Be it boar, deer, or antelope, hunting requires close attention to detail, which includes your skin. Spending long days outdoors means withstanding the elements, and sun, humidity, wind, and cold air put your skin at risk. Luckily, there are ways to protect and pamper (yes, we said pamper) your skin while enjoying your outdoor time.
High Elevation
When a hunting trip has you trekking through the mountains at high elevation, moisture and sunscreen are key. Not only is the air thinner above 8,000 feet, it also tends to be drier. A semi-arid environment will cause your skin’s natural moisture level to drop, and that can cause discomfort and potentially age your skin. The sun’s rays are also more intense at high elevation, so every exposed body part needs to be protected with sunscreen. You might not equate sun damage with skin cancer, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology, “More than 1 million people are living with melanoma, and one person dies of the disease every hour.” To combat dryness and protect your skin, use a moisturizing medical grade sunscreen, like EltaMD’s UV Clear. It’s lightweight, non-sticky, and contains hyaluronic acid, which binds to water and helps skin retain moisture.
Humid Locales
Unlike mountain areas where moisture loss is a worry, keeping dry in humid hunting environments, like Florida or Louisiana, is nearly impossible. Couple humidity with heat and sunscreen, and acne is a very real possibility. Whether you’re sitting in a blind or ambling about, clogged pores can bring on acne at any age. Before reaching for that bar of soap—Dial, Irish Spring, or even Dove—retreat. The soap you use on your body is likely way too harsh for your face, but there’s a twofold solution available. Epionce’s Lytic Gel Cleanser removes dirt and oil and contains salicylic acid, which is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, so it prevents blemishes from popping up and soothes existing ones.
Colder Climes
If your trip involves deer hunting in the Midwest, then cold temperatures will dictate how much of your skin is exposed. Even though you’ll be largely bundled up, your hands, neck, and face will take the brunt of those icy temps. You can prevent your skin from chapping thanks to wind burn by applying a hydrating moisturizer underneath your sunscreen before heading out. Elite’s Facial Cream Ultra Lite makes a wonderful sunscreen companion because it’s lightweight, contains skin calming aloe vera, and has antioxidants that fight off skin damaging free radicals.
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Facts are facts, and when a board-certified plastic surgeon (and hunting enthusiast) offers them, we listen. Dr. Stephen Goldstein says, “Because of the hours spent in nature and the exposure to the elements including solar radiation, it is even more essential for hunters to use skincare. Sunscreen and a proper regimen will not only slow down aging but will help prevent cancer.” It makes sense to us, and we’ll be happy to personalize a quick skincare regimen for you as well. Just ask.
Happy hunting,
Team Reflect
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