Your guide to ski season skincare
Dr. Will Kirby is one of the nation’s leading dermatologists and the Chief Medical Officer of LaserAway. If you love skiing and snowboarding but are worried about your skin, here are his five skincare tips to keep skin ultra-protected and moisturized during peak ski season this winter:
1. Always wear SPF
You should ALWAYS be wearing SPF (you are, right?), but it’s even more important when you’re hitting the slopes. That’s because it’s estimated that 80 percent of UV rays bounce off snow, contributing to premature signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why SPF protection is important every day and even more so if you’re skiing. As such, apply a broad-spectrum skincare product with a minimum of SPF 50 to exposed facial skin right before you hit the slopes.
2. Don’t forget your lips
In addition to applying SPF to exposed skin, you should also protect your lips by wearing lip balm that is formulated with SPF. Choose a lip balm containing emollients, like petroleum, beeswax, and glycerin, to keep lips hydrated around the clock. These ingredients will also protect the tender mucosal skin on your lips.
3. Use eye drops
While goggles might protect your eyes from trauma, they can still become dry and irritated in low humidity and high altitude environments. Apply rewetting eye drops every few hours while skiing to keep eyes well lubricated and hydrated throughout the day.
4. Drink lots of water
Ready for luxurious Aprés Ski champagne? Don’t forget to drink water as well! The dry air that you breathe while outdoors, coupled with intense physical activity, can dehydrate you quickly. So it’s essential that you increase your fluid intake throughout the day to stay adequately hydrated.
5. Take lukewarm showers
Though a hot bath feels good after a cold day, it’ll dry out your skin. Instead, opt for a quick, lukewarm shower and apply a thin layer of baby oil after gently toweling off to help lock in moisture.
Get ready to hit the slopes
It’s time you embrace ski season the skin-friendly way, with the knowledge that your skin won’t be suffering the consequences of the harsh winter sun. Be sure to always wear SPF (even on lips), drink enough water, and avoid hot showers. Follow the above tips, and your skin will stay ultra-moisturized regardless of the temperature and level of humidity outside!
And for the ultimate post-ski, skin-pampering treat, visit your local LaserAway. Laser facials like Clear + Brilliant and IPL keep you skin glowing, healthy and youthful year-round.
