It’s that time of the year again! Finally, we’re in the midst of winter and you can head back to your favorite ski resort and hit the slopes. But don’t forget that you need to follow a skin care routine if you’re heading to the mountains.
Skiing and snow-boarding is a fun, relaxing way to explore the great outdoors. You can take in the beautiful, snow-capped vista while getting some necessary cardio.
Whether you consider yourself an expert on the slopes or a beginner, one thing is for sure — you will need to protect your skin from the sunlight, wind, and freezing temperature. If you aren’t diligent, you risk damaging your skin. However, there’s no need to get too worried. Check out our practical skin care tips for the slopes.
Protect From Sun Damage
Some people have a misconception that if it’s sunny when it’s cold out, there’s not that much risk for your skin. But that’s far from the truth. You need to do everything you can to protect yourself from the sun when you’re out on the slopes. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, high altitudes and reflection can increase your skin’s risk of getting damaged by the sun.
There are plenty of things you can do to protect your skin from the sun. At the beginning of the day, make sure you apply a broad-spectrum SPF on your cheeks, nose, forehead, and neck. Prior to your trip, go to a drug-store and find a product that’s suited to your specific needs.
Since everyone’s needs are different, it’s important for you to do the proper research about what kind of sunscreen suits you best. In addition to applying a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen, you should also remember to wear a hat that will protect your face from the sun.
Another thing to consider is the type of clothes you wear. Remember to choose clothes that will cover as much as your body as possible. Fabrics such as wool have been shown to irritate your skin. So, it’s best to avoid any fabrics that can make you feel uncomfortable.
Make Sure Your Skin Is Moisturized
Frigid climates can make your skin dry. Although this is definitely uncomfortable, it’s avoidable if you get the right products. Look for moisturizers that have ingredients such as lactic acid or glycolic acid.
When should you moisturize? According to experts, you should moisturize your skin when it’s a tad damp. So, ideally, after a shower that isn’t longer than 5-10 minutes. Instead of using regular soap, try out moisturizing, natural alternatives that don’t dehydrate the skin.
Also, avoid the use of any washcloths or sponges that can further irritate the skin.
Remember to moisturize thoroughly. If you have a condition like psoriasis, it’s crucial that you keep your skin hydrated to avoid having an outbreak. Though you likely won’t be at your house, it’s worth bringing a humidifier with you for your trip.
If you’re worried about what the frigid, dry weather is doing to your skin, you should also look into getting some anti aging cream. The cream can decrease the appearance of wrinkles and make your skin look healthier.
Protect Your Lips
Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that will need to be protected. Since frigid climates can inflict sunburns on your lips, make sure you’re taking the proper steps to protect yourself.
Chapped lips are uncomfortable and unpleasant. However, they are avoidable if you take precautions and invest in the right products. When looking for a lip balm, it’s important to look at the ingredients so you know if it’s a quality product.
For instance, though products containing eucalyptus or menthol can briefly make you feel better due to their cooling effect, they actually dry out your lips.
You will find yourself using the lip balm more and more — and spending more money on new products — without actually solving the problem. Instead, stick to the basics.
Get a lip balm that contains sunscreen and healing ointments such as glycerin and petrolatum. Though it may seem obvious, you should also remember that regardless of what you do, do not lick your lips to make them feel better even if it feels dry.
In fact, saliva causes your lips to dry out more rapidly and can further irritate your lips due to the enzymes in your saliva. Before you go about your day, apply some chapstick preemptively and remember to do it every few hours.
Eat Well
Regardless of climate, a good way to prevent an outbreak or skin damage is to eat well. At a ski resort, it may be a little harder to stay on top of what you’re eating. But with all the exercise you’re doing, it’s worth ensuring that you are eating foods that are loaded with sugars such as pasta, candy, white bread, and sweets. Here are a few foods that are fantastic for your skin:
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes have carotenoids such as beta carotene which are great for skin protection. Your body converts beta carotene into vitamin A — a necessary vitamin for healthy looking skin.
- Red or Yellow Peppers: Red or yellow peppers also have beta carotene which can have a positive impact on your skin.
- Walnuts: Walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids which can decrease inflammation.
- Avocados: Some research has shown that avocados have compounds which can protect your skin from sun damage. In addition, avocados have vitamin E — an antioxidant that also helps with skin health.
- Fatty Fish: Like walnuts, fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for maintaining moisturized, healthy skin and can decrease your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. Fatty fish include salmon, herring, and mackerel.
Bring Necessary Items With You
When you’re out on the slopes, it’s easy to get carried away and forget about all the things you need to do to stay on top of your skin care. But it’s crucial to frequently apply sunscreen and lip balm to reduce sun damage. Bring a good quality ski backpack with you with necessary items. There are special backpacks that are compatible for skiing and snowboarding.
As you go back on the slopes, remember to do everything you can to stay on top of your skin care. Stay safe and have fun!
Check out our guide to early season ski resorts in Europe.
