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FeedThe Skin You’re In
Keeping it healthy requires routine
(page 2 of 4)
Lotions & Potions
The next step in your daily skin care regimen is possibly the most important:
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” urges Edmonds. “I reach for products that hydrate and rehydrate the skin. In this climate, I believe in layering.”
Indeed, many of the Valley’s skin care specialists have formulated—with the help of dermatologists and chemists—serums that can be layered under moisturizers and that are specifically formulated to assist the skin in the Sun Valley environment. For instance, Edmonds has developed what she calls “Cocktail 24/7”—a combination of serums which include “peptide and hyaluronic serums which encourage epidural growth. Each serum in the ‘cocktail’ has a specific charge working at a cell level to increase collagen.”
Mindy Pereira, a paramedical esthetician at Skin Sensations in Ketchum, is also a firm believer in serums which should be used to combat dehydration and the aging effects of sun: “Serums that contain vitamin C and peptides are essential in turning back the clock,” she says. “Vitamin C is especially important. It’s an antioxidant. It stops skin cancer cells from forming when used consistently and it helps with fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation.”
Pereira continues, “Skin Sensations carries a skin care line which was specifically developed by Irina Sher for this location and elevation. It contains moisturizing oils, vitamin C, peptides and alpha hydroxy acids for exfoliation.”
Travis Smith, a skin specialist and makeup artist in Boise, recommends that his clients—especially those living in areas of high elevation—need to pay close attention to the deeper layers of their skin when moisturizing. “Our climate changes constantly,” he says, “so heavier overnight creams, as well as lighter water-based day creams, are especially important.”
Smith recommends the nighttime application of oil-based creams—which contain ingredients such as jojoba, shea butter, or vitamin E—to penetrate and plump the skin from underneath. For daytime use, Smith urges his clients to go for water-based products that contain vitamin C to help with skin brightening and sun damage, and vitamin K which combats rosacea and broken capillaries.
As for the final step in hydration, both Kelly and Sherbine recommend applying a barrier serum. “When my clients are on the mountain,” says Kelly, “they should apply a sealant (she suggests 24/7 skin spa’s “Sun Valley Silk”) which creates a barrier, sealing in moisturizer and sunscreen and protecting the skin from the wind and sun.” Sherbine agrees, “Sun Valley is an outdoorsy place.
People are hiking, riding horses and exposing their skin to wind and dirt. ‘Barrier’ products (Sherbine recommends Dermologica’s sealant) are weightless and protect the skin against the elements.”
Sun Block
Stacey Allred of La Reverie Spa in Hailey says the biggest myth she finds in this Valley is that “I don’t need to apply sunscreen because I work indoors all day.”
Allred explains why that it incorrect.
“Because we live in a high-altitude environment, it is necessary to use sunscreen as a part of your morning skin care routine regardless of whether you are indoors or not. You are exposed to UV rays while driving to and from work every day by the rays penetrating through the windshield.”
Still seem like a benign threat? Allred adds that in addition to rising skin cancer rates, “80 to 85 percent of our aging skin is caused by the rays of the sun. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers in our skin naturally weaken. This weakening effect is accelerated when unprotected skin is frequently exposed to ultraviolet rays.”
Edmonds insists that “the high altitude guarantees that the sun is more potent and the skin more likely to burn.” And Hodge-Willet urges, “Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat in the summer is essential. When I see ladies wearing hats and glasses, I know they care about their skin.” She continues, “In the winter, hats and glasses are just as important.” >>>
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