Winter activities have their allure, but booking a reservation at a popular ski resort can be difficult, if not impossible. Even when the flakes are flying, fishing is serious business. Those great summer fishing spots are still teeming with fish, but the crowds are long gone, which means a more relaxing venture with high potential for success.
If you’re headed out to enjoy a winter fly-fishing vacation, be sure to take care of your face while you’re away. The sun may be playing hide-and-seek, but your skin can still take a beating even when you least expect it.
Danger #1: Reflectivity
Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s damaging rays can reach the Earth’s surface. When you’re out on the water, or standing on the shore, those rays reflect back and magnify, which increases your risk of sun damage. Before you complain about applying sunscreen, consider this fact. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Invasive melanoma is projected to be the fifth most common cancer for men.” Dermatologists agree that most skin aging can be attributed to sun exposure, but you can protect yourself by applying broad spectrum sunscreen before heading out for the day and by reapplying it often. It doesn’t have to be messy, goopy, or complicated either. Just carry Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen with you. You’ll get SPF 50 coverage in 10-15 seconds.
Danger #2: Free Radicals
When you’re enjoying the bounty that nature has to offer, you probably aren’t worrying about things like free radicals and skin aging. The truth is, you should because sunlight contains UV rays, and those rays can trigger free radicals, which accelerate skin aging. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer, wrinkles, dark spots (aka age spots), and loss of elasticity can occur. Even though UV rays are weaker in the winter months, fisherman are still at risk for sun damage. The best way to fight this reaction is with a skincare product, such as a serum that contains antioxidants and supports collagen production to improve skin’s elasticity.
Danger #3: Dehydration
It probably sounds peculiar to hear the word dehydration mentioned when you’re in close proximity to water, but wind is often a factor when fishing, and it can zap your skin’s moisture level in nothing flat. When thinking about your near-the-water skincare needs, start the day with a preparatory layer of combination moisturizer and sunscreen. EltaMD’s UV Clear sunscreen has skin plumping hyaluronic acid as well as zinc oxide, so it offers broad spectrum UV protection in a lightweight formulation that nurtures your skin. Add their UV Lip Balm, and you’ll protect your lips as well.
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Even if you opt for a hat, face shield, and polarized sunglasses, your skin still deserves attention. Before you put on your gear and step outside, show your skin some love. It won’t get better on its own, and no one wants to look worse at the end of a fun-filled day.
Tight lines,
Team Reflect
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