Las Vegas Lashes: Desert Air Stealing Youth Hydration?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe neon lights of the Strip might be dazzling, but they’re also a harsh reminder of the relentless sun beating down on Las Vegas. It’s not just your bank account that suffers in this desert oasis; your skin and even your eyelashes are silently screaming for moisture. Forget the high-roller suites; the real luxury in Vegas is a hydrated complexion and fluttery, healthy lashes.
Las Vegas’s dry desert air is a notorious skin-ager. The low humidity sucks moisture right out of your skin, leading to dryness, fine lines, and a dull complexion. This is compounded by the constant air conditioning indoors, which further strips away hydration.
Eyelashes, often overlooked, are equally vulnerable. They become brittle, prone to breakage, and can even thin out, impacting your overall look. Combatting this requires a strategic approach, combining internal hydration with targeted topical treatments.
First, let’s talk about internal hydration. Water is your best friend in Vegas. Aim for at least a gallon a day, and don’t rely solely on sugary cocktails.
Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it constantly. Infuse your water with cucumber, lemon, or mint for added flavor and a refreshing boost.
Electrolyte drinks are also crucial, especially if you’re indulging in alcohol or spending time outdoors. Look for options with low sugar content, like Nuun tablets, readily available at Target or Whole Foods on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Now, for topical hydration, you need a multi-pronged approach. Start with a hydrating cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps that strip your skin’s natural oils.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, found at any drugstore in Vegas, is a reliable and affordable option. Follow with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, available at Sephora in the Forum Shops at Caesars, is a budget-friendly and effective choice.
Next, lock in the serum with a rich moisturizer. Look for ingredients like ceramides and shea butter. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, widely available at Walgreens, is a dermatologist-recommended option.
Don’t forget sunscreen! The Vegas sun is unforgiving. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, easily found at any CVS, is a lightweight and non-greasy option. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
For your eyelashes, consider a DIY lash serum. Combine equal parts castor oil, vitamin E oil, and aloe vera gel. Castor oil is known to promote hair growth, while vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel provide hydration and nourishment.
You can find castor oil and vitamin E capsules at any health food store, like Sprouts Farmers Market on Sahara Avenue. Aloe vera gel is readily available at most drugstores.
Apply the serum to your eyelashes before bed using a clean mascara wand. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.
Another quick hydration hack is to use a facial mist throughout the day. Avene Thermal Spring Water, available at most pharmacies, is a soothing and refreshing option.
Keep a bottle in your purse or backpack and spritz your face whenever you feel dry. This provides instant hydration and helps to refresh your makeup.
One common mistake people make in Vegas is over-exfoliating. While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, overdoing it can further dry out your skin. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.
Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, available at Sephora, is a good option for chemical exfoliation.
Another pitfall is neglecting your lips. The dry air can quickly chap your lips, making them uncomfortable and unsightly. Carry a hydrating lip balm with you at all times.
Look for lip balms containing beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, widely available, is a classic and effective choice.
For tourists, a quick hydration boost can be found at many of the hotel spas. Consider booking a hydrating facial or body treatment.
Many spas offer express treatments that can be completed in under an hour. The Spa at Encore and The Spa at Wynn are known for their luxurious and effective treatments.
Residents can benefit from investing in a humidifier for their homes. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to combat the dryness caused by air conditioning.
Place a humidifier in your bedroom to help hydrate your skin while you sleep. You can find humidifiers at most big box stores, like Walmart or Target.
Maintaining youthful skin and healthy eyelashes in Las Vegas requires a consistent and proactive approach. By following these hydration strategies, you can combat the dry desert air and keep your skin looking its best. Remember, hydration is the ultimate luxury in Sin City.