Going Skiing? Here’s Our Guide to Nourishing and Protecting Your Skin as well as Looking Piste Perfect

Winter may be synonymous with moisture—think snow, sleet, and icy rain—but when it comes to your skin, it’s one of the driest seasons of the year. And if you’re heading to the slopes, expect even harsher conditions. Cold winds, high altitudes, and UV exposure can leave skin dehydrated, irritated, and raw. Here’s how to protect and restore your skin, before and after a day in the snow.

Pre-Snow Protection: Prep Before You Hit the Slopes

Layer Up with Vitamin C
Start your routine with a potent vitamin C serum to amplify your sunscreen’s protective power. Look for formulas packed with antioxidants, like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic or Sarah Chapman Vitamin C POWER 1 Face Serum, to guard against UV damage and environmental stressors.

Lock in Moisture
Cold, dry air strips the skin of hydration, so a rich moisturiser is a must. Opt for emollient formulas with ceramides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid—try Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream or SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore for a serious hydration boost.

SPF is Non-Negotiable
Sunburn in winter? It’s real. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, intensifying exposure. Try Dermologica 50 SPF Sport.

Beyond the Face: Extra Protection Tips
Don’t let the cold wreck your lips or nose. A swipe of Aquaphor under the nose helps prevent chapping, while a nourishing lip balm with SPF will keep lips soft and hydrated all day long - we love Ultra Violette Sheen Scree SPF 50.

Après-Ski Skincare: Recovery Mode

Cleanse Gently
Once off the piste, remove the day’s layers—sunscreen, moisturiser, and the elements—without stripping your skin. A gentle cleanser like Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser will do the job while keeping skin hydrated.

Hydrate and Replenish
Post-snow, your skin craves moisture. Layer on a replenishing cream like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturiser or Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Cream to restore hydration overnight.

Repair and Strengthen
If your skin feels red, tight, or irritated, you may have compromised your skin barrier. Skip actives like vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliants for a few days and focus on rebuilding with nourishing, calming ingredients until your skin bounces back.

Long-Term Protection: Boost Hydration at Home

For those who spend the winter in snowy conditions, investing in a humidifier can help maintain moisture levels in your home, preventing dehydration before it starts.

Whether you’re carving up the slopes or simply braving the winter chill, the key to healthy, resilient skin is a combination of protection and recovery. Hydrate, shield, and repair—your skin will thank you.