Europe’s ski season starts in December, with figures suggesting that an estimated 1.5 million Brits head to the slopes for a ski holiday each year. Stunning though the scenery is guaranteed to be, environmental factors en piste can play havoc with the skin leading to skin dryness, irritation and burns.
Holistic health therapist and WONDERBALM educator Jane Saint looks at the pitfalls of skiing on skin health and how to care for your skin on the slopes this ski season.
Feel the (sun and wind) burn
“As beautiful as snow is, especially in Europe’s many ski resorts, it reflects the sun by 80-90% intensifying its effects. It’s therefore essential for skiers to ensure they head out equipped with a good quality, broad-spectrum, SPF 50 sunscreen to help minimise the damaging effects of UV rays. Additionally, high altitude ski resorts can also be open to winds that can cause wind burn – a form of skin damage that occurs after being exposed to cold, harsh winds. There are of course occasions when damage from the elements can’t be completely avoided and it’s important to be able to calm and soothe the skin as soon as possible after exposure. WONDERBALM makes an ideal apres-ski skin soother as it’s formulated with protective, anti-inflammatory, and calming ingredients such as olive oil, vegetable oil, antioxidant vitamin E, and candelilla wax to lock in moisture and soothe inflammation.”
Chapped lips
“Another victim of the elements, intense sun, wind, and cold, dry air can mean that over-exposed lips become dry, chapped and swollen. Slathering lips with WONDERBALM not only act as a protective barrier, but also promises to nourish lips with its unique blend of hydrating, anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients. Additionally drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and refrain from licking and picking your lip as this will dry them out quicker and exacerbate inflammation.”
Dry Skin
“Cold, dry air combined with indoor heating can cause skin to dehydrate and become more sensitised. Slathering a layer of WONDERBALM on the skin after showering can hydrate the affected area of the skin and calm and soothe inflammation.”
Chafing
“Cold weather conditions combined with cute (yet skin tight) ski outfits can dry out the skin, leaving it more susceptible to rubbing and chafing. The soothing properties of WONDERBALM make it an ideal cure for skin chafing. Apply on sensitive areas before dressing to act as a barrier to the skin. Apply to soothe chafed skin and let its anti-inflammatory, skin protecting, and barrier repair properties get to work.”
About WONDERBALM®
Developed in Korea, WONDERBALM® (£29, 50ml, www.wonderbalm.com) is 100% natural, Vegan Society approved, and trials have shown amazing results with eczema, irritation, sunburn, psoriasis, dermatitis and more. Free from additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals and parabens. It will treat, nurture, and beautify the skin and is so versatile it can be used on stretch marks, even fly away hair and it’s safe to use on the whole family.
Perfect for all skin types, WONDERBALM’S formula utilises natural preservatives found in its pure ingredients: Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Candelilla Wax, Vegetable Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Vitamin E. So effective, this healing balm already shown exceptional results during trials addressing the appearance of scars, burns, stretch marks, insect bites, rashes, eczema and a wide range of skin health conditions.
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