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Skincare While Skiing: Everything You Need To Know


Ski trips are amazing- there is no doubt about it. 

Nothing quite beats gliding down snow-filled slopes on a sunny day, enjoying the fascinating scenery around you. Or sharing a well-earned beverage with your family after a grueling run, and then unwinding in your chalet- feet up the fire, alpine food on the table, and a glass of bubbly champagne on your hand.

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Unfortunately, one of the (few) downsides of skiing is that the harsh mountainside conditions (think: fierce winds, intense sun, high altitudes, freezing temperatures) can wreak havoc on your skin. 

But the good news is that you don't have to wait for your skin to crack, itch, or lose its shine on the slopes. 

Here's a proactive skincare guide to keeping you healthy and protected during your ski adventure.

 

1. Pile On Some Sunscreen

The presence of snow and the icy temperatures might fool you, but make no mistake- you're likely to get burnt on the mountains than you're on your next beach vacation. Why?

Well, the glistening white of the powder underfoot acts as the ideal reflector for the UV rays, meaning you'll get hit from both above and below (which means double the damage).

Meanwhile, the crisp air at high altitudes might also be harsh to your skin. While it is purer from contaminants, mountain air is not so hot at filtering out scorching UV rays, which are the obvious culprits behind sunburn and flaky skin.

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In fact, WHO says that for every 3,000ft increase in altitude, UV rays strengthen by 10%-12%. In order to protect yourself from these hazardous sun rays in both the short-haul and long haul, it's vital to incorporate an SPF sunscreen into your skincare regimen.

Look out for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which can contain moisturizers and other agents that help boosts the skin's natural barrier against UV damage. We'd honestly recommend an SPF 30 for ski outings—that mountain sun on bluebird days is hot. Reapply the SPF cream throughout the day, and pay close attention to your nose, ears, and forehead. 

Remember, you'll be sweating all over and face-planting into the snow, too, so get a water-resistant sunscreen.

 

2. Strap on a Face Mask

For many, wearing face masks is a new phenomenon brought about by the novel Coronavirus. For ski lovers, however, it's business as usual. That's because a potent face mask will protect you from the sun, block wind, keep your face mellow, and even provide a little protection for flying debris.

Are you wondering how to get the best face masks for skiing? Well, there are tons of options on the market, but we have our favorite: Luminora Protective Face Mask.

Made from all-natural Luminology Technology fabric, these masks are designed to keep the UV rays or other air pollutants at bay. They are soft, lightweight, moisture impermeable, and temperature regulating—just what you need to feel comfortable and snug while skiing.

 

3. Carry a Chapstick to The Mountains

Often, we forget about protecting our lips while skiing—until it's too late.

The cold and harsh conditions on the slopes strip your lips of moisture, leaving them chapped, flaky, and dry. 

Not to mention that our lips are more susceptible to UV damage than any other part of our bodies. This is because lips have no melanin (natural pigment) to shield them from damaging sun rays. 

To ensure your lips remain hydrated and healthy when skiing, carry with you a chapstick or lip balm with inbuilt SPF/UVA protection. A thick layer of this will stop those irksome sun rays from causing damage and keep your lips supple and soft throughout.

 

4. Cover and Protect Your Hair

It's not just important to protect and cover your skin—it's also essential not to forget about your scalp, as well. 

Cold, dry air, rasping weather, and everything that comes with skiing can make your hair dehydrated and more susceptible to breakage

So before you hit the slopes, consider using a hair shampoo that contains SPF. If you have a naturally oily scalp and the idea of shampooing has you nervous, cover your hair with a scarf as it is sun protective. If scarf hair is a concern, wear a beanie or turban under your helmet to reduce frizz.

 

5. Avoid Really Hot Showers and Baths

After a day of swooshing down mountainsides, a long, hot shower may sound like just what the doctor ordered. 

Unfortunately, prolonged bathing with hot water removes waxes and natural oils that protect your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, bubble baths are even worse than baths or showers, as they can leave your skin irritated and reddish. Opt for a short, warmer shower and dab—rather than rub—your skin dry to prevent itchiness.

If you can't resist a lounge in the hot tub to soothe tired muscles, don't stay in more than 15 minutes, and be sure to take a cool shower and slather on some moisturizer afterward. 

 

6. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Dryness is your skin's #1 enemy during ski trips.

If you love straight-lining down the slope but don't drink water just as often, the lack of hydration can turn skin dry, flaky, and drab (hello, wrinkles!). To stay hydrated, always drink lots of water before, during, and after a skiing adventure.

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Keep in mind that alcohol and caffeine drain fluids from your body, so refrain from ordering that double latte in between chairlift rides.

 

Say No To Snow Sunburns & Tans

Nothing ruins a perfect powder day like taking off your skiing gear to reveal nasty burns and tan lines. The cold, sun, snow, and wind strip your skin of moisture and leave it red, flaky, and chapped. But what if it didn't have to?

That's where Luminora Activewear Collection comes in. Say goodbye to sunburn and tans with a breathable, temperature regulating, antimicrobial, moisture repellent, and UV protective legging or long sleeve shirt that are perfect for layering underneath ski gear

With our Activewear to protect your body and Face Mask to keep away damaging elements, you'll look as comfortable as you feel on the slopes!

 


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