Skin Tips for Female Riders

While here in Ontario Mother Nature insists it is still Winter and continues to let the snow fall many all motorcycle enthusiasts are really wishing for warmer tips to get out on the open road. Last night I was honored to be invited to attend the Ladies Garage Party at our local Harley Davidson dealer. 

Here is the article that I was asked to write and I thought I would share it with all Female riders looking to protect their skin when the time arises that you are able to get out and enjoy your travels!

Be safe and enjoy!

Skin Tips for Female Riders

While leather is a great look on the bike and even fashion, I am sure it isn’t a look you want for your skin.  Follow these simple steps to protect your skin while out on the open road.

·         Know what you are using

By this I mean know the ingredients.  Harsh chemicals and ingredients such as Hydroquinone,

Vitamin A or Retinoid’s can cause side effects such as pigmentation (dark spots on the skin).

These ingredients over time can thin the skin, reducing the natural barrier to protect you from the harmful UVA/UVB rays making you more susceptible to sun burn and sun damage.

·         Practice Safe Sun

This is likely something you have all heard before but I can’t stress this enough! Wearing protective covering for your skin is like wearing protective covering for your body. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum coverage protecting you from both UVA rays (the ones that cause the damage) and UVB rays (the ones that cause the burn). Choose a natural based sun screen whenever possible as ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to endocrine and reproductive issues. When choosing a sunscreen choose an SPF 30 as minimum coverage and be sure to reapply. Apply to full face, neck, ears and backs of the hands if you are not wearing gloves! Reapply sunscreen at each stop. Touch ups are EASY when you use a mineral powder with SPF! Not only will you be keeping harmful rays at bay you will look fresh faced as powder absorbs sweat! (See my pick below)

·         Sunglasses

 Although the sun does give a healthy dose of Vitamin D like all good things, moderation is key. Light coloured eyes are more  sensitive to the light so be sure to choose a tint that prevents squinting!

Choose sunglasses that do not have metallic frames or metal nose pieces.  The metal attracts the rays and this is one of the first places I see signs of aging in my clinic.  Along the temples (arms of sunglasses are metal) around the brow and under eye area where the frames are. Sides of the nose as the nose pieces are often metal. Choose frames constructed of plastic or acrylic and choose larger frames to provide more protection. Choose sunglasses with minimum 400 UV protectant.

·         Beauty Sleep

We all need beauty sleep!  Your skin & your body enters natural repair mode while you sleep so a cleansing is a MUST every night but especially after a long ride. Cleansing will remove dirt and grime accumulated from the open road while keeping free radicals at bay. Use a gentle gel or milky cleanser and avoid harsh exfoliating cleansers as this can make the skin more susceptible to sunburn while on the road.

·         Hydration

Hydration is key both internally and externally. Drink lots of H20 especially if alcohol and caffeine are consumed as for each one of these consumed you are at minus one water. Try to consume a minimum of 6-8 glasses a day. Add a slice of lemon to create a more alkaline effect on the body and boost the liver cleansing enzymes. This will also keep your skin glowing!  Hydrate topically at bed time by applying a moisturizer for your skin type or sleep with a masque on to provide the skin with a boost of antioxidants and nutrients.

·         My Open Road Essentials

Coconut Milk Cleanser or Stone Crop Gel Wash, Red Currant Moisturizer SPF 30, Tinted Moisturizer SPF 25, Bright Skin Masque, Sun Defense Mineral Stick SPF 30