Your skin needs a little extra TLC during the winter months, particularly when you're indulging in outdoor activities like skiing

APRES SKI SKINCARE: MOISTURIZING TIPS FOR THAT ALPINE GLOW

Published March 1, 2024

Reading by a roaring fire, the crisp alpine air whisking across your flushed cheeks, skiing down challenging trails that offer breathtaking vistas, the allure of a ski trip is as much about the adrenalin-inducing experiences as it is about reconnecting with nature. However, as enchanting as the great outdoors in winter can be, the harsh climate, high altitudes, and specific conditions of the slopes can wreak havoc on your skin. 

THE IMPACT OF WINTER WEATHER ON YOUR SKIN

UNDERSTANDING THE SEASONAL STRAIN 

Before we leap into skincare solutions, it's important to recognize the assault that the winter clime poses. When you're carving up the powder or simply enjoying a leisurely cross-country glide, your skin is exposed to sub-zero temperatures, chilling winds, and the intense reflection of UV rays off the snow, leading to rapid moisture loss and overall dryness.

CHALLENGES AT HIGH ALTITUDES

Ski resorts often sit at elevations where the air is thin and the humidity is low. This means the skin's natural barrier is compromised, causing vital moisture to escape easily. The result? Skin that feels parched, tight, and in severe cases, may flake or even crack.

SKI TRIP SKINCARE ROUTINE

Incorporating a robust skincare routine before, during, and after hitting the slopes is crucial to maintaining a healthy and glowing complexion. Here's a step-by-step plan that revolves around the harsh challenges of the winter skier's world and the essential ingredients to combat them.

STEP 1: PREPARING FOR EXPOSURE

Start your day with a preemptive strike against the elements by layering your skin with potent antioxidants to protect it from UV rays and pollutants. HYDRA-AOX [5], an intensive antioxidant serum, can be your shield. Apply it in the morning along with your trusted eye cream and sunscreen. This combination of vitamins E and C, along with astaxanthin, is your armor for the day, fortifying your skin's defenses.

STEP 2: MID-SLOPE HYDRATION 

Amidst the ski sessions, a spritz of essence water can offer instant relief and hydration for your skin. When you're back from the slopes, cleanse with a gentle, moisturizing cleanser, and indulge in HYDRA-FILLER MASK, a hydrating powerhouse infused with hyaluronic acid that will leave your skin plump and fresh in just 15 minutes.

STEP 3: NOURISHING YOUR LIPS 

Don't forget your lips; they need love too, perhaps more so in these conditions. NUTRI-FILLER LIPS is your ultra-nourishing balm-oil, a rescue remedy for dry, chapped lips. It's a concoction of deeply moisturizing oils and shea butter – the lip-loving elixir you can rely on.

STEP 4: NIGHTTIME REPAIR 

Once the day's adventures are concluded, give your skin the reparative hydrating boost it craves. HYDRA-HYAL SERUM combines the hydrating prowess of 5 hyaluronic acids with the antioxidant protection of Sophora Japonica extract. Apply at night to replenish your skin's moisture levels, ensuring your morning glow.

STEP 5: DEEP NOURISHMENT 

Before you tuck in for the night, coat your face with GLOBAL REPAIR BALM, a luxuriously rich face cream tailored to the demands of parched winter skin. Allow its nourishing shea butter to work its magic overnight, and welcome the new day with reinvigorated skin.

THE ART OF LAYERING 

Layering your skincare products is a fundamental approach to combat dryness effectively. Begin with the lightest formulas, such as essences and serums, and progress to heavier products like creams and balms. This ensures that each layer penetrates the skin and locks in the moisture properly.

SKINCARE INGREDIENTS THAT UPHILL YOUR GAME

HYALURONIC ACID

This powerhouse ingredient is a hero for dehydrated skin. With its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator, essential in restoring and maintaining the skin's moisture barrier.

SHEA BUTTER

A staple for intense hydration, shea butter is the skier's companion against the cold. Loaded with fatty acids, it serves as a natural emollient, softening and soothing the skin while forming a protective seal to retain moisture.

OMEGAS AND ANTIOXIDANTS 

Fatty acids like omegas 3 and 6 are key in reinforcing the skin's natural lipid barrier, while antioxidants such as vitamin E and astaxanthin provide additional defense against environmental stressors.

MAINTAINING TOTAL BODY WELLNESS 

Optimal skin health is not just about the products you apply; it's also about taking care of your body from within. Ensure you're well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and protecting your skin with clothing that shields it from the harsh weather.

Your skin needs a little extra TLC during the winter months, particularly when you're indulging in outdoor activities like skiing. The right skincare products and practices can make all the difference, ensuring that instead of returning from your ski trip with dry, flaky skin, you're glowing and ready for whatever adventure comes your way. Preparing your skin for the slopes is as essential as waxing your skis – both are recipes for a smooth and enjoyable ride.