Ski Skincare: Everything You Need To Know

Downhill descents in the crisp air, the serene beauty of snowy landscapes, warming up with a cup of hot chocolate in a packed mounting hut - it's all a lot of fun until your skin starts to complain against the frosty air and UV rays. While skiing is undoubtedly exciting, it can also be harsh on your skin. That's why it's important to prepare your skin to avoid painful sunburns, windburn, and dryness, as well as to do proper skin care après-ski. As slope enthusiasts, we're here to make sure your skin stays as vibrant as your alpine adventures.  

Can Spending Time in the Snow Damage the Skin?

The cold and dry winter air and strong UV rays in high elevations can take a toll on your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation shares that UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice. Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV light, so the rays hit you twice, further increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. The cold air can cause your skin to become dry and flaky, while the high elevations can lead to sunburns and windburns.  

How Do I Protect My Skin During Winter?

Given the harsh winter elements your skin is exposed to while skiing, protecting it against painful (and long-term harmful) sunburns, windburn, and dryness is essential. There are, of course, ingredients necessary to use in winter, but you should also follow these tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing while skiing:

Apply Sunscreen for Skiing

Wearing sunscreen is the most important rule when it comes to protecting your skin while skiing. The higher you are in elevation, the stronger the UV rays. The rays are reflected from the snow on the mountain and hit the skin, resulting in a double whammy. Using a sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher is ideal. Be sure to apply sunscreen before you hit the slopes and reapply every two hours, as its effectiveness decreases over time.

Moisturize

If you’re planning a ski trip, don’t forget to pack your skiing face cream to protect your skin from the harsh winter elements. Cold temperatures and lack of humidity in the winter can dry out your skin. Wind adds another dimension to the already cold, harsh conditions by providing a force that compounds the cold, dry air to cause more damage to the skin barrier, which can lead to irritation, redness, itching, and discomfort. 

To avoid this, it’s important to layer on products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. We recommend using SUPERCHARGED™ HA+PGA Triple-Action Intense Moisturizer that contains hydrating hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids, nourishing squalane, moisturizing panthenol, and antioxidant Vitamin E. Preventing trans epidermal water loss by hydrating and protecting the skin with these quality ingredients is crucial for protecting the skin’s barrier and can prevent cracking and dehydration from windburn.

Wear Protective Clothing

Protective clothing can reduce damage from the sun and sub-zero wind. Wearing a beanie, helmet, and UVA/UVB-resistant ski mask can help protect your face from the sun and wind. Additionally, moisture-wicking clothing can help keep your skin dry and prevent chafing.  

How to Soothe Damaged Skin - SOS Plan

If you happen to read this after you got the sunburn, don't fret about it. It has happened to all of us, and we've got you covered. Just make sure not to make the same mistake repeatedly, and protect your skin the next time you spend a day in the fresh air. If the sunburn occurred, here is what you can do to soothe damaged and irritated skin:

• Cleanse: Start by cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup that may have accumulated during the day.
• Apply aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which is great for treating sunburns and windburns. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the affected areas to help soothe and heal your skin.
• Use a cold compress: Applying a cold compress like a damp washcloth or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected areas can help reduce inflammation and soothe skin.
• Moisturize: Follow up with a moisturizer to help lock in moisture and prevent dryness. This will help keep your skin soft and supple.
• Drink water: Staying hydrated is key to keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

How UFO™ 3 Can Help Protect Your Skin While Skiing

To take the protection, healing, and recuperating of your skin to the next level, we recommend UFO™ 3, a device that can help protect your skin while skiing by providing deep hydration. This deep facial hydration device features LED technology in eight distinct wavelengths to refine and rejuvenate the skin. It also includes a cryotherapy cooling system that aids in tightening and calming the skin, diminishing wrinkles, reducing puffiness, and refining pore appearance. The advanced thermo-therapy feature is engineered to supercharge mask potency, ensuring active ingredients seep deeply into the skin, where they work best. 

The device is designed to profoundly increase skin moisture in just 2 minutes (by 126%!), offering a time-efficient skincare routine. It combines treatments like heating, cooling, LED therapy, and massage for comprehensive skincare. Regular use can lead to smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.    

Taking care of your skin while skiing is crucial to avoid damaging sunburns, windburn, and dryness. By following the tips we’ve shared, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing while skiing. Remember to wear sunscreen, moisturize, and wear protective clothing like hats, gloves, and scarves. And if you’re looking for an extra boost of hydration and rejuvenation, consider using UFO™ 3 device. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your time on the mountain without worrying about your skin. So, grab your gear and hit the slopes!