When it comes to hitting the slopes and skiing your heart out, one of the most important things you need to consider is protecting your face. The combination of cold air, high altitude, and sun exposure can be harsh on your skin, leaving it dry, chapped, or even burnt.
To prevent these issues from happening, skiers should apply a variety of products on their face before heading out. However, with so many options available in stores and online, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for your needs.
In this article, we will explore the different types of products that are commonly used by skiers for facial protection. From moisturizers to sunscreen lotions, lip balms to goggles, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your skin safe and healthy while enjoying your winter sports adventure.
“Remember that prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your skin. So, take some time to read our tips and tricks, and make sure you have all the necessary gear to fully enjoy your skiing experience.”
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the world of skincare for skiing!
Table of Contents
Protect Your Face from the Cold
Skiing can be a fun and exhilarating activity, but it’s important to take precautions to protect your skin during cold weather. When skiing, the face is one of the most exposed areas that can be prone to dryness, chapping, and irritation. Here are some tips on what you should put on your face when skiing:
Wear a Hat or Headband
A hat or headband can be a great way to keep your head warm and retain heat in your body, but they also serve as protection for your face. As winds whips past you while skiing, a hat or headband will prevent windburn and block out cold air. Additionally, wearing a ski helmet with a visor can help shade the face from harmful UV rays.
“You lose a significant amount of heat through an uncovered head, so make sure you’re wearing plenty of insulation,” advises Kelli Davis, associate certified entomologist and director of communications for Yankee Pest Control.
Invest in a Face Mask
If you want to steer clear of frostbite or other freezing related concerns, invest in a face mask designed specifically for outdoor athletes. Ski masks are made from waterproof, breathable materials that wick moisture away from the skin. They come in different types of thicknesses, such as fleece which can act as extra warmth depending on the temperature outside.
“A few brands I recommend include Buff and Airhole. They both make excellent ski masks that provide maximum coverage and warmth.” – Sam Brown, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The Adventure Junkies
Apply a Protective Balm
A protective balm can also help keep the skin moisturized and prevent chapping and cracking. Look for a balm that is designed to protect from the cold, like those made with emollients such as shea butter or beeswax. Some balms are also formulated with antioxidants to help combat environmental stressors and improve skin health.
“During the winter months I recommend products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, maintaining your skin’s hydration even during harsh weather conditions.” – Hope Mitchell, Medical Esthetician at Christiana Institute of Advanced Surgery
Applying these skincare tips before hitting the slopes will not only preserve healthy-looking skin, but it will also allow you to ski comfortably and without worry about harmful effects on your face. By choosing appropriate protection, enjoying skiing while taking care of yourself could be possible!
Choose a Sunscreen with High SPF
When skiing, it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Skiing at high altitudes puts you closer to the sun and increases your risk of skin damage. Choosing a sunscreen with a high SPF is crucial in minimizing these risks.
Look for SPF 30 or Higher
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for outdoor activities like skiing. The higher the SPF, the better the protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Look for a broad-spectrum formula that provides equal coverage against both types of rays.
It’s essential to apply enough sunscreen to all exposed areas, including your face. Experts recommend at least one ounce (about a shot glass full) of sunscreen per application, to be reapplied every two hours when outdoors.
Choose a Broad-Spectrum Formula
Broad-spectrum formulas offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin and can cause premature aging and wrinkles. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. Both types of ultraviolet exposure increase the risk of skin cancer.
Make sure to check the label on your sunscreen before purchasing to ensure it offers broad-spectrum coverage. Additionally, look for water-resistant formulas if you plan on sweating or engaging in watersports while skiing.
Apply Sunscreen Year-Round
Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime! It’s important to wear sunscreen year-round, especially when participating in outdoor winter sports like skiing. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays, increasing your chances of getting burned.
Even on overcast days, UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause skin damage. Make sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine, regardless of the season.
Reapply Every Two Hours
To maintain optimal protection, always reapply sunscreen every two hours when spending time outdoors. Even if you’re using a water-resistant formula, it’s important to reapply after sweating or swimming.
“I recommend focusing on applying enough – at least one ounce per application – and ensuring that the multi-tasking sunscreen product is broad-spectrum,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in New York City.
Dermatologists suggest setting reminders on your phone or watch to ensure regular applications while outside. Additionally, bringing travel-sized bottles of sunscreen with you during your ski trip can make it easier to reapply as needed.
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays should not be overlooked during outdoor winter activities like skiing. Choosing a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen and regularly reapplying every two hours are essential practices for maintaining healthy skin.
Use Moisturizer to Prevent Dry Skin
The weather conditions for skiing can be extreme, and your skin may suffer if not properly protected. One of the most important things you should always do before skiing is to moisturize your face and other exposed parts of your body. This helps to keep your skin hydrated and supple, protecting against the cold air and wind.
Apply Moisturizer Daily
When you are skiing, you need to protect your skin from the harsh outdoor elements. Applying a daily moisturizer can help retain moisture in the skin and prevent it from becoming dry, cracked, or irritated. Make sure to apply your moisturizer at least once daily, especially before going outside.
A good moisturizer will contain ingredients that help lock in moisture, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and urea. You should also choose products with natural humectants like Vitamin E, which traps water molecules on your skin and prevents them from evaporating.
Look for Fragrance-Free Formulas
Ski resort areas are known for their fresh scents and aromas, but adding fragrances to your skincare routine is not recommended when you are skiing. Strong perfumes, colognes, and scent-centered moisturizers can cause irritation to your nasal passages, leading to headaches, congestion, and skin sensitivity issues. These problems could impact your overall experience negatively while skiing and reduce your performance levels.
Therefore, look for fragrance-free moisturizers when choosing a product for your skiing trip. They are gentle enough for sensitive areas of the skin, and they won’t trigger allergies or set off asthma attacks.
Use a Humidifier Indoors
Indoor heating systems have a reputation for drying out your skin, but you can take steps to reduce the effect. During winter months and particularly while skiing, humidity levels tend to decrease indoors, leading to dry air in your home or resort room. This environment can be challenging for people with sensitive skin.
To counter this problem, consider investing in a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air and improve the quality of your ski experience at your accommodation location. A humidifier will increase moisture content in the air, helping alleviate symptoms like dehydration, cracked, or sore nostrils among other things.
Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
Although it may feel tempting to hit up the steaming shower or bath after a long day on the slopes, beware – hot water is a common cause for dehydrated skin issues. The heat emanating from baths and showers aggravates any skin already parched by the cold winds during skiing trips. In addition, hot water strips protective oils from your skin, making it more vulnerable to irritation, cracking and even infection.
To avoid exposing yourself to such risks, switch to warm water when bathing and limit soaking times to under 15 minutes a session. Patting yourself rather than vigorously rubbing your skin gently with a towel immediately afterwards helps preserve excess water on your skin surface too.:
Consider Wearing a Balaclava
If you’re planning to go skiing, it’s important to think about what you’ll wear to protect yourself from the cold weather. A balaclava is an excellent option for covering your face and keeping warm. Here are some reasons why you should consider wearing one:
Provides Full-Face Coverage
A balaclava provides complete coverage of your face, including your nose, mouth, and neck. This makes it an ideal choice for skiers who want to keep their entire face protected from frostbite, windburn, and other winter weather conditions. Additionally, full-face coverage means that any exposed skin won’t be damaged by harmful UV rays.
Available in Various Materials
Balaclavas come in different materials, allowing you to choose the right option based on the intensity of your skiing activity and preferred comfort level. For example, if you’re going skiing on a mild day, you might opt for a lightweight, stretchy fabric like spandex or polyester which will easily wick moisture away from your skin. Alternatively, if temperatures are dipping well below freezing, you may prefer a heavierweight woolen balaclava that not only offers unbeatable warmth but also feels soft against your skin. Regardless of your material preference, you’ll find a great variety of balaclavas to select from.
“A good balaclava can make all the difference when hitting the slopes. Your face will stay warm and dry no matter how fierce the winds get.” -Skiing Magazine
In summation, wearing a balaclava while skiing serves as a practical accessory that keeps you warm throughout the colder months. It also reduces the risk of hypothermia by preventing body heat loss through the face. Consider all the different balaclava options available to you and be sure to pick one that’s comfortable, offers full-face coverage, and fits seamlessly under your ski helmet.
Don’t Forget Lip Balm
Skiing is a fun and exhilarating activity, but it can also be harsh on your skin. One body part that often gets neglected during skiing trips is the lips. Cold temperatures, wind, and sun exposure can all wreak havoc on your lips, leaving them dry, cracked, and painful. That’s why lip balm should be an essential item in your skiing kit.
Lip balm acts as a protective barrier between your lips and the elements. It helps to lock in moisture and prevent dryness, flaking, and chapping. However, not all lip balms are created equal. Here are some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs:
Look for SPF Protection
Even if you’re skiing on a cloudy day, UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds and cause damage to your skin, including your lips. That’s why it’s important to choose a lip balm with SPF protection. Look for one with at least SPF 15 or higher to ensure adequate coverage. Sunburned lips can be painful and take days to heal, so prevention is key.
Choose a Moisturizing Formula
The cold and dry mountain air can quickly strip away any moisture from your lips. To combat this, look for a moisturizing lip balm that contains ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or jojoba oil. These natural oils help to nourish and hydrate the delicate skin on your lips, keeping them soft and smooth.
Apply Regularly Throughout the Day
To keep your lips protected and hydrated, it’s important to apply lip balm regularly throughout the day. Pack a small tube of lip balm in your pocket or backpack and reapply every hour or so, especially after eating and drinking. This will keep your lips moisturized and prevent any cracking or peeling.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
When your lips feel dry and chapped, it can be tempting to lick them for instant relief. However, this only makes things worse. Saliva contains enzymes that can break down the delicate skin on your lips, leading to further dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for lip balm with soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera or chamomile to provide relief from discomfort without causing more damage.
“Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to dig a well.” – Chinese Proverb
Don’t forget about your lips when hitting the slopes. Apply lip balm regularly, choose one with SPF protection and moisturizing ingredients, and avoid licking your lips for maximum protection and comfort. By taking care of your lips, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your skiing experience without any painful distractions.
Use Goggles or Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes
Skiing can be an exhilarating experience, but it also requires precautions to ensure your safety. The sun reflecting off the snow and wind can cause harm to your eyes, which is why it’s essential to use goggles or sunglasses to protect them from the harsh elements.
The good news is, there are different types of eyewear you can choose from to suit your preferences. Ski goggles cover more area on your face to provide full protection, while sunglasses offer a more classic look and are better if you prefer something lighter. Either way, find the right option that will make skiing comfortable for you.
Choose a Wrap-Around Style
Snow glare can cause temporary blindness, making wrap-around styles an excellent choice for skiers as they help cut down light coming in at angles aside from straight ahead. This style provides additional coverage around your temples, sides, and the bridge of your nose, making sure any sunlight won’t creep in through the edges of your glasses while you’re turning on the slopes.
An example of great wraparound glasses are Oakley Flight Deck Xm Matte Carbon/Prizm Snow Sapphire Iridium – these lenses don’t just block out harmful UV rays, but they also enhance contrast giving you total clarity even on challenging terrain. With its sleek design, chin strap, anti-fog coated lens—$220 may sound expensive, but it’s a practical investment worth buying.
Look for UV Protection
UV radiation is higher against sudden altitude changes, so make sure when purchasing protective eye gear that they should have high-grade UV filters. These special lenses help minimize the exposure of your retina, macula, cornea, and other parts of the eyes from excessive sunlight. Without these things, unprotected eyes can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and photokeratitis. It’s never too early or late to preserve your vision.
Fortunately, almost every brand has available retail both online and instore with quality UV protection – you won’t run out of options in finding one that fits you better than the rest. Examples include Bolle Nova II Matte Black Orange Gun Cat 3 lens goggles; it provides crystal clear optics while blocking off harmful glare with a double-layered foam inner lining – $90 is well-spent because your precious pair of eyes will thank you for it! Moreover, Julbo Aero Pro $219 and Cebe Dusk £140 are two other excellent options worth consideration.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
Skiing without appropriate eye wear can pose many dangers, especially when traveling at high speeds downhill. Remember these three tips: First, always use either goggles or sunglasses when facing the elements. Second, choose wrap-around styles to avoid sudden blindness from sunlight reflecting on snow angles. Lastly, pick any protective eyewear that caters to filtering out UV rays higher in altitude and doing so efficiently by providing adequate coverage looking stylishly good as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of sunscreen are best for skiing?
The best types of sunscreen for skiing are those with a high SPF of 30 or more and are water-resistant. Look for sunscreens that are specifically designed for winter sports and contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for extra protection against UV rays.
Should I wear a moisturizer under my ski mask?
It is recommended to wear a moisturizer under your ski mask to protect your skin from the cold, dry air. Choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores and causing breakouts. Apply a thin layer before putting on your ski mask.
What kind of lip balm should I use to protect my lips from the cold?
Use a lip balm with SPF protection and natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil to protect your lips from the cold and wind. Avoid lip balms that contain fragrances, dyes, or alcohol, as these can further dry out your lips.
Is it necessary to wear a face mask while skiing?
Wearing a face mask while skiing is not necessary but highly recommended, especially if you are skiing in extreme cold or windy conditions. A face mask can protect your face from frostbite, windburn, and other skin irritations caused by the cold and wind.
What are some natural remedies for windburn and chapped skin while skiing?
Some natural remedies for windburn and chapped skin while skiing include applying aloe vera gel, coconut oil, or honey to the affected areas. Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier can also help keep your skin hydrated and prevent further dryness and irritation.
How often should I reapply sunscreen while skiing?
You should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while skiing, or more often if you are sweating or swimming. Make sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and ears. Don’t forget to apply lip balm with SPF protection as well.
