Enjoy the slopes. Protect your skin – with Louise Marchesin…

With excellent snow conditions being reported across Europe and North America, this year is shaping up to be one of the best years for skiing in recent memory. While many people love skiing (and let’s face it, there are some ski holidays that look amazing not so many enjoy the damaged skin, chapped lips and goggle tan that come with it. We don’t believe your skin should suffer for your passion! While it is true that mountains provide a unique series of challenges for the skin, with these 6 steps you will be able to enjoy après ski confidently with smooth skin that is the envy of all!

We caught up with Louise Marchesin, beauty expert at Skinade, to find out her top skin tips for the slopes…

Choose the right tools for the job

There are loads of skin creams on the market and many of them are tailored to help the skin manage the cold, dry winds that come with great snow. A cream with a high fat content is needed to protect the skin from the damaging cold and wind. These fats will work to both provide a barrier against the elements while also preventing moisture from escaping through the skin. Your choice of cream should also have little to no water content as a water based cream can freeze in colder conditions, further damaging the skin instead of protecting it.

Make sure to use a powerful SPF, even if it’s cloudy out

Although most people understand the need for sunscreen on the slopes, we still do not go far enough. The average skier might apply factor 20 once or twice on a blazing sunny day, leaving their skin dangerously exposed to sun damage. This is a huge mistake for a couple of reasons; firstly, it is possible to suffer UV damage to the skin even on an overcast day. Secondly, the sun is much more dangerous on the slopes, the reduced atmosphere means that UV rays do not scatter as much and it’s thought that at 10,000ft they may be almost 45% stronger than at sea level. To compound this issue, snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays leading to almost double the exposure to damaging Ultraviolet light. As such it is important that you use a powerful SPF (factor 30 at the very least), and apply it multiple times throughout the day.

Be generous with the lip balm

One of the worst and most common side effects of skiing is chapped and split lips. They are painful, look awful and they can put a damper on even the best day out on the mountain. To prevent this from happening it is important for you to pick out a specialized product designed for mountain conditions. Much like the creams for your face, your choice of lip balm should be high in fat and low in water to protect against the cold and the wind. It is also very important that the lip balm contain a moderate SPF as the lips are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. I recommend Garnier’s Ambre Solaire which is factor 20. Make sure to apply generously and often to ensure optimal protection from the elements.

Cover up

While creams and other protective solutions can help with keeping the skin safe from the dangers skiing poses, nothing is quite as effective at blocking out wind and sun as a scarf or face mask. They are especially useful for protecting the skin during strong snowstorms where the cold and wind can do serious damage. When using a mask or scarf make sure that any skin left exposed is protected by creams and sunscreen to prevent uneven pigment from forming.

Take care of your skin off the slopes as well!

After a long day on the slopes it is important to help your skin recover overnight, be sure to use a lightweight moisturizer during the evening and before bed to help restore and repair your damaged skin. Avoid harsh exfoliates that can strip the skin of it’s natural fats and oils which are needed to seal in moisture and keep the skin looking healthy. Above all else it is important to get a good night’s sleep and drink plenty of water while at altitude.

Be sure to keep drinking your Skinade

Many people let their routine slip when they go on holiday and their skin suffers as a result. It can be difficult to bring bottles of Skinade with you and we therefore recommend travel Skinade instead for convenience. Making up your Skinade in the morning is also a great way to make sure you keep drinking the water that your body needs at altitude. Skinade helps keep your skin hydrated even in the harshest conditions like mountain air and is invaluable to stay looking great no matter what.

With these six simple tips, you will not need to sacrifice your skin for a week on the slopes…