Many of us wouldn’t set foot on a beach without slathering on sun protection, yet the same doesn’t always apply when skiing. It’s understandable. Heat leads to sun damage; cold doesn’t, right? Wrong. Winter can be equally demanding on our complexions, especially for those who frequent the slopes. Whether you are skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoying après, it’s essential to protect your skin from the elements. Goggle marks are the least of our problems.
“Skiing exposes the skin to environmental stressors such as freezing temperatures, cold winds, low humidity, increased ultraviolet radiation, and rapid temperature fluctuations,” explains board-certified multi-specialist physician and expert in aesthetic, anti-ageing and regenerative medicine Dr Azza Halim. These are all heightened when you’re zipping down a mountain at high speed and exposed to the elements for extended periods of time – it almost always results in a chapped, red and irritated complexion. “Cold, dry air increases moisture loss from the skin, while wind further aggravates the skin’s protective barrier. This can lead to dehydration, tightness, redness, sensitivity, and cracking of the outermost skin layer.” Then there is the concern of UV radiation, which is exaggerated at high altitude.
“UV radiation generally increases by approximately 10 to 12 per cent for every 1,000 meters of elevation, although the exact increase depends on atmospheric and environmental conditions,” she continues. “At higher altitudes, there is less atmosphere available to absorb and scatter ultraviolet radiation, increasing exposure to potentially damaging rays.” What’s more, there is also the reflection of the snow, which means you may experience more exposure on the mountains than even at a beach. “Fresh snow can reflect up to 80 per cent of incoming UV radiation, meaning the skin receives exposure not only from the sun overhead but also from light reflected upward.”
To protect your skin, build a skincare arsenal designed to nourish, hydrate and replenish both on and off the slopes. The emphasis should be on hydrating heroes and high-factor suncare to safeguard against environmental stressors and keep skin comfortable, resilient and shielded while carving down the mountain.
Below, the guide to protecting and nourishing your snow-day skin, and the best skincare for skiing to shop.
Before stepping out onto the snow, it is important to prep the skin. “You’re dealing with freezing temperatures, wind, very low humidity, and strong UV exposure,” Harley Street-based aesthetic doctor Dr Ivona Igerc says, and so “the skin loses moisture much faster, which can leave it feeling tight, dry, and irritated.” For this reason, layering protective products in advance will minimise exposure risks. Think also about gloves and face coverings (a scarf or balaclava) before lift-off.
“Morning ski skincare should be intentionally simple, protective, and focused on barrier resilience,” stresses Dr Halim. After cleansing, she suggests a hydrating serum with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Applied to damp skin, these ingredients are designed to attract and lock in moisture.
- Why it’s -approved: One of the best hyaluronic acid serums for a reason. “It’s lightweight and plays well with all the other products in my routine,” says contributing beauty editor Lauren Murdoch-Smith. “It’s the kind of formula that my skin drinks up, so it alleviates dryness, but it’s also not sticky. It works wonders at plumping and smoothing the face, neck and hands over time too. I’m obsessed.” Combining smaller HA molecules with heavier ones, it works on multiple layers of the skin for ultra-effective hydration. Free from oil, fragrance and any irritating actives, Medik8’s hydrating serum is a great choice for all skin types. Those with very dry skin will benefit from the multi-weight hyaluronic acid formula enhanced here by vitamin B5, which soothes as HA draws moisture both deep into the dermis and onto the surface of the skin.
- has a non-sticky formula that absorbs quickly
- dropper is marked with measurements for consistent application
- small bottle, but a little goes a long way
H.A. Intensifier
- Why it’s -approved: Formulated to deliver hydration to skin and help encourage skin’s own natural hydration synthesis, this formula combines hyaluronic acid with liquorice root, purple rice and ProXylane. The multi-action treatment helps combat dryness and reinstates suppleness and firmness to the skin. Recently reformulated to improve the texture, this feels silky and refreshing on skin and makes a great canvas for make-up.
Your snow day protection has levels to it, including a vitamin C serum. “A well-formulated vitamin C serum will amplify the protective effects of your sunscreen,” says board-certified dermatologist and skin-cycling creator Whitney Bowe. Board-certified dermatologist Dr Murphy-Rose reaches for the popular SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, while Augusitinus Bader’s is lightweight and non-greasy. An antioxidant layer works with your SPF to guard skin against UV damage and other free radicals.
Why it’s -approved: Loaded with antioxidants and lauded by dermatologists, SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic serum is one of Bittar’s top recommendations. “This is the gold standard of vitamin C serums, especially for mature skin,” he says. “It’s one of the original products to stabilise vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid. It carries a substantial price tag, but it is one of the few skincare products that I believe is actually worth the splurge.”
The Vitamin C Serum
- Why it’s -approved: This luxurious formula pairs vitamin C with the brand’s proprietary TFC8 technology (a blend of high-grade vitamins, lipids, and high-performing, proprietary peptides), delivering antioxidant protection alongside hydration and radiance. The texture feels elegant on the skin and layers seamlessly beneath sunscreen.
- Key ingredients: Ascorbyl glucoside (vitamin C), Ergothioneine (antioxidant), Advanced TFC8
When it comes to a moisturiser, getting the balance of rich and emollient and yet lightweight so as not to cause excessive sweating while zooming down the mountain is challenging. The experts all agree that ingredients like ceramides, squalane, glycerol, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid should feature. This will, according to Dr Murphy-Rose, “serve as a physical barrier between your skin and the environment.” Dr Bowe adds, “A good moisturiser is the foundation of your skincare routine, especially during the winter months when the air is so dry.”
- Why it’s -approved: La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5+ has become a travel essential for me. The holiday-friendly 100ml tube can be slathered over the face and body where skin is feeling sensitive and inflammed. The multitasking formula is brimming with kind-to-skin ingredients like vitamin B5, glycerin and cicaplast and the brand’s own signature and soothing thermal spring water. It’s a thick cream texture that calms redness and encourages healing.
- Key ingredients: vitamin B5, glycerin, cicaplast and thermal spring water
- Best for: multitasking
- Why it’s -approved: “I especially love SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid 2:4:2 moisturiser because it includes natural cholesterol, pure ceramides and fatty acids — which are essential to protect the skin barrier,” Dr Magovern enthuses. “These key lipids not only protect the skin, but also restore moisture and elasticity.”
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, natural cholesterol, fatty acids, essential oil blend
- Best for: The cream dovetails nicely with an anti-ageing skincare regime: It can shorten the adjustment period to retinoids, and decrease retinol-related dryness.
- Available size: 48ml
SPF is the last step in a pre-ski ritual but arguably the most important. Dr Ivy explains, “At altitude, UV exposure can be intense, and snow reflection adds to it. Cloudy weather doesn’t make you safe either. UV rays still penetrate clouds.” The experts agree that SPF50 is an absolute essential, but reapplication is also necessary, especially after sweating or snowfall. “One of the greatest misconceptions is that cold weather means less sun damage,” Dr Halim adds. “Temperature is not a reliable indicator of UV intensity.” Pay close attention to applying on all exposed areas, including under the chin and ears.
Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+
- Why it’s -approved: We all know SPF shouldn’t be seasonal, as the sun’s rays can penetrate even on cloudy days. This SPF is a great option for your daily sunscreen as it contains an exclusive filter, Mexoryl400, which protects skin against ultra-long UVA rays, as well as shorter UVA and UVB rays. These longer rays are not only imperceptible and damaging, but they also represent 30 per cent of the UV rays that affect our skin all year round.
- Good to know: Great for oily, sensitive skin, this high-protection SPF has an invisible and non-greasy finish so won’t cause breakouts.
- Best for: SPF top-ups while travelling, during watersports
- Why we love it: Trusted by athletes for its efficacy at shielding skin from high levels of outdoor UV exposure, Ultrasun is the Swiss-chemist-formulated brand to know for robust suncare. This spray deploys an aerosol mist that doesn’t leave a greasy finish, plus it comes in a can that conveniently fits in your carry-on and does not leak. One to take on holiday or while you’re playing sport.
Protection need not apply to your complexion alone. “If you tend to get a runny nose from cold weather, apply a thin coat of Aquaphor under the nose to protect from chapping,” suggests Dr Murphy-Rose. The same goes for your lips. “The lips are especially vulnerable because they have a relatively thin protective barrier and lack the same degree of natural oil protection as other areas of facial skin,” explains Dr Halim. “Use a broad-spectrum lip balm throughout the day, reapplying at least every two hours and after eating, drinking, or wiping the mouth and look for conditioning ingredients such as petrolatum, shea butter, and ceramides. For overnight repair, look for one with peptides and ceramides-based ointment to help reduce and replenish moisture loss.”
Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm
- lip balm
- chemical
- Why it’s -approved: A lot of people neglect their mouth when it comes to applying SPF, but with this formula, you won’t want to. As if cosseting lips in a blend of cocoa butter, SPF50 and moisture-sealing oils wasn’t enough, Ultra Violette’s balm imparts a rosy pink, glossy finish. Protecting your pout from sunburn and premature ageing as you top up your tan is a simple swipe-on job, and looking good while doing it? Even easier. An SPF we can get behind.
- Nourishing balm with non-sticky shine
- Smooths fine lines on the lips
- Comes in six flattering shades to suit all skin tones
- Only protects the lips
Why it’s -approved: If you try one product from the K-Beauty brand Laneige, make it the viral Lip Sleeping Mask. Like slugging, but for the lips, this balm envelops dry skin in fruit extracts and nourishing oils at night to garner pillow-soft lips by morning. Formulated with vitamin C to boost collagen production and repair damaged skin, it’s one you can count on to completely renovate chapped lips.
Après-ski skincare
Protecting your skin after a day on the slopes is as important as the prep stage to support the transition from the cold outside to heated après-ski environments. While you won’t need to reach for the SPF before you get too cosy and comfortable in the warmth, there are a few steps to soothe a snow-chapped complexion. “Rapid temperature changes can trigger facial flushing and exacerbate rosacea or sensitivity, while dry indoor heating further contributes to moisture loss,” reveals Dr Halim. She emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy barrier “because prolonged irritation and inflammation can interfere with the skin’s normal repair processes. The goal is not simply to moisturise, but to preserve the skin’s ability to protect and restore itself with the appropriate barrier protection. Also proper hydration is a must, as many get dehydrated from skiing and any alcohol intake therefore we must take into consideration also nutrition habits as well.”
“Remove all the skincare products at the end of the day,” says Dr Murphy-Rose. “Sleeping with sunscreen and a heavier cream on your skin can clog pores and enlarge their appearance, plus lead to breakouts.” She reaches for gentle cleansers like Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Gentle Foamy Face Wash, the better to remove products without stripping or disturbing the skin. “Wash with lukewarm water to avoid further skin irritation after the snow,” she says. Steer clear of exfoliating ingredients for the same reason. Dr Halim advises, “I would avoid unnecessary exfoliation or aggressive active treatments. The objective is to reinforce the skin’s defences before environmental stress occurs.” This extends to retinol, AHAs and BHAs. “These can be excellent ingredients, but when you’re skiing every day, the skin is already dealing with enough environmental stress,” concludes Dr Ivy.
Instead of potentially harsh irritants, infusing nourishment will support the skin barrier. “Signs of a compromised skin barrier include redness, rough texture, stinging, burning, accentuated fine lines and wrinkles, textural issues, or flares of acne or rosacea,” says Dr Bowe. “If this happens, the first step is to get your skin back to baseline by focusing on nourishing, hydrating ingredients and taking a break from potent actives, which can be irritating.” According to Dr Halim, “Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids are particularly valuable because they help support the skin’s natural lipid structure,” while “Glycerin and hyaluronic acid act as humectants, drawing water into the superficial skin layers, and squalane and shea butter provide emollient support.”
- Why it’s -approved: Illiyoon is the bestselling moisturising care brand in South Korea and in the small amount of time that it has been available in the UK, it has made a huge impact. Sensitivities are increasingly common and the ceramide-enriched formula was created to have skin covered, strengthening the barrier and calming irritation when it occurs, without leaving a greasy finish behind. It’s a clean label that suits those prone to allergy and irritation. Illiyoon is also vegan.
- Key ingredients: soy-derived ceramides
- restores skin barrier
- Best for: long-lasting hydration at an affordable price point
- Why it’s -approved: Formulated to deliver lasting nourishment to compromised skin, Medik8’s Ultimate Recovery cream is a brilliant post-treatment soother thanks to ingredients such as allantonin, arnica and beta-glucan. The ultra-rich face cream is particularly great for post-acne-scarring treatment or tweakments, though a small amount can also be massaged into scars on other areas of the body to help promote healing and repair.
- Key ingredients: Allantonin, arnica, beta-glucan