The skiing is a rite of passage for many households, if not an annual staple; after all, holidaymaking isn’t just a summer pursuit. Sometimes, we need that little winter firebreak before the mad rush of Christmas and its relentless preceding days – and what better way to calm the mind than by hurtling down a slope on two thin boards, followed closely by your loved ones? Thrilling as ski holidays are, there’s more to worry about than the risk of hurty knees and bruised pride. Indeed, ski trips pose a significant risk to our health in another way – namely, our skin. The combination of cold temperatures, high winds and bright sunshine do not a glowing complexion make. Let’s take a look at the exact risks posed by ski holidays, then, and figure out how to ensure you remain your glowing best.
Shielding Your Skin From Intense Sun
The key philosophy behind skincare and protection when going to any new environment is simply this: protection from environmental factors. Your skin barrier is vital not just for the fairness of your complexion, but also for your general wellbeing; ensuring this is up to new challenges is vital for the overall betterment of your skin. With this in mind, what are the key direct environmental factors to consider during last-minute ski holidays? There is one immediate one, and it’s not the one you think. The sun is a major risk to skin health, with considerable thanks to two facts: that UV exposure is amplified at altitude; and that snow has a high albedo, meaning it reflects the sun’s rays right back at you. With all this in mind, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm are non-negotiables. Hydration And Moisture In Cold, Dry Mountain Air
The sun is an oft-forgotten environmental factor but, of course, it isn’t the only environmental factor. Ski holidays are famously cold, and mountains are famously windy too – a perfect storm of conditions for wicking away the moisture in your skin (not helped by the high altitude, either). As such, hydration is key, as is the packaging-up of some rich cream-based moisturisers and layering serums + creams for a comprehensive moisturising programme.
Protecting Often-Neglected Areas
Skincare is neglected on skiing trips mainly for the fact that much of our bodies are usually covered. We’re top-to-bottom wrapped in ski-wear, from boots to over-clothes to ski goggles and gloves, so why do we need to think about skin? Well, there’s plenty of ways for the environment to affect our skin between sessions, besides which there are areas on show that we easily forget about – including the lips and ears. Lips are especially vulnerable for lacking sebaceous glands; a decent lip balm with SPF50+ can be a life-saver.
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