Team USA ice dancer Emilea Zingas maintains a disciplined skincare regimen alongside her athletic training, prioritizing hydration and product safety in the face of harsh conditions and strict competition rules. Her approach is born from necessity: prolonged exposure to cold, dry air coupled with frequent makeup application demands consistent moisture replenishment.
The Athlete’s Dilemma: Performance and Presentation
Zingas emphasizes the importance of looking as good as performing well, acknowledging that confidence is linked to both. Elite skaters, however, face unique constraints. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rigorously tests athletes, meaning skincare choices aren’t just about aesthetics but also about avoiding accidental disqualification. As Zingas states, “We have to make sure all of our products are clean and tested by third parties… I try not to use anything from brands that I don’t trust 100 percent.” This underscores the high stakes environment where even skincare can impact career integrity.
The Core Routine: Resetting and Protecting Skin
Zingas’ routine centers around reintroducing moisture. She incorporates hydrating masks every three to four days to “reset” her skin, and deliberately takes makeup-free weeks after competitions to allow recovery. The foundation of her approach is simplicity: minimizing stress on already-stressed skin. Her philosophy is clear – less is more, especially under pressure.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: From Makeup Removal to Hydration
Zingas’ routine is methodical, designed for efficiency and effectiveness:
- Makeup Removal: Begins with ophthalmologist-tested makeup remover applied to cotton pads, dissolving eye makeup first. Follows with two face washes: first, a beta-hydroxy acid cleanser (like Brand X ) to gently exfoliate and stimulate collagen, then a jojoba ester cleanser (like Brand Y ) for deeper cleansing. The process is intensive but necessary after hours under stage makeup.
- Exfoliation: Every three days, she uses a salicylic acid exfoliant (like Brand Z ) to unclog pores and even skin tone, applying sparingly to avoid irritation.
- Toning: Incorporates a milky toner with ceramides (like Brand A ) to balance skin texture and deliver hydration.
- Moisturization: Employs a fragrance-free, hydrating moisturizer (like Brand B ) for immediate relief without heaviness.
- Lip Care: Finishes with a vitamin C and murumuru butter-infused lip mask (like Brand C ) to combat dryness.
Beyond the Routine: Confidence and Consistency
Zingas’ ritual isn’t just about skincare; it’s a confidence booster. She believes better makeup equals better performance, leveraging the psychological impact of feeling prepared. Her self-reliance in applying competition-day glam reinforces this idea.
“The better my makeup looks, the better I’m going to skate because I just feel more confident overall.”
In the end, Zingas’ approach is a model for athletes and anyone under high pressure: discipline, strategic product choices, and a focus on maintaining skin health as part of overall performance.
