How to Keep Your Skin Perfect on the Slopes

Layer SPF 30+ under a barrier cream, reapply every two hours, and use a rich overnight treatment to repair daily damage.

The mountains don't care about your skincare routine, but your face will thank you for having one anyway.

1. Start with clean, prepped skin. Use a gentle cleanser and apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid. Skip actives like retinol or acids the night before skiing—altitude and sun make skin more reactive.
2. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Use a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide for better protection at altitude. UV rays are 10-15% stronger for every 1,000 feet of elevation, plus snow reflects up to 80% of UV back at your face.
3. Layer a protective barrier cream. Apply a thick, occlusive moisturizer over your SPF to shield against wind and cold. Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or petrolatum that create a physical barrier.
4. Reapply SPF every two hours minimum. Set a phone alarm because you will forget. Wipe away any moisture first with a clean tissue, then reapply generously to all exposed areas including around your goggles.
5. Repair overnight. Use a rich night cream with peptides or niacinamide to help skin recover. Apply a thin layer of facial oil if your skin feels tight or irritated from the day's exposure.