Protecting Skin on the Slopes and Sand This Spring Break
Spring Break starts this week and will last through April. Traveling with family and friends is a highlight of people’s year, and after being cooped up all winter, many people can’t wait to spend some time doing things they love outdoors. Whether you are hitting the ski slopes or the beach this break, lather up and take along some basic skincare products to make sure your skin stays healthy and does not get damaged with all the outdoor fun you are about to have!
Protecting Skin in the Slopes
This winter was generous in the distribution of snow, which means bustling ski resorts and mountainside slopes for tubing. Whether staying local or traveling to get some time on the slopes, dermatologists want to remind people that the UV rays reflecting off the snow can do some serious damage to unprotected skin. Skin can burn as easily in the snow as the water and the slopes as the sand. Increased radiation on the slopes is also more intense due to higher elevations and wind. The UV intensity increases by almost ten percent for every thousand feet above sea level! Wind breaks down sunscreen, so putting sunscreen on once before a full day on the slopes won’t do much good. When you break for a hot cocoa, keep a small tube of sunscreen in your pocket and re-apply during the day to keep your skin healthy.
At the end of a long day on the slopes, the skin will be red and dry from the wind, rays, and coming in contact with rough materials to stay covered. Having fun is exhausting, and it may be tempting to sleep instead of using a gentle cleanser on your face and moisturizing well! Skin needs extra attention during spring break, and skincare routines should be followed to return to work with your best skin! Nobody wants to come back from spring break with shedding skin and painful burns!
If you’re hitting the slopes this spring break, stick to mild cleansers and hydrating products for your eyes, lips, and face, and keep those photos social media-worthy!
Skin Safety Near Water During Spring Break
If you live or are visiting somewhere warm this spring break, you will spend time by the water. Busy, music-filled resort pool areas and decks and beaches will be crowded. Skincare is still a top priority, even if you opt to have a staycation and sit by your pool. More daylight is available as we enter Daylight Savings, so time spent in the sun will naturally increase. Time near water increases the harm from UV rays because of the same reflection issue as being on the snow. The direct UV rays hit the skin, and then the water reflects another set of rays, so the skin gets double exposure. This spring break, take time in the morning to apply sunscreen no matter what you have planned. Then, carry some sunscreen in the car or your bag to re-apply if you end up outside.
Planning a day at the pool, beach, park, or on the water in a boat? If so, keep sunscreen handy for the face and body. Some sunscreens are good for both, but those with sensitive skin on the face may want to use a special sunscreen on their face. Not sure which products are best for ultimate protection? Contact your favorite local dermatologist and ask for their advice! It is always encouraged to wear a sun hat and longer sleeves if the possibility of extended sun exposure in on the schedule. Boating is a fun-filled day on the water, and it is surprising how many people don’t properly prepare for the many hours to be spent and forget sunscreen completely.
Proactive Instead of Reactive Skincare
The best skincare professionals and dermatologists will tell clients that proactive measures to protect the skin are much easier to manage than reactive skincare when the skin is already damaged and suffering. Reversing damage and getting skin back to a healthy state can take longer than most people realize. So, think of this during spring break:
Do you want to tackle flaking and blistering skin when you get back to work or school after spring break? The answer for most is no. So, instead of waiting until your skin is burned, be diligent about lathering up with sunscreen over the break. This will keep your skin looking and feeling amazing the entire time you’re away and make it less work when you get back home. If you live in Atlanta, and want to consult with an incredible dermatologist before your travels, contact Buckhead Dermatology and let Dr. Sherrie Straughn guide you in the best skincare for spring break. If you get home and didn’t do your best and your skin is damaged or you have skin concerns, contact her office to make an appointment.