protects against wind, rain and snow and should have the ability to “breathe,” which means that it releases excess heat and moisture from the inner layers. Material: Choose wind and waterproof materials (such as Gore-Tex or similar functional materials). Also make sure that the fit is spacious enough to accommodate the insulation layers without compressing them, which can reduce insulation ability.
Important accessories
A large part of the heat loss occurs through the head, hands and feet.
- Head/Face: Use a hat that covers the ears, and consider using a scarf, buff, or balaclava in strong winds or extreme cold.
- Hands: Mittens usually provide better warmth than gloves because the fingers warm each other. It may be a good idea to use a thin inner lining in wool or synthetic under thick shell mittens.
- Feet: Invest in high-quality socks in wool or synthetic (never cotton). Choose insulating and waterproof boots with plenty of room for the toes and extra socks to ensure that blood circulation is not blocked.
Things to consider when rehydrating with creams
Water-based creams (facial creams/lotions)
These creams contain a high percentage of water and are designed for rapid absorption.
- The risk: If you apply a thin, water-based facial lotion and go out immediately in severe cold (especially below zero), the water that is still on the skin surface can freeze into microcrystals. This can feel uncomfortable and, in theory, contribute to a cooling effect.
- The solution: As mentioned earlier, the key is timing. Apply the cream well in advance (at least 15–20 minutes) before going out so that the water has time to evaporate and the moisturizing substances (fats, glycerin) are absorbed by the skin.
Oil-based creams and ointments (lip balm/cold cream)
These products are ideal for extreme cold and work by laying down as a protective barrier on the skin.
- Advantages: They contain either very little water or no water at all. Instead, they are based on fats (oils, waxes) that protect the skin from the drying effect of cold winds and prevent heat loss.
- Examples: Lip balm, greasy ointments or traditional “cold creams.”
Conclusion
It is not moisturizer in itself that is dangerous, but having moisture left on the skin when you go out in freezing temperatures.
- Choose the right product: Use a richer, more protective cream or ointment without water (or with very low water content) if you know you will be out in severe cold for a long time.
- Allow time for absorption: If you use your regular face cream, make sure it is completely absorbed before you go outside.
Summary
The key to maintaining the right temperature is to be able to regulate your clothing. By adding or removing a mid-layer, you can easily adjust the conditions, whether you are sedentary or active, and avoid getting sweaty followed by cooling. One thing to consider before getting dressed is that you are dry, i.e. not coming directly from the shower. Generally speaking, it is better to shower the evening before you are going to be outdoors in strong cold. The reason is that you then give your body and your hair plenty of time to:
- Dry completely: All moisture has time to evaporate from the skin and hair.
- Return to normal temperature: The body has time to cool down from the shower heat.
- Rehydrate naturally: The skin’s natural oils have time to restore some of the protective barrier that washing may have removed.
By showering the night before, you completely eliminate the risk of having moisture left on the skin when you go out in freezing temperatures, which is the great danger. If you have to shower the same day you are going out, make sure to have at least an hour’s margin to dry your hair and let your body calm down before you put on warm clothes and go out.