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Aspen High Altitude Skincare Adventures: Lessons Learned the Hard Way, By Guest Blogger, Barbie Ritzman
Sun stronger in the snow? Lack of moisture due to high altitudes. And the dryness? With all this, I thought I was in the desert, not snowy Aspen, Colorado!
Yes, these surprising facts inspired me to write this blog post. So, please sit back and read on as I share my experience with Aspen skin because I know I'm not alone! I want to make sure that your skin is well-prepared for your next Aspen adventure.
From Beach to Peaks: Aspen's Hidden Skin Hazards
Living in a humid environment and traveling to tropical destinations, I was always mindful of protecting my skin from the sun with sunglasses, a cute beach hat, sunscreen, and proper aftercare.
But snow? It never crossed my mind that I'd need additional protection in Aspen's snowy wonderland. All those layers of clothes plus sun protection? Yep, it's necessary, and I learned this the hard way.
What's more, the high altitude in Aspen can really be harsh on your skin. The thin, dry air at elevation can leave your skin dehydrated, itchy, and more prone to damage. I quickly realized that my usual travel skincare routine wasn't enough to protect my skin when skiing or facing the harsh Aspen environment. I needed to step up my skincare game to shield my skin from the combined effects of altitude, cold, and intense UV reflection from the snow.
If you're like me and didn't realize the extent to which snow and a high altitude can amplify the sun's effects, this article is for you.
I'll share how Pila, from Heaven on Earth Aspen, saved my skin and the valuable lessons I learned about skincare in high-altitude, snowy locations.
Airplane Travel and Skin Impact
The first occurrence of my trip came during the flight to Aspen. Did you know you can get sunburned skin even inside an airplane? While I was aware this was possible, I hadn't given much thought to it before.
UV Exposure at High Altitudes: The Sky-High Truth
At higher altitudes, UV exposure increases significantly, even through airplane windows. Here's a shocking fact: It's estimated that up to 50% of UV-A rays can penetrate airplane windows!
This means you're getting a hefty dose of those skin-damaging rays during your flight. Even more surprising? UV levels can be up to twice as high in an airplane at cruising altitude as they are on the ground. Talk about a sky-high beauty risk!
Window Woes and Aisle Seat Adventures: Protecting Your Skin in Flight
Did you know airplane windows offer no UV protection? While my initial solution was to close the window shade, I always sat in the aisle seat, so that was not possible. With just two seats per row and the sun still glaring in, I quickly realized I needed a better defense than just distancing myself from the window.
Luckily, I had my favorite on-the-go broad-spectrum sunscreen, Brush On Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30, which I always keep in my purse. It's my secret weapon for quick and easy application while on the go.
I love this sunscreen because, unlike traditional lotions, which can be heavy, this powder-based sunscreen offers maximum protection without the heaviness.
The Hidden Dangers of Snow, Winter Wind, And Altitude on Your Skin
As I settled into my room after landing in Aspen, I knew I needed to prepare for more than just an exciting day on Aspen Snowmass slopes. While I was aware of the potential for snowburn, I soon realized there was much more to consider in this snowy wonderland than simply choosing the coolest pair of goggles, a cute Balaclava, and wearing sunscreen to protect against sun exposure!
Trading my beachy paradise for this snowy retreat was about to give my skin a rude awakening. Who knew that swapping sand for snow could have such an impact on my skincare routine? As I was about to discover, the combination of high altitude, winter winds, and reflective snow creates a perfect storm for skin stress, making proper skincare preparation more crucial than ever.
The Altitude and the Sun: A Skin Challenge
Let's start with high-altitude skin; yes, there is such a thing. You see, Aspen isn't just high in the cool factor; it's literally high up there. At a whopping 7,900 feet, with peaks reaching 11,000 feet, this place takes your skin to a whole new level of drama. Here's a mind-blowing fact: for every 1,000 feet you climb, UV radiation jumps by 6-10%!
Do the math, and by the time you're having fun on Ajax Mountain, you're facing up to 110% more UV exposure than at sea level. That's a recipe for serious sunburn at high altitudes! Talk about taking your skincare routine to new heights - literally! High altitude skincare becomes crucial in these conditions, as your skin needs extra protection against the increased UV exposure and harsh environmental factors.
The Unexpected Dangers of Snow on Skin
But the high altitude in Aspen is just the beginning of my adventure. While I've always been careful to protect my skin from the sun, I didn't realize how sneaky snow can be.
The ski slopes covered in Aspen snow aren't just a beautiful backdrop for ski selfies—they act like nature's giant mirrors, reflecting the sun's rays and increasing the risk of severe sunburn and sun damage, even on overcast days.
The Desert-Dry Effect of Aspen on Your Skin
One of my biggest surprises was how dry my skin became in Aspen in the cooler season. The combination of cold weather, high altitude, and wind can leave your skin feeling as parched as a desert. It's a completely different environment from the humid coastal areas I'm used to.
Windburn: A Sneaky Culprit for Skin Damage
And just when you think you've got it all figured out, enter the wind. Not content with just messing up your snow bunny hair, these chilly high-altitude breezes can dry out your skin, leaving it feeling tight, itchy, and prone to irritation.
Essential Skincare Tips for Aspen Adventures
So, to make sure you are prepared for your Aspen getaway, don't let skincare be an afterthought. The high altitude, intense sun, and dry climate can wreak havoc on your skin.
Fortunately, Pila with Heaven on Earth has the perfect skincare solution: the Pila's Beach to Mountain Rescue Skincare travel set from Green Envee.
You can purchase this travel set online ahead of your trip and pack it, or when you arrive in Aspen, you can go directly to Heaven on Earth.
The Heaven on Earth Rescue Vacation Rescue Kit - The best luxury travel skincare kit
This Aspen Skiing skincare set, truly the best luxury travel skincare kit is ideal for travel. It comes in a cute, stylish white travel case. And at only $85, it's a deal, especially considering all of the skincare goodies inside.
This skincare set addresses all the unique winter skin problems you'll encounter in Aspen's environment. Plus, the compact size makes it perfect for travel, so there is no excuse not to have it on your trip to Aspen, Colorado.
Let's take a closer look at all of the winter skincare goodies and how they fit into your Aspen skiing skincare routine:
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Gentle Cleanser: The set includes Green Envee's Soothe Herbal Cleansing Cream Mini. This creamy cleanser is perfect for Aspen's climate, where high lather foaming cleansers can further dry out your skin. It contains anti-inflammatory green tea and soothing chamomile to calm irritation, while organic hibiscus helps with hydration.
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Hydration Boost: The Green Envee Hydrate Facial Mist Mini is my secret weapon for better product absorption. I use it before applying other products to enhance absorption. And because it's so small I kept in my pocket on the plane for an instant pick-me-up.
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Nourishing Mask: The Firm Collagen Gel offers deep hydration with hyaluronic acid, soothes with niacinamide, and calms with organic aloe. Wear it for 10 - 15 minutes before dinner to soothe and rehydrate your skin from a long day on the slopes.
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Hydrating Serum: H.A. Collagen Boosting Serum—This serum was a lifesaver for my skin in Aspen's dry climate. It's packed with hyaluronic acid that really plumps up your skin. I used it morning and night, and it kept my face hydrated even after hours on the slopes.
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Protect Antioxidant Moisturizer: This moisturizer became my daily shield against Aspen's harsh weather. It's rich enough to protect against the cold and wind but not greasy at all. Plus, the antioxidants helped guard my skin from all that intense mountain sun.
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Flora Elixir Botanic Facial Oil: I love lightweight facial oils, and this elixir is your skin's best friend in Aspen's dry mountain air. It's light, absorbs quickly, and gives my skin a nice glow. After a long day of skiing, this oil was just what my skin needed.
- Sun Protection: While this is not part of the Heaven on Earth set, I highly recommend stopping by the spa and picking up the Brush on Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30. This easy-to-apply powder sunscreen is the best sunscreen for skiing and your other outdoor adventures. No worries about stickiness or that heavy feeling that some sunscreens have. I applied it after every run, when I was on the chairlift!
By incorporating this Aspen Skiing Skincare Set, the best luxury travel skincare kit for your mountain adventures, into your high-altitude skincare routine, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy and radiant throughout your Aspen trip. So, pack your bags like a pro, grab your skiing skin care essentials, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
And if you're wondering What to Wear in Aspen, or What Not to Wear to Look Like a Tourist, that's a story for another day—but rest assured, leaving the Aspen souvenir t-shirt and all the fur off for starters will help you blend in no matter what else you choose to wear.
Don't let harsh mountain conditions compromise your skin. Invest in the Heaven on Earth Rescue Vacation Rescue Kit and enjoy a worry-free Aspen getaway with healthy, glowing skin. Shop now and prepare for an unforgettable trip.
