skiing skincare

Waking up in the mountains can be a breath of fresh air, however for unprepared travelers, a cool, alpine breeze rolling off the slopes can lead to more than just the headaches of altitude sickness. “The climate in the high country is exceptionally dry, oxygen is low, and the sun is powerful, even on a cloudy day,” says Connie Elder, founder of PEAK 10 SKIN, a Colorado-based skincare line targeted at high alpine environments. Here’s how to keep your skin happy on a ski vacation: Sunburn “UV radiation is significantly higher at high altitudes,” says Melissa Levin, a dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City. Spas in the mountains are no stranger to this. “The most common skin issue we see is definitely sunburn,” confirms Irisha Steele, spa director at the Rèmede Spa at the St. Regis, Aspen. Prevent it: Apply a shot glass-sized amount of SPF 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours, says Levin. Try Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 AM or La Roche Posay Mineral SPF 50. In Aspen? Every ski lift provides free sunblock. Treat it: Cool your skin with aloe or cold presses, and nourish it with antioxidants and vitamins, like vitamin C, to promote healing, says Steele. You also want to

hydrate by drinking plenty of water and using an intense moisturizer. If you’re really burned, take a day off the slopes to give your skin a break. Windburn Cruising black diamonds at high speeds can be thrilling, but low temperatures combined with low humidity parches the skin of our natural oils, says Levin. Windburn leads to redness, irritation, dryness, a burning sensation, and skin peeling. Prevent it: Cover exposed skin on the slopes with gloves, a scarf, a face-mask, and a hat. For the areas you can’t cover up, Steele suggests Decleor’s Aromessence Neroli Baume De Nuit Hydratant pre-ski jaunt. “It’s really rich and hydrating so it acts like a skin barrier, which helps protect from wind,” she says. Treat it: “When you have windburn, you don’t want to put chemicals on it,” warns Steele. That’s why she points clients to the Decleor cream if you’re already burned as well. Levin also likes Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, and NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex. Dryness “While visiting high elevations like Breckenridge, CO, which is at 9,600 feet elevation, simply using a moisturizer will not effectively keep your skin moist and hydrated,” Elder points out. Prevent it: First, cleanse with a gentle cleanser, then use a hydrating serum (like PEAK 10’s HYDRO 1000) with hyaluronic acid. Then, layer on a rich moisturizer to seal in the serum and protect your skin from the elements. Face oils—like argon, coconut, and squalene—don’t clog pores and can also help seal in moisture. Treat it: “Look for moisturizing ingredients in order to maintain a healthy skin barrier,” says Levin. (Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, pantenol, urea, honey, dimethicone, squalene, and petrolatum are A-list options) Natura Bissé’s Diamond Extreme cream also provides a thick layer of moisture. A Dull, Lifeless Look “Many who travel to the high country have experienced altitude sickness on some level,” says Elder. “Your skin can react to the low oxygen by appearing dull and lifeless.” Prevent it: As always, drinking water ahead of time helps immensely, but it’s also important to stock up on products targeted at the eye area, says Elder. Even try a double-dose, because that’s where skin is the thinnest and shows the most signs of aging. Treat it: “Experiencing a facial from local spas is a fabulous way to combat the lack of oxygen and regain your vibrant look,” recommends Elder. The St. Regis’ oxygen facial provides intense hydration and pure oxygen. Article by Cassie Shortsleeve www. cntraveler.com/