Give Skin a Sporting Chance
1. Factor up
The sun's skin-charring UVB rays might not be as strong at this time of year as they are in the summer but its wrinkle-creating UVA rays certainly are so protect skin on a daily basis with Clinique's Age Defense Hydrator SPF15. And if you're hitting the slopes make sure you stock up on sun care. Exposure to ultraviolet light increases by 2% with every 1,000 feet you ascend and with snow reflecting 80% of the sun's rays back at you, proper sun protection is essential, even on cloudy days.
3. Polish and protect
With no protective oil glands of their own and some of the thinnest skin on the body, your smackers are often one of the first thing to suffer when you're outdoors, especially in sub zero temperatures. They're vulnerable to sun damage too, especially if you're skiing, so protect them with an SPF - and resist the temptation to lick your lips - it only dries them out faster by encouraging the evaporation of moisture!
2. Look after your lips
Whether you're snowboarding in St Anton or just playing five a side in the local park on a cold winter's day, extreme temperature changes can severely disrupt your skin's natural equilibrium. The result? Skin cells don't regenerate as fast as usual and a mush that looks dull, dry and flaky. To solve the problem remove dead skin flakes and speed up cell turnover with the help of Clinique Scrub (simply apply twice a week using gentle circular motions) and smooth, hydrate and protect wind-chapped skin with a little M Lotion.
Did you know?
According to a U.S. Military Academy study, the easiest way of reducing the kind of blisters ski boots can cause is to coat your feet with an antiperspirant before slipping them on. This will help keep feet dry, reducing the friction that causes blisters.
Tip of the month:
If you've returned home from an alpine adventure with two huge pale patches where your goggles used to be you can even our your tan with the help of a little Non-Streak Bronzer!
For last month's Grooming Guide click here
Q. I suffer from the occasional spot but seem to get more now I've started running regularly. Could there be a connection?
A. The problem with any kind of exercise is that it increases sweat production, which in turn leads to a build up of spot-causing impurities and clogged pores. Couple this with the fact that men have oiler skin to begin with and you have a recipe for disaster. If you want to banish breakouts, though, use Clinique's new Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel. Lightweight, easy to apply and transparent, it attacks spots on four fronts by controlling oil production, reducing irritation, calming redness and by exfoliating skin to prevent further breakouts.