Skin Care for Skiers: The Ultimate Skin-Saving Guide For The Slopes

If you have big plans this winter to hit the slopes, it’s essential to keep your skin in mind before facing the elements. Between brutally cold temperatures and blustering winds, your skin can become dry, chapped, and irritated with each run. Get ahead of the game and take the necessary steps to keep your skin in tip-top condition before you ski down those mountains. From hydrating face wash to soothing hand cream, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of skin essentials you’ll need for your next ski trip below.

HYDRATING CLEANSER

Since we’re dealing with a colder climate than usual, keep in mind that your cleanser should be tailored to the frigid weather. Treat your skin to a cleanser that won’t compromise your skin’s moisture barrier.  A sign that your current cleanser may not fit the bill is a tight feeling complexion after washing your face. But, before you skip cleansing all together, know this: Cleansing your skin is one of the most important steps in any skin care regimen, so skipping this step is not an option. During the colder seasons—and especially during your next ski trip—swap out your regular cleanser for a hydrating formula that’s been tailored to your skin’s specific concerns and needs.

From gentle foaming formulas to cream cleansers, use our guide to finding the best face washes that won’t strip your skin dry, here.

MOISTURIZER

Immediately after you cleanse you should apply a layer of moisturizer. Stay timely—you don’t want to wait too long to apply moisturizer after cleansing, both after washing your face and washing your body in the shower. Doing so will only prevent you from getting the most out of your moisturizer, so be sure to pack on the cream after you’ve pat-dried your skin. And of course, just like anything else, it’s possible to go overboard with application. Applying more than directed to can cause your skin to feel weighed down and greasy. Hit the slopes feeling fresh and dewy by applying the directed amount from one of these moisturizers formulated with SPF.

 

BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF

Contrary to popular belief, you can still get a sunburn in the winter. In fact, you’re at more risk for sun damage if you’re near snow, according to the Mayo Clinic. The reason being, you’re increasing your risk of getting sun damage by being in places of higher elevations—like the mountains—or reflective surfaces—like water and snow. Keep your skin safe by slathering on sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection with SPF 30 or higher.

Need some assistance in finding the right sunscreen for you? We review La Roche-Posay’s top-rated sunscreens, here.   

LIP BALM & LIP SCRUB

A dry pout is never a good thing when mixed with snowy weather. To help keep your lips hydrated and smooth, reach for a deep conditioning lip balm and emollient with SPF. Another tip for your keeping dry lips at bay: using a face scrub that’s also formulated for use on the lips to help exfoliate dead skin cell buildup from the surface of your lips. We recommend using L’Oreal Paris’ Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub.

HAND CREAM

The blustery conditions on the slopes can wreak havoc on your hands, and if you want to hide the signs of premature skin aging, you’ll want to give your mitts a little love. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), your hands may disproportionately show your age. It’s no surprise, considering we tend to reserve all of our anti-aging and moisturizing attention to our face. Do your hands a tremendous favor by applying a soothing hand cream before putting on your ski gloves. For recommendations, we name some of our favorite hand creams, here.