We only have one skin, take care of it! In the last 15 years the number of people affected with melanoma (skin cancer) has increased by 20%, almost all in young people, and some 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in Spain. These are figures to be careful when sunbathing in extreme situations.
After an intense day of skiing, the skin looks like fire and even the eyelashes burn. And it’s not just because of the sun. The pure mountain air and low environmental humidity promote drying and dehydration of the skin, much more fragile than in summer. Well, by exposing it abruptly, without prior notice or small previous doses, the skin is particularly damaged, especially in the most sensitive areas: eye contour, nose and lips.
The first thing you have to do is clean
Have a smooth, soft and careful complexion, but above all clean. Nothing to go to the snow with makeup, unless the makeup contains high protection sunscreen. Get a peeling a week before going up to the mountains, to remove dead cells and start with a hydration plan, using a slightly fatter cream than you usually use, to provide your skin with “extra” water.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you must take other precautions because, although the sun softens the pimples at first by smoothing the skin (due to its abrasive effect), then a skin reaction occurs in the opposite direction, aggravating the situation. In this case, to clean the skin from within, start taking a citrus cocktail every morning since the previous week: mix the juice of half a grapefruit, half an orange, one lemon, a little water and a tablespoon of sugar. In addition, you will also be able to clean the rest of the body.
The next step is to hydrate.
Before sun exposure, use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type, and don’t forget to apply it a week before. And an hour before going out, you should apply a total screen sunscreen. Later, during sun exposure, you should continue applying it every two hours at least, to maintain hydration and protect yourself from radiation.
Even if the day is cloudy, ultraviolet rays reach your skin. After exposure, you should continue to hydrate at night, with a regenerating nourishing cream until you feel that your skin is normal again.
The lips They are extremely sensitive to the sun. The labial mucosa has a very thin layer that can crack, bleed and ooze, causing small wounds. To do this, use a lip balm with photo protection.
The eyes also suffer a lot in the snow. Use suitable glasses that protect 100% of UVA, UVB and visible blue rays, to avoid damage to the retina and possible cataracts. On the skin around the eyes, use a specific anti-wrinkle and moisturizing cream for this area, also with sun protection.
The hands are especially damaged in contact with the cold, snow and the use of gloves. Use a cream that hydrates, protects and repairs the skin punished is essential to maintain healthy and cared for hands, since otherwise stains will appear. Feet remain imprisoned in ski boots for about eight hours, after several layers of thermal socks, so don’t be surprised that at the end of the day they ache, scaly, abrade and “sing” por soleares. The solution is very similar to the one you are going to use with your hands: a good moisturizing cream, especially for tired feet, and if you have sores from rubbing, do not hesitate to apply specific patches, which are sold in pharmacies.
Hair is also affected by the sun, losing shine, elasticity, resistance and softness. If you can, wear a hat to protect it. The hair after a strong exposure to the sun and the wind is rough, rigid and brittle. And if you have it dyed or permed, much worse. Protect it by washing it with a moisturizing shampoo and using a regenerating mask, which repairs sensitized hair.
Even if we do not notice any symptoms, then you must repair
Despite all the precautions taken, it is common to return home with a sunburn. Ultraviolet rays have reduced the presence of antioxidants in your skin by up to 58%, so it is urgent to replenish them.
Antioxidant diet. Consume a greater amount of fruits and vegetables, especially raw, to replenish the body of its loss. Cold creams like gazpacho and vichysoisse are ideal to complement your diet. Fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and anchovies will also provide the extra dose you need. Do not forget the nuts, with a large amount of nutrients.
Baths that remineralize. Swap foaming gels for bath salts and essential oils, which penetrate your skin and remineralize it, while eliminating accumulated toxins.
Exfoliates and nourishes. By exfoliating the skin, you will eliminate dead cells, the first step to obtain a smooth and soft skin, free of flaking. Use a soft peeling for the body and another for the face and neckline. Then nourish the skin with a good moisturizing after-sun lotion, a fast-absorbing fluid gel. take a
shower Using warm water and alternating cold water to tone the skin and restore smoothness. This way you will be able to reaffirm it more quickly and effectively.
Drink a lot of water. Perfect to recover lost hydration.