Skincare for an Alaskan Tour

If you are looking for adventure and unparalleled natural beauty, then you should plan a trip to Alaska. Besides packing plenty of warm clothing, you’ll need to decide what skin care products to take with you. Find out below what skin care products and ingredients are necessary when you plan an Alaskan tour.

Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is the number one thing that you can do to prevent premature aging and you need to be in the habit of using a sunscreen every single day. In Alaska, the farther north you go, the darker it gets but you still need to pack a sunscreen because even though it may be a bit darker, the sun is still a serious threat. During colder months, UVB radiation does decrease, but harmful UVA radiation remains a problem all year no matter how overcast the location is. Look for a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25. Apply 25 minutes before going outside (if using mineral sunscreen you can put it on immediately before exposure) and remember to reapply every two hours for maximum protection.

Exfoliator
Cold weather causes irritation and dryness so exfoliation might not be the first concern you have when traveling to Alaska. However, exfoliation is crucial in extreme cold because it removes the layer of dead skin cells that clog up the surface of your skin and prevent healthy skin from emerging. You do want to choose a gentle exfoliator, and a product with lactic acid is your best bet. Lactic acid exfoliates by very gently dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and sloughing the skin away. In addition to exfoliating, lactic acid also soothes your skin and provides hydration.

Moisturizer
It probably comes as no surprise that you need to pack a great moisturizer in your cosmetic bag when you head to Alaska. The type of moisturizer you use will depend on your skin type, but there are common ingredients that help your skin stay as hydrated as possible. Humectants are incredibly beneficial in extreme climates because they are able to suck moisture out of the surrounding air and attract it to your skin. Once moisture has reached your skin, humectants hold it in deeper layers of skin to keep your skin well hydrated. Moisturizers that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and honey are a great choice for an Alaskan vacation.

Lip Balm
Don’t forget your lips! Lip balms that contain humectants and SPF are an important part of your Alaskan vacation skin care routine. Cold weather dries your lips out and when your lips become dry, your first impulse is to lick them. The problem is that this provides momentary relief, but ultimately it makes the problem worse. Keep your lip balm on you at all times and apply it every time you feel the urge to lick your lips.

Hydrating Mask
While a face mask isn’t necessarily a must-have, it’s a good idea to travel with a mini-size of your favorite hydrating mask or to bring sheet masks with you. Not only will a hydrating mask help your skin a great deal, it’s also a nice, relaxing way to end a long day of exploration and excitement.

When you’re on your Alaskan tour, you want to be able to be present and enjoy every moment. You certainly don’t want to be worrying about your skin care on your vacation. Packing the above essentials will keep your skin well cared for so that you can focus on the splendor of Alaska.