How To Build The Ideal Ski Skincare Routine, According To Experts
By
38 minutes ago
It's crucial to give your skin a little extra TLC this ski season
There really is nothing quite like a ski break – it’s a perfect combination of breathtaking views, fresh mountain air and indulgent food. Yet these same things that make it so fulfilling are also an easy formula for skin issues, especially when you add in harsh, icy wind and strong sunlight en piste. It’s enough to potentially derail months of retinol legwork. So as the ski season approaches, it’s important you spare some thought (and space in your suitcase) for your skincare routine as well as your outdoor gear.
Dryness and sensitivity are real issues on the slopes, thanks to the mountain climate easily stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Luckily, avoiding this fate doesn’t require a 12-step routine: you can make sure your skin is well-protected and properly hydrated in just a few minutes, allowing you to make those early morning first tracks as soon as possible.
For some expert advice on which products make the best ski skincare routine, we’ve consulted Dr Ariel Haus, founder and CEO of Dr Haus Dermatology; Kimberley Medd, clinic manager at Face the Future; and Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh, founder and CEO of Dr Sebagh.
Curating an alpine-friendly skincare routine is paramount to keep your skin happy when skiing. Credit: Getty
How To Build The Ideal Ski Skincare Routine
First thing’s first, make sure your basics are covered: moisturiser, SPF and cleanser. In the list below, Dr Haus, Dr Sebagh and Kimberley Medd advise what exactly to look for in each of these products (hint: if it’s not focused on protecting and repairing your skin barrier, save it for after your trip). Once you’ve got these three steps down, you can then add extra care and repair as you wish for your hands, lips, eyes, and skin barrier – because you can never go overboard.
So from beginning to end, here’s how to build your ideal ski skincare routine, according to experts.
Barrier Serum
Harsh mountain conditions means your skin barrier is working overtime. This outermost layer of skin prevents moisture from leaving the body and harmful substances from entering it – meaning that if your barrier is damaged, your skin will become dry, tight and sensitive.
Some extra support on top of a good moisturiser (we’ll get to that next) is a good idea when skiing to ensure your barrier stays strong and your skin stays healthy. Because serums pack a big punch in a small amount of product, ‘layering a hydrating serum beneath a rich cream creates an effective moisture seal’, says Dr Sebagh. ‘Look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws in and retains moisture, and peptides, which support repair and resilience.’
Moisturiser
To give your skin the TLC it deserves, choose a moisturiser designed to support and repair the skin barrier. Products rich in essential fatty acids like ceramides and omega-3, -6 and -9 will help lock in moisture in the face of cold, dry air, working with your barrier serum to protect you from windburn.
‘Using a rich, nourishing moisturiser will not only prevent irritation, but will help repair the skin barrier if damage does occur,’ says Dr Haus. ‘Applying before hitting the slopes as well as in the evening will give the skin the hydration and protection it needs.’ And while going for a moisturiser with an SPF built in might seem like a time-effective option when you’re itching to hit the pistes, avoid the temptation; as we explain below, it is all too easy to get sunburned when skiing, so always go for that full, additional layer of protection.
Sun Care
All our experts agree: SPF is essential on the slopes. While you may think sunburn isn’t likely in such a cold climate, the reality is that the reflective snow and high altitude actually enhances UV radiation, significantly increasing your risk of red and painful skin. This is still true even when it’s overcast, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds.
But what sun protection should you go for? Dr Haus recommends a mineral SPF50, reapplied every two hours. Mineral sunscreens are best for skin that has been sensitised by harsh wind and cold air, while the higher the SPF number, the better the UV protection. Experts recommend applying at least 1/4 of a teaspoon, making sure to cover your entire face as well as your ears, hands and the underside of your chin. And don’t forget to protect your lips and around your eyes, including your eyelids. ‘Because the skin here is particularly delicate, it is vulnerable to UV damage,’ says Dr Sebagh. Carrying around a sunscreen stick is also a good idea if you want to make reapplications quick and easy.
Hand Care
Your hands will be wrapped up in warm gloves most of the time you’re out in the snow, but this doesn’t mean they should be neglected from your skincare routine. The hand’s shape and thin skin makes it particularly sensitive to the cold and any sudden temperature changes, so to avoid the possibility of cracked palms and dry cuticles, invest in a rich, hydrating hand cream.
‘Specialist creams designed for nurses working in intense conditions are just the kind of thing you should be looking for when skiing,’ advises Kimberley Medd. ‘You can even use a barrier oil serum under the cream for extra care.’
Cleanser
Using great products means nothing if you aren’t cleaning your face thoroughly. Whether you cleanse once or twice a day is up to you and what feels best for your skin, but while on your ski holiday, it’s important you don’t use a cleanser containing high levels of exfoliants (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid). ‘Swap the actives for barrier repair products,’ Kimberley Medd recommends. ‘Focus on using a cleanser that will gently remove suncream and impurities without stripping the skin of moisture.’
Cleansers containing emollients such as ceramides or fatty acids will help keep skin nourished and the barrier strong, adds Dr Haus. Ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties may also help to calm any irritation from harsh weather conditions – think green tea, glycerin and panthenol.
