Ski Skin Survival Guide
How to protect your skin from sun, wind, cold and dry mountain air on a ski holiday.
Ski holidays can be surprisingly hard on your skin. Cold air, wind, dry indoor heating and strong ultraviolet radiation can all affect exposed skin during a day on the mountain.
The most important thing to remember is that winter does not mean there is no UV exposure. Snow can reflect ultraviolet radiation, while skiing also takes place at altitude where sun protection remains important.
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BHX • 7 nights
Skiworld
BRS • 7 nightsSkiworld
BHX • 7 nightsRO · Skiline
GLA • 7 nightsB&B · SkilineUse broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to skin that will be exposed while you are skiing. That usually means your face, ears, neck and any other areas not completely covered by clothing.
Sunscreen should not be treated as something you only need on warm or obviously sunny days. UV exposure still matters in winter and on cloudy days.
Reapply sunscreen during the day
Sunscreen does not last all day. Dermatologists recommend reapplying it around every two hours while outdoors, and sooner after heavy sweating or if it has been rubbed away.
On a ski day that can be easy to forget, especially once you are wearing goggles, gloves and a helmet. Keeping a small tube in a jacket pocket can make reapplying much easier.
Do not forget your lips
Lips are exposed to sun, wind and cold for much of the day. An SPF lip balm can help protect them while also reducing dryness and cracking.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher when protecting exposed skin from the sun.
Protect the easy-to-miss areas
It is easy to concentrate on your cheeks and forehead and miss smaller exposed areas.
Pay attention to your ears, nose, around the eyes, hairline and neck. These areas may still be exposed even when you are wearing a helmet, goggles and ski clothing.
Use moisturiser if your skin becomes dry
Cold outdoor air and dry heated rooms can leave skin feeling tight, dry or uncomfortable.
A simple moisturiser can help support the skin barrier. If your skin is sensitive, choosing a gentle fragrance-free product can reduce the chance of adding unnecessary irritation.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses or goggles
Ski goggles and sunglasses are not only about seeing clearly in bright snow. Good UV protection also helps protect the delicate area around your eyes.
Snow glare can be intense, so use eyewear designed to provide proper UV protection rather than relying on ordinary fashion sunglasses.
Keep your skincare routine simple
A ski holiday is not the ideal time to overload your skin with lots of strong new products.
If your skin is already dealing with wind, cold and sun, a simple routine of gentle cleansing, moisturising and sun protection is usually easier to manage.
Give your skin some attention at night
After a day outside, gently cleanse away sunscreen, sweat and dirt, then use moisturiser if your skin feels dry.
Lip balm can also be useful overnight if your lips have become dry or uncomfortable during the day.
Know when you can travel?
Pick your departure airport and the dates you are free, then see the ski holidays that actually fit.
Find ski holidays by dateWhy sun protection matters on a ski holiday
The combination of altitude, extended time outdoors and light reflected by snow means skiers should take winter sun exposure seriously.
The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends extra caution around snow because it reflects damaging UV rays.
American Academy of Dermatology: how to apply sunscreen
American Academy of Dermatology: sun protection and snow
The simple ski skincare routine
Before skiing: moisturise if needed, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and use an SPF lip balm.
During the day: reapply sunscreen, protect your eyes with suitable goggles or sunglasses and keep exposed skin covered where practical.
After skiing: gently cleanse your skin and moisturise again if it feels dry.
More help for your ski holiday
Best Ski Resorts for Beginners · Ski Slope Dos & Don'ts · Ski Etiquette
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