However, while sledding down the mountain at high speeds and rolling on a soft pillow of snow can be fun and games, being the coldest winter this year, the negative effects of cold temperatures can intensify and wreck havoc on your skin.
But don't worry! This does not mean you cannot enjoy the full experience of winter games.
Welcome to our first Skincare Sesh blog post and yes, it’s to do with your skin after hitting the slopes. Whistler, Seymour, Grouse – you name the mountain, the information we give you will still apply.
Here are some critical skincare tips to follow during your ski trip to protect your skin and get the most out of your winter adventure.
Protect your face with SPF
While the sun may not be visibly present on cloudy or snowy days, Ultraviolet (UV) rays can easily seep through the clouds and penetrate your skin. UV rays are especially strong on the mountain as well because of the high elevation and the reflection off of the snow.
Exposure to UV rays can be damaging to the skin, causing the appearance of dark spots, age spots and early signs of wrinkles.
In extreme cases, frequent sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer. This is why it is crucial to protect your face with a high factor SPF sunscreen and to reapply every hour. We recommend choosing a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher.
Pay attention to areas of the face that are most exposed to the sun but don't forget the other areas of the body such as the neck and chest.
Don't forget your lips
Your lips are just as important as your face. Your lips are most fragile to cold temperatures and can become sensitive, dry and chapped.
Protect those lips with a high factor SPF lip balm that is also hydrating and easy to carry with you at all times.
It is recommended to reapply every 15-20 minutes because the cold air can dry out the lips quickly.
Cover up on the slopes!
Now is the time to bring out your thick winter ski jacket, toque, and scarf and bundle yourself in warmth while sledding down the slopes. Covering up your whole body protects your skin from UV rays and prevents environmental damage from wind chills.
Wear two pairs (or more) of socks if needed and heavy duty winter gloves because you don't want to catch frostbite! Don't forget your eyes! Carry protective eyewear that blocks UV rays, wind and snow. And ear muffs will never go out of style.
Stay hydrated
Take a break from the action and rehydrate your body. After spending some time on the slopes, your skin can feel dry and dehydrated and cause breakouts and sensitivity.
Drink plenty of water to replenish the skin and allow the skin to breathe.
Cleanse and moisturize your skin
After a long day of skiing, it is time to wind down and cleanse the skin from any dirt and debris from the environment and of course, your sweat!
Start with a gentle cleanser all over your face in light, circular motions. Next, exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub to get rid of dead skin cells.
Finally, moisturize your skin with a light moisturizer to protect your skin. At this time, your skin will need a lot of nutrients and water.
Look for a moisturizer with hydrating benefits and ingredients that will help lock in moisture in your skin. Don't forget to apply a night cream just before bed to help heal the skin while you sleep.
Treat yourself
Now that the weekend is over and it is time to head down the mountain, it does not mean you can't still treat yourself to a facial day to further protect your skin.
Your aesthetician can assess your skin condition and recommend the best facial to replenish your skin from the extreme cold temperature. Need help? Contact us!
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