Ski trips might be good for the soul, but they’re notoriously harsh on your skin. With cold temperature, strong winds, high-altitude UV, and dry indoor air all working together to challenge hydration levels and the skin barrier, a simple, targeted routine – and the right skincare for skiing – is key. The best skiing skincare helps support moisture, comfort and protection so your skin stays balanced and glowing on and off the slopes. By choosing a few effective skiing skincare products, you can easily prevent dry skin, minimise irritation and keep your complexion looking fresh, making these the ultimate skiing skincare essentials for anyone heading to the mountains.
How to protect your skin on the slopes
While skiing might conjure up thoughts of fresh, glowing skin and rosy cheeks, the reality isn’t quite as picture-perfect. Freezing cold air slows oil production, while alpine winds cause wind burn and weaken the skin barrier. Higher altitudes bring stronger UV exposure even on cloudy days, and dry, heated indoor environments pull moisture from the skin, all of which can lead to tightness, flaking, redness and irritation.
To protect your skin on the slopes, your routine should focus on gentle cleansing to avoid stripping the skin, deep hydration to replenish lost moisture, barrier support to strengthen and repair the skin’s defences, and daily SPF to shield against UV. Prioritising these essentials helps keep your skin resilient, comfortable, and radiant throughout your trip.
Your skincare essentials packing checklist
Don’t let the mountain weather mess with your skin. From skin-quenching serums to ultra-strong SPFs, pack these must-have products to keep your skin looking its best from first lift to après-ski.
Gentle cleanser
Your skin is already under enough stress on the slopes, so the last thing it needs is a harsh, stripping cleanser. Using a gentle cleanser helps remove sweat, SPF and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier or stripping away essential oils, which is key for preventing tightness, dryness, and irritation. Look for low-foam or oil-based formulas with hydrating and soothing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or oat extract, and avoid strong surfactants, alcohol, or heavy fragrance. Your skin should feel clean, soft and comfortable after cleansing, never tight or squeaky.
Hydrating serum
On the slopes, skin loses hydration faster than usual, which can leave it feeling tight, flaky and dull. A hydrating serum helps replenish that water and keeps skin plump and comfortable throughout the day. Look for lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas packed with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which draw moisture into the skin, and soothing ingredients like panthenol or squalane to calm irritation. Applying a serum before your moisturiser helps lock in hydration and creates the perfect base for barrier-supporting creams and SPF.
Barrier-strengthening cream
Harsh conditions can leave skin feeling vulnerable and sensitive. A barrier-strengthening cream helps reinforce your skin’s natural defences, sealing in hydration and reducing the risk of irritation. Look for rich, nourishing ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, squalane, or shea butter, which restore resilience and keep skin soft and comfortable. Use it after your serum to protect against the elements and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion throughout your ski trip.
High-protection SPF
At higher altitudes, UV exposure is significantly stronger, and snow reflects sunlight, increasing the amount of radiation your skin receives. This makes broad-spectrum SPF non-negotiable on the slopes to protect against sun damage, pigmentation, and premature ageing. Choose an SPF 30 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection, and opt for a hydrating, comfortable formula that layers well over skincare and under makeup. Apply generously as the final step in your morning routine, and reapply throughout the day to keep your skin protected while you ski.
Nourishing lip care
Lips have no oil glands, making them especially vulnerable to dryness, cracking and wind burn when skiing. A nourishing lip balm helps protect this delicate skin, locking in moisture and shielding lips from the elements. Look for formulas with emollient ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, lanolin or plant oils, and ideally one with added SPF to protect against UV exposure at altitude. Apply regularly throughout the day and before bed to keep lips soft, smooth and comfortable on and off the slopes.
