While many may opt for a tropical getaway [2] during Winter months, snow bunnies are busy booking ski trips with their buddies. There's lots to look forward to — brisk mountain air, shredding through the slaloms, and sipping on cocoa [3] with a cutie in the chalet. But before you get excited about packing your favorite cold-weather accessories [4], focus on adjusting your beauty routine.
Winter — and specifically, skiing conditions — submit your skin to a crop of concerns you've likely never thought of, like awkward sunburns, frostbite, and extreme dehydration. We consulted Dr. Darrell S. Rigel from Schweiger Dermatology Group [5], who offered complexion solutions so you can hit the slopes with glowing (not ruddy!) skin.
- Bring a stronger sunscreen. Did you know that the closer you get to the mountain's summit, the more UV you're exposed to? "You get six to eight percent extra UV intensity per every thousand feet, so it's important to use an SPF of at least 50," said Dr. Rigel.
- Pack your products carefully. This is the reason we never stash our favorite beauty items in our checked luggage [6]: high altitude can cause packaging to pop open. Make sure all lids and caps are screwed on extra tight to avoid making a mess in your kit.
- Ask your hotel for a humidifier. The central heating in your room has a drying effect on your skin. Using a humidifier will add moisture back into the air (and your complexion).
- Apply Vaseline to exposed skin to protect against frostbite. Before taking advantage of the fresh powder, slick on some petroleum jelly [7]. According to Dr. Rigel, Vaseline acts as an insulator, meaning it will keep your body heat trapped behind the balm instead of seeping out through your skin, leaving it at risk.
- Protect your neck (and chin). After smoothing on your sunscreen, add an extra layer to this area of your body. The sunlight bouncing off the snowy slopes increases your UV exposure by 40 percent! Wrap yourself up in a scarf for extra sun protection.
- Avoid hot showers. While you may be chilly after a long day outdoors, go for a quick, warm shower instead of a luxuriously steamy one. Scalding water strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving you parched.
- Cut back on alcohol. A hot toddy at the chalet sounds great, but limit yourself to just one. Alcohol is extremely dehydrating, especially at high altitudes.
- Don't forget to drink water! No matter how many times you've heard this, it's worth repeating: consuming plenty of H2O will hydrate your complexion from the inside out.