Advice
HITTING THE SLOPES THIS WINTER?
Protect your skin with these essential tips
From Dr Nick Lowe
Snow, sun and heaps of fun - all things we look forward to on a ski holiday. However, strong UV rays at high altitudes, low temperatures and blustery winds can be very damaging to your skin. So save face by following Dr Nick Lowe's ski-savvy advice.
THE AIR UP THERE
Higher altitudes mean greater levels of damaging UV light. In addition, these rays bounce back off white snow, which intensifies their effects, making it even more crucial to protect your skin on the slopes. That means everyone - even if you're simply sipping hot choc and spectating. Ensure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains proven levels of both UVB and UVA protection and reapply regularly.
What's more, women who are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill should remember they are more prone to dark spots and pigmentation, triggered in particular by UVA rays, yet another reason broad-spectrum protection is so important. Hot Tip: Don't forget to check your ski goggles as well - the lenses should have appropriate UV protection to prevent damaging your eyes.
Dr Lowe's programme: Use Dr Nick Lowe's Super Charged Day Cream with SPF 15 + UVA if you like creams, or The Secret is Out Lifting Cream with SPF 15 + UVA for more moisturisation. Fairer skins need higher SPFs on the slopes (if you're very pale, you need an SPF 30 with proven UVA screens or a protective face mask). Skiers may also benefit from a sports/water-resistant formula to withstand sweat and the occasional snowball fight!
APRÈS-SKI TLC
After a long day on the mountain, skin can be stripped of its natural moisture by wind and dry air, making some après-ski TLC essential. Be sure to switch to a creamy cleanser that's gentle on the skin and use a moisturiser that delivers intensive hydration at night.
Dr Lowe advises those using prescription skin-lightening creams can continue to do so in the evenings to help reverse excess darkening (except during pregnancy). Never forget to switch to a SPF sunscreen with proven UVA protection during the day.
However, if you are using prescription Retin-A or glycolic acid products, you should discontinue their use during the ski holiday because mountain conditions can make skin too dry for them.
If your body is feeling dry, particularly your shins, which can often become itchy from rubbing against the front of ski boots, cleanse with an emollient shower cream and use an intensive body moisturiser afterwards.
Dr Lowe's Après Ski programme: For the face, cleanse with Dr Lowe's The Secret is Out Cream Cleanser and follow with The Secret is Out Lift & Repair Night Cream. Its potent cocktail of ingredients will deliver moisture to the skin and help repair it overnight. For the body, try Dermol 500 lotion in the shower and follow up with Dr Lowe's favourite - Vaseline Intensive Care for the body. Dr Lowe's Brightening Radiance Cream may be used for anyone with patches of skin darkening or dullness before the Night Cream.
Dr Nick Lowe skincare is available from larger Boots stores nationwide, call 08450 70 80 90 for stockists or visit www.drnicklowe.com
Twitter
You Tube
Facebook