Gear for the Face!

[Amie H]

I use the stick sunscreen. It's very thick but has never made me break out. Either Kiss My Face, CeraVie, or CVS' store brand. It seems to work well both as sun and wind protection for me.

 

[tothetrail]

I'm all in on the Anon goggles with the MFI (magnetic face mask integration) face masks and magnetic lenses. I have several of the face masks in different materials. I love that they are essentially a neck warmer when you don't have them pulled up. You can pull it up with gloved hands and it nicely magnets itself under the goggles. The nice thing for me is it isn't pulled tight to your face, so it's not clinging to your skin (which may not work for everyone.) There's enough space that you can breathe, so it doesn't get as wet, and you can take it off and on with ease. I do wear Neutrogena 50, but that doesn't seem to help with wind and cold burn, and almost seems to exacerbate it. CeraVe moisturizing cream works best for me, but I have to be cautious with putting it on my face as it is very heavy. I only put it on my face when skiing in wind and very cold conditions, or out in the desert or mountains riding motorcycles, and it really seems to help. It's not too bad of a price if you can load up at Costco when it is on sale.

 

[Jilly]

There is this guy too!

go here

 

[BlizzardBabe]

You had me with that one, @Jilly -- until I read that it was made from Merino wool. I can't stand wool touching any part of me. Dang.

 

[diymom]

They were at the ski show. They look nice, and come in both balaclava and face mask (no hood) styles as well as 3 different weights. The lightest weight was part merino, part tencel (I think?). I was tempted, but they only come in black. @marzNC did buy one though, so at that point I decided to wait for her feedback first. I like that the mask style is made to lap over the helmet in the back if you want, preventing drips down the neck.

 

[Jilly]

I bought one before Covid hit. Haven't tried it yet.

 

[Soujan]

Bag balm is good for hands, feet, lips. It has a unique smell. Dermatone was at the Snowbound show. I use aquaphor before Vaseline due to petroleum in the latter.

I use bag balm regularly for my hands. It definitely has a unique smell. You'll smell like you just came from a farm. Not sure I would want to put it in my face and smell it all day. Other people near you might comment on the smell as well

 

[bsskier]

My skin gets so chapped and red after a day of skiing, and this is despite my wearing a buff or ski mask of some sort. What do y'all slather on your face to protect your face during the day? I use some foundation, and then sunscreen on top. I would love your tips!

I’m a moisturizer nut. These are easy to find and on the affordable side. All should work for sensitive skin. None have sunscreen. These are all creams. If you prefer a gel, grab the Neutrogena Hydro Boost.

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer
LaRoche Posay Toleriane Double Repair
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intense
The Holy Grail: CeraVe

*Elta MD 46 Clear if you want a moisturizer sunscreen. Comes clear or tinted.

 

[ski diva]

They were at the ski show. They look nice, and come in both balaclava and face mask (no hood) styles as well as 3 different weights. The lightest weight was part merino, part tencel (I think?). I was tempted, but they only come in black. @marzNC did buy one though, so at that point I decided to wait for her feedback first. I like that the mask style is made to lap over the helmet in the back if you want, preventing drips down the neck.

@marzNC, what size did you get? I'd love to hear your review, once you use it.

 

[elemmac]

I use the stick sunscreen. It's very thick but has never made me break out. Either Kiss My Face, CeraVie, or CVS' store brand. It seems to work well both as sun and wind protection for me.

I've used Chap Stick for some of the really cold/windy days. Chap Stick (the brand) has a similar consistency to a sunscreen stick...and similar protective elements. Definitely thick, but I also have yet to break out from using it. I think due to the cold air, my skin actually needs that much moisture and protection.

 

[marzNC]

@marzNC, what size did you get? I'd love to hear your review, once you use it.

I got Small. It's being shipped so I haven't actually tried one on yet. First chance to test it out will be at Wolf Creek in December.

Helped a lot to handle one to feel the material and get an in-person demonstration and explanation at Snowbound of the concept. The fact that it can be put outside or inside the helmet is not obvious from the website pictures. There is a clip at the back.

The story of how North45 got started was interesting to learn. I was talking to the sister of the man who is behind the company. They are from Montreal. The inventor was a friend who is an engineer. Then engineer had no interest in creating a business based on the initial invention. The brother has since moved to Banff. He drove from Banff for a series of ski shows in the last month, one every weekend, then he'll drive back to Banff from Montreal.

Given how I made use of the Seirius full facemask that covered nose & mouth that was created during the pandemic, the concept made sense. I learned to blow out through my mouth and direct the air down (upper lip over lower lip) to avoid fogging up my goggles.

I got the medium weight version of the facemask, as opposed to the balaclava version. The lightweight facemask has metal to shape around the nose (like a health mask). The medium and heavy weight versions have the magnet that gets glued to a pair of goggles. Comes with two magnets and can get a kit with more glue (think superglue) and two more magnets. Can't put it in the washer/drying because the magnet will stick and then pull out of the fabric, so needs to be hand washed.

 

[TNtoTaos]

I got Small. It's being shipped so I haven't actually tried one on yet. First chance to test it out will be at Wolf Creek in December.

Helped a lot to handle one to feel the material and get an in-person demonstration and explanation at Snowbound of the concept. The fact that it can be put outside or inside the helmet is not obvious from the website pictures. There is a clip at the back.

I got the medium weight version of the facemask, as opposed to the balaclava version. The lightweight facemask has metal to shape around the nose (like a health mask). The medium and heavy weight versions have the magnet that gets glued to a pair of goggles. Comes with two magnets and can get a kit with more glue (think superglue) and two more magnets. Can't put it in the washer/drying because the magnet will stick and then pull out of the fabric, so needs to be hand washed.

This sounds very interesting...I'm looking forward to checking yours out at Wolf Creek, so I can decide if I want one before I head to TSV.

 

[kmb5662]

I have super dry and very sensitive skin and this is my go-to routine:

At Night:
- I wash with a super mild non-drying cleanser that doesn't strip the skin. I use Vanicream facewash as I find a lot of other cleansers (even "mild" ones) sting my skin, especially when chapped/wind burnt.
- Moisturize with Vanicream (the thick cream in the tub). They also make a lotion that's still great but a little lighter if the cream is too heavy for you. Has a high petrolatum content to help prevent moisture loss which is key!!
- Use Aquaphor (you can also use 100% vaseline if you like) on my lips, eyelids, and any super dry/irritated patches. Bag balm works too although I personally hate the smell lol.
- I also sometimes use La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume instead of Aquaphor for super dry/sensitive patches. A bit more pricey of a product though.
- If you can, run a humidifier next to your bed while sleeping!!!! Especially out west and at altitude

The AM before going out:
- I do NOT wash my face. Even if you normally wash your face twice a day I find the extra oils your skin naturally produces are very necessary when you're going to be out in the elements all day.
- Moisturize again with Vanicream and put aquaphor on lips
- Once the moisturizer soaks in I apply a generous amount of sunscreen (at least SPF 50+). I find mineral sunscreens to be less irritating on my skin (the chemical ones often burn for me and sting if they get into your eyes) and since you're wearing goggles, neck tube, etc. the white cast isn't as much of an issue

 

[Chuyi]

I use this combodana mask. It's thin but the softshell is lightly fleece line enough to vent extra moisture so I don't fog up. But keeps warm&some moisture to keep skin from freezing. Also sun protection.

Softshell Combodana™

•100% windproof/waterproof fleece-lined Softshell face mask & bandana in one •4-way stretch Softshell fabric throughout •Windproof/waterproof membrane •Full face & neck coverage •Large central breathing holes •Adjustable Velcro closure •Top contoured to seal under goggles •The ultimate in face...

www.seirus.com

 

[TrixieRuby]

I use this combodana mask. It's thin but the softshell is lightly fleece line enough to vent extra moisture so I don't fog up. But keeps warm&some moisture to keep skin from freezing. Also sun protection.

Softshell Combodana™

•100% windproof/waterproof fleece-lined Softshell face mask & bandana in one •4-way stretch Softshell fabric throughout •Windproof/waterproof membrane •Full face & neck coverage •Large central breathing holes •Adjustable Velcro closure •Top contoured to seal under goggles •The ultimate in face...

www.seirus.com

wow-that looks like an awesome choice! I will give that a whirl, but will still layer a heavy cream underneath.