Ski Vacation Skincare Essentials
A two week winter break from school means lots of time off with the kids. So to keep the kids busy, we have 2 family trips planned. First was a quick vacation with snow in the forecast. A five hour trip from New York to Vermont for sledding, skating, and skiing means fun for the kids but stress for my skin. How will my face survive?
We all have experienced it. Cold weather, low humidity, and wind wreak havoc on the skin. Just like you, I suffer from dryness, irritation, and peeling in the winter time. But this year I am prepared. And with the right routine, using the right products, we all can enjoy the cold weather without experiencing a #skinfail.
Prepair, Prime, Protect.
I find that the key to #skinsuccess in cold weather is prevent skin damage from developing to begin with. You wouldn’t go skiing without proper gear on first, right? The same is true for your face. To prepare my skin to get ready for the cold it is important to give it a protective barrier against the elements. Think of this as a primer. it will be even better than trying to fix any damage that would otherwise happen! So before you are headed outdoors for a long time, make sure to give yourself a few extra minutes to follow these steps to get your face winter-weather-ready.
Here’s the routine (#thedermwifeapproved):
1. Out with the old
I start with a gentle exfoliating cleanser to help remove dead cells that sit on top of my skin. Not only do they make my face look dull, but they also prevent my products from getting through to the skin. My skin is really dry, especially in the winter, so I am careful to avoid harsh exfoliators which for me cause more irritation than anything else. My current fave is the Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser. This soap free cleanser uses enzymes, clay, and essential oils to remove dirt without drying out the skin. Apricot seed powder microspheres help remove all the dead skin.
2. Prime Time
After I wash my face, my next step is to apply a face moisturizer. This helps proide a layer over the skin to protect it from exposure to the cold air. I find that if I apply the moisturizer right before I go outside, I will have a fresh protective layer on my skin. Many of the moisturizers I use contain natural oils that soften and hydrate the skin. My favorite go to moisturizer and skin savior is Creme de la Mer moisturizing cream. I know it is pricey but especially in the winter I tend to splurge on my face! Its creamy base is rich in botanicals and minerals that help the keep the skin hydrated and supple.
3. Sun Protection - Snow or Shine
Despite the mistakes I made in my twenties, now I never leave the house without my sunscreen. UV light exposure to the skin causes damage that leads to wrinkling and dark spots (things I am working so hard to get rid of!). I have already had several rounds of laser treatments to keep my skin clear and undo all the past damage. If I could turn back time, one of the biggest changes I would have made in my life was applying sunscreen more regularly. It is important to wear sunscreen all year long, not just in the summer. Winter snow reflects UV light, so wearing sunscreen when I am out skiing or sledding is extra important. My sunscreen of the moment is It Cosmetics Anti-Aging Armour Super Smart Skin-Perfecting Beauty Fluid SPF 50+. It combines mineral based blockers (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) with antiaging peptides.
I am happy to report I survived the snow, skin unscathed! And you can too if you properly cleanse, prime, and protect! #TheDermWifeApproved. Next I will be off to the sun... I will report on that soon!
I have never seen so much snow in my life!