SKI-PROOF YOUR SKIN: THE ULTIMATE WINTER SPORTS GUIDE
Winter sports push your skin to its limits. Between icy winds, high-altitude sun, and the dry mountain air, a day on the slopes can leave your face feeling tight, flaky, and irritated. But that doesn’t mean you need a complicated 10-step routine before hitting the lifts. With the right approach, you can keep your skin hydrated, protected, and looking sharp—from first chair to après-ski.
"Cold air naturally holds less moisture, and when temperatures drop, so does your skin’s hydration. ”
What happens to your skin in the mountains?
Cold air naturally holds less moisture, and when temperatures drop, so does your skin’s hydration. Add in the wind whipping across your face as you race downhill, the dry heat blasting indoors, and the intense UV rays bouncing off the snow, and you’ve got a perfect storm for dry, irritated skin. The result? Redness, tightness, flaking, and, in some cases, painful windburn. The biggest mistake most guys make? Neglecting their skin before and after skiing. A quick slap of moisturizer in the morning isn’t enough when you’re battling the elements at 3,000 meters. The good news? A few simple tweaks to your routine can keep your skin smooth, healthy, and ready for another day on the slopes.
Pre-slope skincare: protect & prep.
Think of your morning routine as your armor against the elements. The goal is to create a hydration barrier to keep your skin from drying out while adding strong UV protection—because yes, the sun is just as damaging in winter as in summer (if not more).
Start with a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin. Skip anything foamy or harsh and opt for a cream-based face wash instead. After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help your skin retain moisture throughout the day.
Next comes the most crucial step: moisturizing with intent. A lightweight gel won’t cut it. You need a thicker, richer moisturizer that locks in hydration and acts as a shield against the cold. Look for one with ceramides, shea butter, or squalane—all powerhouse ingredients that keep skin supple even in harsh conditions.
And finally, SPF. Always. No exceptions. The sun at high altitudes is brutal, and snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, doubling your exposure. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen that won’t feel greasy under your gear. Apply generously before heading out, and reapply every two hours if you're spending the whole day on the mountain.
Post-ski recovery: rehydrate & repair.
After a long day on the slopes, your skin needs to recover. The biggest mistake? Jumping into a steaming hot shower. While it might feel incredible, hot water strips your skin of moisture, making dryness and irritation even worse. Instead, go for lukewarm water, followed by a rich moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
If your face feels windburned, skip harsh exfoliants and alcohol-based aftershaves, which can worsen irritation. Instead, reach for a soothing balm or recovery cream with ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or niacinamide to calm redness and replenish your skin’s barrier.
Drinking plenty of water also helps—because while a few après-ski beers are mandatory, they won’t do your skin any favors.
‘‘Think of your morning routine as your armor against the elements. The goal is to create a hydration barrier to keep your skin from drying out while adding strong UV protection.”
Why your body needs attention too.
It’s not just your face that suffers in the cold—your entire body feels the effects of winter dryness. Layering thermals and gear can trap sweat and bacteria, leading to breakouts or itchy, irritated skin.
To keep your body smooth and comfortable, use a hydrating body wash instead of regular soap, which can be drying. Once out of the shower, apply a thick body lotion or cream, paying extra attention to rough spots like elbows, knees, and hands. If you’re prone to Keratosis Pilaris (those little red bumps on your arms or thighs), a lotion with AHAs can help smooth things out.
The one non-negotiable: sunscreen.
We’ve said it once, but it bears repeating—never skip sunscreen in the mountains. The combination of high altitude and reflective snow makes UV exposure intense, leading to premature aging and even sunburn in freezing temperatures.
Opt for a water-resistant, non-greasy SPF 50 and reapply throughout the day, especially after sweating or wiping your face. If you hate the feel of sunscreen, look for a matte-finish formula that won’t leave you looking shiny in ski photos.
Lips & hands: small details, big difference.
Cracked lips and dry, painful hands are two of the most common winter skin complaints, and they’re often ignored until they become a real problem. Cold, dry air pulls moisture from your lips, leaving them chapped and raw. A thick lip balm with SPF keeps them soft and protected. Apply before heading out and reapply frequently throughout the day. Your hands take a beating too, between cold air, frequent glove removal, and hand-washing. A rich hand cream will keep them from getting rough and cracked. Bonus tip? Use a lip balm on your cuticles if they start peeling—it works wonders.
‘‘ never skip sunscreen in the mountains. The combination of high altitude and reflective snow makes UV exposure intense, leading to premature aging and even sunburn in freezing temperatures.."
Redness & sensitivity: how to calm it down.
Cold weather can leave your skin looking flushed and irritated, especially if you already have sensitive skin. To prevent this, focus on hydration and barrier repair. Swap out harsh exfoliants for gentler alternatives like PHA or lactic acid, which help remove dead skin without stripping moisture. At night, apply a barrier-strengthening serum with ingredients like niacinamide or oat extract, followed by a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to lock in hydration. An overnight recovery mask can also work wonders, soothing inflammation while you sleep.
The final winter skincare hack: hydration from within.
Your skincare routine can only do so much if your body isn’t properly hydrated. Cold air makes you less likely to feel thirsty, but staying hydrated is crucial for healthy, plump skin. Try sipping on electrolyte-rich drinks or herbal teas throughout the day to keep moisture levels up.
And don’t forget to listen to your skin. If it feels tight, flaky, or irritated, adjust your routine accordingly—switch to a richer moisturizer, layer on an extra hydrating serum, or swap harsh cleansers for something gentler. Taking care of your skin in winter isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency.
So, before you hit the slopes, take a few extra minutes to prep and protect your skin. Your face (and future self) will thank you.
THE NON-NEGOTIABLE : SUNSCREEN
A Ultra sheer, high protection broad spectrum sun cream for the face. Ultra-light formulation that allows rapid skin absorption and leaves no shininess or residue. Provides a delicate sensation of freshness and a silky finish. Multifunctional peptides boost your skin’s natural defense against daylight and radiations, including Blue Light. Prevents signs of photo-aging and protects against discoloration caused by sun exposure.
SHOPTaking care of your skin is so much more than just a face cream you put on your face. We love to share our knowledge with you. The Read is our way of showing you we care about your skin, body and mind
