ski skincare

The ultimate ski skincare guide

30 Jan 2025 | | By Cordelia Aspinall

Five steps to protect and nourish your skin on the slopes, according to the experts

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Days out on picture-perfect pistes, whether in the French Alps, Pyrenees or Rocky Mountains, means one thing for your skin – exposure. Vast open ranges with clear runs and cloud-free skies subject your skin to some pretty extreme elements, from high-altitude sunlight and dry mountain air to icy winds and freezing temperatures. It is sacrosanct, then, to create an effective ski skincare routing when on your alpine adventure to keep it hydrated, moisturised, and most importantly, protected at all times.

We’ve called upon several dermatologists and skincare experts for their advice and suggestions for the best skincare routine to follow dans le slopes. We asked Dr Anna Andrienko, dermatologist at Dr. Ducu Clinics, Dr Amiee Vyass, founder of Doctor Amiee Facial Aesthetics and Skin, David Connor, skincare expert, CEO and co-founder of Kanzen Skincare, and Dr Preema Vig of Dr Preema London for their top tips, including some of the very best skin-saving products to pack in your suitcase. From suncreams and moisturisers to lip balms and vitamin C, this handy skincare guide will have you covered for your next mountaintop holiday. 

How does skiing impact your skin?

Many environmental factors can take their toll on your skin while skiing. According to Dr Andrienko, “The combination of cold air and strong winds can deplete your skin’s natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity. Additionally, the high altitude and snow reflection intensify UV exposure, increasing the risk of sunburn.” 

Dr Vyass adds that skiing also “subjects the skin to rapid temperature fluctuations – moving between the cold outdoors and warm indoor spaces. This can make your skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of irritation, redness, and damage.” A good skincare routine is therefore key to protecting skin while enjoying your time on the slopes. Read on for the ultimate guide for more resilient, moisturised skin. 

Wear SPF 

A non-negotiable – SPF. High altitude and reflective snow mean increased UV exposure when out on the slopes, so applying a high-factor SPF is the most crucial step in your skiing skincare routine. You may be fully covered on your body but your face should be protected with a suncream of at least SPF50, according to all our experts. 

It is also recommended to reapply SPF at regular intervals (every two hours) to keep the shielding topped up, and don’t be fooled by overcast or cloudy weather – “the sun's rays are stronger at higher altitudes, so even though it may feel cooler, UV radiation is more intense, and snow can also reflect up to 80 per cent of UV rays, which can double your exposure,” explains Dr Vig. Using SPF will also prevent the aging effects of sun damage, including fine lines, pigmentation and wrinkles, but most importantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 suncream

Lightweight, non-greasy and loaded with SPF50+, La Roche-Posay’s suncream is as soft on the skin and hydrating, as it is protective for the most sensitive of skin types. Plus, it’s water and sweat-resistant for every skiing eventuality.

£20
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Ultra Violette Supreme Screen facial skinscreen

A trio of moisturiser, primer and SPF 50+ suncream, massage this formula into the skin to keep it nourished and protected. Antioxidant-rich and in a handy-sized tube, pop in your ski jacket pocket to top up conveniently throughout the day.

£34
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Hydrate and moisturise

Snowploughing or slalom racing across the mountain tops may be all fun and games but it also exposes your skin to a whole range of dramatic conditions it may not be used to. Snow and sleet, chilly winds and cold air, to name but a few, all of which can impact your skin’s moisture levels, drying it out. Regular moisturising, therefore, is an important step in your skincare routine, working to keep skin hydrated and nourished and reinforce its protective barrier. 

Dr Andrienko, David Connor and Dr Vig all recommend using a rich barrier cream or nourishing overnight mask to replenish lost moisture and lock in hydration, looking for ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or squalane to deeply soothe and smooth, prevent dryness and protect your skin from the cold. 

Paula’s Choice Ultra Rich moisturiser

Featuring ceramides, coconut oil and shea butter, rejuvenate dehydrated skin with this ultra-nourishing moisturiser. Buttery soft, it is ideal for dry-to-very-dry skin and locks in moisture for up to 12 hours.

£39
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Liz Earle Skin Repair rich cream

Lock in moisture with Liz Earle’s repairing cream. A soothing, creamy formula enriched with shea butter, echinacea and avocado oil, skin will be left deeply hydrated, smooth and naturally radiant for up to 72 hours.

£28
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Night-time recovery balm

Before hitting your pillow after a long day out in the snow, incorporate a gentle balm into your evening skincare routine to deeply nourish and hydrate your skin overnight. David Connor explains that this will help “restore moisture and strengthen the skin barrier,” replenishing your skin’s smoothness and vibrancy by morning.

Ren Evercalm overnight recovery balm

A nourishing combination of olive, almond, linseed and jojoba, sleep tight with Ren’s lightweight balm slathered onto your skin, helping to repair its natural barrier for a rejuvenated glow.

£45
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Elemis black cherry cleansing balm

Keep skin strong and hydrated with Elemis’ cleansing balm. A nourishing formula packed with oils, waxes and Elemis’ hero ingredient, marine algae, indulge skin post-piste (and your senses thanks to its delicious cherry aroma).

£49
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Lip balm

Don’t neglect your lips when skiing. The harsh weather means they can easily become chapped and dry from the wind, or even burnt by strong UV rays, so using a hydrating and protective lip balm can help prevent damage. Dr Andrienko recommends lip balms with SPF and conditioning ingredients, such as beeswax or lanolin.

Ultrasun lip protection

Enriched with SPF50, Ultrasun’s lip balm will protect your lips from windburn, sunburn and cold chilly climates. Slip into your pocket for regular top-ups on and off-piste.

£10
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Ultra Violette Sheen Screen 

Nourish lips with Ultra Violette’s lip balm, enhanced with SPF50 and packed with lanolin, shea and cacao seed butter to hydrate dry lips. Pick from six pretty shades for a boosted shine.

£17
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Vitamin C

Adding a vitamin C product to your skincare routine is never a bad idea. The antioxidant-rich vitamin helps boost dull, dry, lackluster skin, hydrating and reducing irritation and redness on the surface. Perfect for use in cold weather, and an ideal swap for ingredients that can make skin more sun sensitive, such as retinol and hyaluronic acid, it’ll work wonders while on the slopes. 

Medik8 Daily Radiance vitamin C

Boost your skin’s natural glow after exposure to the sun, wind and cold temperatures with Medik8’s day cream. With a non-greasy, moisturising formula, skin will be left smooth and brightened with a radiant finish.

£59
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Face Theory Glow-C daily moisturiser 

Rejuvenate skin with Face Theory’s hydrating moisturiser. Containing niacinamide and vitamin C, the super soft, lightweight formula will transform skin from dull and dry to plumped and brightened in no time.

£18
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Read more: The best skiwear brands for on and around the slopes