How to protect your skin on the ski slopes

Skiing is an extreme sport, and not just in the way you might think. With high altitudes, harsh winds, strong sun and freezing temperatures, it can be a struggle to keep your skin looking good and feeling comfortable. “When temperatures dip below 46° Fahrenheit (8° Celsius), the skin’s natural protective barrier is attacked and becomes thinner,” explains skincare expert Susanne Kaufmann, whose spa at the Hotel Post Bezau in Austria caters for skiers. “Below 32°F (sub-zero C), the sebum glands are overused and blood circulation to the skin deteriorates, especially on the nose, ears, hands and feet. The headwind when skiing reinforces this effect and skin becomes cracked and flaky. All this means that the skin barrier becomes thinner and the skin renews and repairs itself far more slowly.” But the good news is that it’s all short term, so here’s how to look after your skin during your ski vacation.

If SPF is non-negotiable at sea level, it’s absolutely crucial at high altitude on the slopes. With every 3,000 feet increase in altitude, UV levels go up by 10-12 percent, according to the World Health Organization; plus, fresh snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV – the burning effects of which are regularly treated at Kaufmann’s spa. Before putting on your SPF, first generously layer up protecting antioxidants such as Estée Lauder Advance Night Repair, which will curb any inflammation and shield skin from aging free radicals. This is not the time to focus on lightweight serums, because what your skin really needs now is a classic nourishing cream that’s going to moisturize and protect the skin barrier. Next, we recommend at least an SPF30, which can be applied throughout the day, preferably every two hours. Bear in mind that the higher the altitude, the higher your SPF needs to be.

“In the wind, the temperature can feel far colder than it actually is, resulting in what’s known as ‘wind-chill factor’ – plus, there is the evaporation of moisture, so skin can quickly become dry, cracked and flaky,” explains Kaufmann. Simply put, it’s tricky to predict the conditions your skin will face on any given day on the slopes because, even if the temperature is milder, the wind may be stronger. Stack the odds in your favor and make sure your skin is cocooned in a thick layer of nourishment whatever the conditions. Look for oil- or fat-based formulas containing shield-like ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba oil. You’ll find both in Dr. Barbara Sturm + Perfect Moment Ski Cream, where they have been blended with edelweiss, which is known to help protect and prevent broken capillaries. When applying, don’t forget your neck and ears, too.

We already know that skin repairs overnight, but after a day on the slopes, the skincare you use to support this becomes even more important. This is when you need to focus on using products to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, restore lost moisture and calm sensitivity and redness.

As tempting as a steaming-hot shower can be after all that exercise and fresh air, turn down the water temperature, as hot water will only make your skin more dehydrated, sensitive and itchy. Instead, focus on restoring the moisture your skin has lost to the cold air with rich textures, hyaluronic acid and masks. Look for products with vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, which is great for restoring resilience. This is the one time when your skin barrier needs building up, not stripping back, so there is absolutely no need for chemical exfoliators, even gentle ones. And don’t forget to use after sun or a sleep-in mask, as these products are specifically formulated to take down inflammation and calm any redness. We love Sisley’s Velvet Sleeping Mask.

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