For winter sports enthusiasts, few experiences rival the exhilaration of skiing, snowboarding, or exploring snow-covered trails. However, the alpine environment that makes these adventures so exciting also poses unique challenges for your skin. Cold temperatures, dry air, intense UV exposure, and biting winds can leave your complexion dry, irritated, and vulnerable. Here’s how to keep your skin protected and radiant while embracing winter sports.
Firstly, hydration is key. Before hitting the slopes, fortify your skin with hydrating products beginning with a gentle, hydrating serum that includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. Follow this with a richer than usual moisturiser that features ceramides or squalane – ingredients that act as a protective shield and help to minimise water loss in the face of freezing winds and dry air.
Layering a vitamin C serum under your moisturiser can help to bolster skin’s defences against free radicals and environmental damage, and vitamin C is particularly helpful in reducing the effects of UV exposure by enhancing your sunscreen’s efficacy.
So always remember the sunscreen – snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, increasing your exposure, especially at higher altitudes where the atmosphere is thinner. Apply a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, ensuring you cover every exposed area, including around the eyes, under the chin, and even the underside of your nose. And reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or wiping your face.
For lips, use a thick, non-irritating balm to prevent cracking and dryness, and reapply frequently throughout the day. If cold weather causes a runny nose, a layer of balm under the nostrils can prevent chapping. Wearing a physical face covering, such as a scarf or balaclava, adds another layer of defence against the elements.
But what about post-ski skin care?
After a day in the snow or on the slopes, cleanse your face with a gentle cream-based cleanser to remove sunscreen, sweat, and environmental pollutants without stripping your skin of moisture. And avoid hot water, as it can exacerbate dryness and irritation.
Follow cleansing with a soothing moisturiser to repair your skin’s barrier. Look for formulas rich in niacinamide or probiotics, which help calm inflammation and support healing. If your skin feels particularly irritated or raw, temporarily skip active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliants to give your skin time to recover.
Overnight, opt for a heavier hydrating cream or mask. This is particularly important for people with dry or sensitive skin, as the rich formula will help replenish moisture loss, and sleeping with a humidifier can do wonders for your skin’s recovery after a day outdoors. By increasing the moisture level in your environment it helps prevent further dehydration while you rest.
If you’re a frequent winter sports enthusiast, consider booking a professional consultation with your aesthetician when you get back. Treatments such as IPL (intense pulsed light) or lasers can help address pigmentation or uneven skin tone that may result from sun exposure. However, waiting at least two weeks after your trip ensures your skin is fully healed and ready for treatment.
Always listen to your skin’s needs. Scaling back on potent ingredients like strong acids or retinoids during and immediately after your trip will help maintain your skin’s health and barrier integrity. When your skin feels back to normal, you can slowly re-integrate these ingredients into your routine.
And finally, great as they are, remember that winter sports are demanding on your skin. By taking the time to prepare and protect beforehand and nourishing your complexion afterward, you can enjoy the snow while keeping your skin healthy. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the crisp alpine air, a tailored skincare routine goes a long way to maintaining your skin’s condition.