5 Ski Season Skincare Tips: How to Protect Your Skin While Skiing and Snowboarding

Heading to the snow this winter?

A ski trip can be exciting, energising and refreshing. However, the combination of reflected UV radiation, higher altitude, cold air and strong wind can place extra stress on exposed skin.

Protecting your skin on the slopes is not only about avoiding dryness. It is also about reducing the risk of UV damage and helping your skin stay comfortable before, during and after your trip.

Here are five practical skincare tips to help protect, hydrate and restore your skin throughout ski season.

Why Does Your Skin Need Extra Care at the Snow?

It may feel cold on the slopes, but cold weather does not mean your skin is protected from the sun.

According to SunSmart Australia, UV radiation intensity increases by around 10-12% for every 1,000 metres of altitude. Clean fresh snow can also reflect up to 90% of UV radiation on a sunny day.

This means your skin may be exposed to UV radiation from two directions: directly from the sun and indirectly through reflection from the snow.

Cold wind can also leave exposed skin feeling dry, tight and irritated. At the snow, redness or peeling may be a sign of UV damage, not simply windburn.

A little preparation can make a significant difference.

1. Apply SPF 50+ Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen and Reapply Every Two Hours

The most important skincare step for your snow trip is sunscreen.

Choose an SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that suits your skin. Apply it generously around 20 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours.

Reapply more frequently after sweating heavily, wiping your face or spending extended periods outdoors.

Pay extra attention to commonly missed areas:

• Under the chin and around the jawline
• Beneath the tip of the nose
• Around the edges of your goggles or sunglasses
• The tops of your ears
• The back of your neck
• Your lips

Snow reflection can reach areas that may receive less exposure during your normal daily routine.

Pack a small sunscreen and SPF lip balm in your jacket pocket so you can reapply throughout the day.

Sunscreen should also be used alongside protective clothing, a helmet, goggles and UV-protective sunglasses.

2. Support Your Skin Barrier Before You Hit the Slopes

Your skin barrier helps your skin hold moisture and protect itself from environmental stress.

Cold air, wind and indoor heating can make your skin feel drier than usual. In the days leading up to your trip, consider switching to a richer moisturiser if your skin feels dry, tight or sensitive.

Look for gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients such as:

• Ceramides
• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin
• Niacinamide
• Panthenol
• Squalane

A simple morning skincare routine can be enough:

1. Use a gentle cleanser or rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Apply a hydrating serum if it suits your skin.
3. Use a nourishing moisturiser.
4. Finish with SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.

On very cold or windy days, a thin layer of an occlusive balm can help reduce moisture loss on exposed areas such as the cheeks and nose.

Avoid introducing several new active ingredients immediately before your trip. Keeping your routine simple can help reduce the risk of irritation.

3. Stay Hydrated Throughout Your Snow Trip

Outdoor activity, dry air, heated indoor environments and altitude can leave you feeling more dehydrated than usual.

Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during active outdoor trips. Pack water, limit excess alcohol and include nourishing foods as part of your normal routine.

Foods containing healthy fats may also support a balanced diet during your trip. Options include:

• Salmon
• Avocado
• Walnuts
• Flaxseed
• Chia seeds
• Olive oil

Hydration alone will not replace a good topical skincare routine, but it can support your overall wellbeing while you are travelling and exercising.

4. Keep Your Evening Skincare Routine Gentle

After a full day on the slopes, your skin may feel dry, tight or sensitive.

This is not the time to scrub, exfoliate aggressively or use several active skincare products at once.

Instead, focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and barrier support.

Try this simple evening routine:

1. Use a mild cream, balm or oil-based cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup.
2. Wash your face with lukewarm water rather than hot water.
3. Pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel.
4. Apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser.
5. Finish with a nourishing night cream or barrier-supporting balm if needed.

Avoid harsh scrubs, strong acids or retinoids if your skin feels irritated or sunburnt.

A hydrating mask may also feel soothing, but choose a gentle formula and discontinue use if your skin becomes uncomfortable.

5. Give Your Skin Time to Recover After Your Trip

Once you return home, take time to assess how your skin feels.

After your trip, focus first on gentle cleansing, hydration and barrier support. Once your skin has settled, a professional consultation can help determine whether an enzyme peel, hydrating facial or another treatment is appropriate.

Avoid rushing into a peel or laser treatment if your skin is sunburnt, irritated or sensitised. Your skin may need time to calm down before an advanced treatment is suitable.

When Can a Professional Treatment Help?

A personalised consultation may be helpful if you notice:

• Increased dryness or sensitivity
• Dullness or uneven texture
• Persistent redness
• New or more noticeable pigmentation
• Sun spots or freckles becoming more visible
• A compromised skin barrier

Winter can be a practical time to plan professional treatments because many people find it easier to manage sun exposure and aftercare during the cooler months.

Suitability, recovery time and expected results depend on your skin condition and the treatment selected.

For more information, read our guide:
Winter Skin Transformation: Why Winter Can Be a Good Time for Laser Treatments and Skin Peels

What Wonderlab Reviews Before Recommending a Post-Ski Treatment

Every skin condition is different.

Before recommending a treatment, the Wonderlab team considers:

• Whether your skin is sunburnt, irritated or stable
• Your skin sensitivity and current barrier condition
• Recent sun exposure
• Your pigmentation pattern
• Your current skincare products
• Your lifestyle and expected downtime
• Whether your priority is hydration, calming, texture or pigmentation management

A professional assessment helps us recommend the most appropriate next step rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Can PicoWay Laser Help With Pigmentation?

For suitable clients, PicoWay laser may be considered as part of a personalised plan for selected pigmentation concerns.

PicoWay is a picosecond laser system that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy. Depending on the treatment settings and handpiece used, it may be suitable for concerns such as benign pigmented lesions, sun spots, freckles and uneven skin tone.

However, laser treatment is not suitable immediately after a ski trip if your skin is sunburnt, irritated or sensitised. Your skin should be assessed first.

Learn more about PicoWay laser and book a personalised skin review:
PicoWay Laser Sydney at Wonderlab

Ski Season Skincare FAQ