Embarking on high-altitude adventures comes with exhilarating experiences, from breathtaking views to the crisp mountain air. However, as you ascend to greater heights, your skin faces unique challenges that can leave it feeling stressed and vulnerable. I recently traveled with my husband, Adam Stuart and coworkers, Kasie Banks & Meredith Dunbar, to South Dakota for the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center Winter Gala. The fundraiser was hosted to benefit Sacred Mountain Retreat Center (SMRC), a non-profit center located near Deadwood in the Black Hills that offers a cost-free retreat to military veterans and first responders who suffer from PTSD or trauma. During this short weekend trip, we were able to visit the retreat center itself, see Mount Rushmore, and tour the beautiful area. Being a southern girl from Florida and Louisiana, some of the views seemed out of this world to me, and with no humidity, my hair seemed to cooperate every day which was also a plus, I thought! But, the allure of high altitudes often brings with it a harsher climate especially if you’re like me and you’re used to the humid air. Cold and dry mountain air can have detrimental effects on your skin. The low humidity levels at high altitudes can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dehydration and dryness. This can result in flakiness and irritation. The entire trip and even a week or so after getting home, it seemed like I couldn’t get enough lotion and chapstick! Windburn and chapping are common issues faced by individuals at elevated altitudes.

Lucky for me, I had SOL SPA, the 24 hour smart spa, to come home to! You can probably guess where I’m going with this. I couldn’t wait to get in a Hot Detox Yoga & Hot Chakra session in our infrared sauna right away! Not only do these sessions provide relaxation and detoxification, but also offer a range of benefits to counteract the toll that high altitudes can take on your skin. Infrared sauna therapy induces a deep, penetrating heat that helps your skin release toxins and promotes increased blood circulation. The improved circulation enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, combating the dehydrating effects of high altitudes.

Infrared heat stimulates the production of collagen, a protein crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Regular sessions in an infrared sauna can contribute to a more youthful and rejuvenated complexion.

The therapeutic heat from infrared saunas accelerates the healing process of damaged skin cells. This can be particularly beneficial for addressing sunburns, windburn, and other irritations resulting from exposure to high altitudes.

Infrared sauna therapy has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and calming sensitive areas. This makes it an effective solution for mitigating the impact of harsh weather conditions on your skin.

Incorporating SOL SPA’s Hot Detox Yoga and Hot Chakra sessions in our infrared saunas into your skincare routine can be a proactive step to counteract the effects of high altitudes. With 24 hour access, there’s no excuse not to! Consistency is key, and regular sessions can contribute to maintaining skin health and resilience. Step into the warmth, let the healing heat penetrate your skin, and emerge from the infrared sanctuary with skin that is refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to face the world at any altitude at the spa that’s always open, SOL SPA.

‍

‍

Written By: Paige Stuart, VP of SOL SPA