“When the ski season calls, my heart skips a beat,” admits Dr Susan Austin, a devoted fan of downhill. “There’s nothing quite like the thrill of carving down powdery slopes, the crisp alpine air brushing against your cheeks, and the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped mountains.” As a doctor and an avid skier, however, the one thing she’s learned the hard way is the price your skin pays for your pleasure … if you’re not prepared.
Here’s Dr Austin’s ultimate guide to protecting your skin and keeping it radiant, even in the harshest of winters.
Before You Hit the Slopes: Prep Like a Pro
Preparation is everything when it comes to maintaining your skin’s health during a ski trip. “A week or two before your trip is the perfect time to invest in treatments that fortify your skin barrier and give it a boost of hydration,” recommends Dr Austin.
You Can’t Go Wrong with Hydration – The high altitude and cold temperatures at ski resorts can leave your skin parched. “To combat this, I always recommend an intense hydration treatment before your trip,” says Dr Austin. At Austin Clinic, our HydraFacial is perfect for this. It deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses your skin with nourishing serums, leaving it plump and hydrated. This treatment acts as a hydration shield, giving your skin a head start against the elements.
Build a Better Barrier – Cold weather can weaken your skin’s natural defences. Consider a chemical peel to gently remove dead skin cells and stimulate your skin’s renewal process. This helps create a stronger, healthier barrier to protect against the cold and wind. Follow up with a rich moisturiser containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
Don’t Take a Step Until You UV Prep – Even though you’re headed into a wintery wonderland, UV protection is crucial. The sun’s rays are more intense at higher altitudes, and snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation. Austin Clinic recommends a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 50, such as one containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection.
4 Tips for Sun Protection on the Slopes and Off, Too
When you’re in the thick of your ski trip, your skincare routine needs to be both practical and effective. Here’s how to keep your skin safe while enjoying every moment on the mountain:
1. Layer Your Sunscreen – Apply sunscreen generously before you leave your chalet and reapply every two hours. A tinted sunscreen or one in stick form is a great choice because it’s easy to reapply without removing your gloves or messing with your gear. “Don’t forget commonly overlooked areas such as your nose, ears, and under your chin,” reminds Dr Austin.
2. Use a Barrier Cream – To protect your skin from the biting wind, apply a barrier cream over your moisturiser. “A good lip balm with SPF is non-negotiable – chapped lips are almost a given without it,” says Dr Austin.
3. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out – “It’s easy to forget about hydration when you’re bundled up,” Dr Austin says from experience, “but your skin needs moisture from within too.” Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a facial mist to refresh your skin in between runs.
4. Wear the Right Gear – Your clothing matters as much as your skincare. A good balaclava or face mask can shield your skin from the wind, while UV-blocking goggles protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
Après-Ski: 4 Ways to Repair and Restore
“After a day on the slopes, I know my skin deserves some serious TLC,” comments Dr Austin. “Before I head out for an evening’s entertainment or tuck into a warm bed, I focus on repairing any damage and replenishing lost moisture.”
1. The One-Two Punch of Double Cleanse – Start with a gentle oil cleanser to remove sunscreen and grime, followed by a hydrating cleanser to refresh your skin. This two-step process ensures your skin is thoroughly clean without being stripped of its natural oils.
2. Soothe and Hydrate – Post-skiing redness or irritation is common, so reach for calming ingredients such as aloe vera, niacinamide, or chamomile. At Austin Clinic, we offer LED Light Therapy, which is fantastic for soothing inflammation and boosting your skin’s healing process.
3. Mask It Up – A deeply hydrating mask can work wonders overnight. Look for one with peptides or ceramides to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier. If you’ve over-done it in the sun (despite your best efforts), a cooling gel mask with antioxidants can help.
4. Consider a Post-Trip Treatment – Once you’re back from your adventure, treat your skin to some extra love. A laser treatment can help repair sun damage and restore your skin’s radiance. For a hydration boost, the Skin Booster treatment delivers hyaluronic acid deep into the skin, leaving it plump and glowing.
Contact Austin Clinic to Get Ski-Ready Today
“Skiing is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it’s tough on your skin,” admits Dr Austin. “With the right preparation, protection, and post-care, however, you can enjoy every second on the slopes while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.”
Whether it’s a pre-ski HydraFacial, on-the-mountain barrier creams, or a post-trip laser treatment, the key is to listen to your skin and give it what it needs. So, grab your gear, hit the slopes, and don’t forget to take care of your skin. You’ll be glowing in all your Instagram photos – and for long after your ski trip ends!
