Going skiing or snowboarding this season? As you're enjoying the slopes, make sure you think of your skin. Just because it's wintertime doesn't mean you should neglect your skin!
In the Irish publication, Athlone Advertiser, the skincare company La Roche Posay offers five tips to protect your skin while hitting the slopes.
1. Don't be fooled into thinking that snow sports don't require sun protection. In fact, snow reflection increases UV intensity 85%, and at a 3,000m altitude UV rays are increased by 100%. Even on a cloudy day, 80% of UV rays will still pass through the clouds. So wearing sunscreen is vital! Choose a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF between 30-50, and reapply mid-day.
2. Intense UV rays, combined with harsh winds, make lips particularly vulnerable while skiing or snowboarding. Make sure to use a moisturizing lip balm with sun protection throughout the day.
3. Cold weather and wind can cause cracking and splitting in the skin, so be sure to apply a lotion or cream both morning and night. This will also protect your skin from the drying effects of ice and snow.
4. A pair of goggles or sunglasses with UV protection is essential to protect your eyes from the sun.
5. Finally, after a long day on the slopes, restore your skin with a re-hydrating face mask to protect against the aging effects of UV cellular damage.