Skincare I Recommend Before Skiing

Waking up in the mountains can be a beautiful experience, however, for unprepared travelers, a day on the slopes can lead to more than just headaches from altitude sickness. The climate in the mountains is extremely dry, oxygen is low, and the sun is powerful, even on a cloudy day.

Though you may think that keeping your skin moisturized would be your highest skin care priority while skiing, applying sunscreen is, by far, the most important. Not only is skiing altitude more dangerous for UV light exposure, but much like being on the water, the light is actually targeting the skin from two different directions.  The snow, similar to when you’re on the water, reflects off of the mountain hitting your skin, resulting in a double exposure effect.

Not only is sun exposure an issue, but don’t forget about that alpine breeze on your face as you glide up on the chair lift and then swish down the mountainside. You’ll be having so much fun, you’ll almost forget how numb your face feels from the cold outside (speaking from experience here). Like any good blogger who enjoys ski season (and lives in Colorado) — my packing list includes the usual assortment of snow gear (boots, helmet, skis, gloves, snow pants & neck gator) and, of course, a few must-have skin-care products to protect my skin from the elements. Whether you’re new to skiing or looking to up your winter regimen game, consider this your ultimate skin-care guide for snowy-weather destinations.

I have also put together a ski gear must-have blog post here. It covers everything from base layers to boots!

Prevent it: I have found a recipe for success with layering products. First, cleanse with a gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that pulls moisture from the air, and can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. Then, layer on a rich moisturizer to seal in the serum and protect your skin from the elements, preferably with SPF. Eye cream next and finish with a face oil—like squalene to help seal in moisture. Drinking more water than usual is key, too, so that you’re hydrating from the inside out. Quite a few who travel to the mountains have experienced altitude sickness on some level, your skin can react to the low oxygen as well by appearing dull and lifeless. Help prevent this by drinking water, this will also help with headaches from altitude. It’s also important to stock up on products targeted at the eye area because that’s where the skin is the thinnest and shows the most signs of aging. Let’s take a look at what’s in my travel bag.

Must-Have #1 & #2: Sunscreen & Moisturizer
Colorado has over 300 days of sunshine making for bluebird ski days but at a cost. Sunburns are very common in skiers. Sunburn in winter is a real thing, especially because the snow reflects the sun’s UV rays which can increase your chances of burning. To keep my skin protected and hydrated, one of my go-to’s is  Supergroop’s PLAY EVERYDAY LOTION with SPF 50. It is hydrating and fast-absorbing that provides high-performance protection from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays. I have used this product on my body and face. I recently discovered Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, it is a 100% mineral SPF that shields against digital blue light damage, UVA, UVB & pollution!

Have a favorite moisturizer but it doesn’t contain SPF? Try adding Elta MD, it uses nine percent zinc to give you broad spectrum protection. It is oil-free so it’s great for all skin types and also contains niacinamide, which reduces redness in your skin. UV radiation is significantly higher at high altitudes. Sunscreen is important every day, no matter what season it is, but on the slopes, you really don’t want to forget this product.

Must-Have #3: Eye Cream
Murad Essential-C Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 | PA++ is a rich, anti-aging eye cream with SPF 15 that helps brighten and protect delicate eye areas.

Must-Have #4: Face Oil:
Face Oil is perfect to lock in moisture and protect the skin from windburn and excessive drying.The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a lightweight plant-derived solution to support hydration. This pure molecule has an oil-like texture  and is perfect if you’re looking for solutions for signs of dehydration. Squalane is non-comedogenic and works for all skin types while providing enhanced barrier support

When you have windburn, you don’t want to put chemicals on it.  Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore

Must-Have #5: Lip Balm
I can’t think of a winter skin dilemma more annoying than chapped lips. Cracked, flaky, dry lips can be painful and a tough recurring problem to get rid of. Plus, they make applying your favorite lipstick tricky. While you’re skiing, you’ll want to keep a lip balm with SPF like Supergoop! PLAY LIP BALM tucked in the pocket of your jacket and reapply it often. I also love to use Lineage Lip Sleeping Mask EVERY night, but especially after skiing! Your lips feel pillowy and soft.

Helping With Dryness
While visiting high elevations like Breckenridge, CO, which is at 9,600 feet elevation, simply using a moisturizer will not effectively keep your skin moist and hydrated. The mountain air is dry, and with no moisture in sight, your skin has no way to replace its losses. You may need a cream to refill cellular lipids and nourish dry skin.  Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is the best corrective cream on the market! This is a fantastic product to have in general, not just for ski trips.

Have the best time mountainside!

xx, Nicole