How To Look After Your Skin This Winter
Cold winter air and snowy conditions can be harsh on your skin, stripping it of moisture and leaving it dry, irritated, and prone to cracking. The combination of low humidity, biting winds, and indoor heating can weaken your skin's natural barrier, making it more vulnerable to damage. In snowy environments, the sun’s reflection off the white surface can also increase UV exposure, leading to sunburn even in freezing temperatures. That’s why a proper winter skincare routine—focused on hydration, protection, and sun care—is essential to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and resilient throughout the season. As a seasoned snowboarder, winter adventurer and skincare lover I am super passionate about this topic. See my guide below to the best skincare products to look after your skin this winter.
Serum
As a girly with oily skin and acne struggles in the past, I always tried to steer away from face oils and products that would clog my pores and break me out. Serums are a great alternative to provide moisture and benefits to your skin no matter your skin type or age. Always remember to wash your face with a cleanser of your choosing before commencing your routine, you can find great cleansers at your local chemist/drug store for more affordable prices that will suit your skin needs and type. You can find some tried and tests hydrating serums below:
Sunscreen
Using sunscreen while snowboarding or skiing in the mountains is crucial because UV exposure significantly increases with altitude—about 10% for every 1,000 meters gained. On top of that, snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation, which means you’re getting exposure from above and below even when it is cloudy. This double exposure can lead to severe sunburns, and increased risk of developing skin cancer with every severe sunburn. The cold may mask the sensation of burning, making it easier to not notice that your skin is being damaged. Applying broad-spectrum 50+ SPF sunscreen to exposed areas like the face, lips, and neck helps protect against immediate damage and long-term risks such as premature aging and skin cancer is the most important step of your skincare routine. In short, sunscreen is just as essential as goggles and gloves on the slopes. Here are our suggestions:
Moisturiser
Using face moisturiser in the mountains while snowboarding or skiing is essential for protecting your skin against the harsh alpine environment. Cold air, high winds, and low humidity rapidly strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, flakiness, and even windburn. The intense sun exposure at higher altitudes, combined with UV reflection off the snow, can further dehydrate and damage the skin. A good moisturiser creates a barrier that locks in hydration and shields against environmental stressors, helping maintain skin health and comfort throughout the day. For extra protection, choose a moisturiser with SPF to guard against sun damage while keeping your skin nourished on and off the slopes. See some highly recommended products below:
Lip Balm:
Using lip balm in the mountains while snowboarding or skiing is crucial for preventing chapped, cracked, and painful lips. The combination of cold temperatures, dry air, and wind can quickly dehydrate the delicate skin on your lips, making them vulnerable to irritation and even splitting. Additionally, the high UV exposure at altitude—amplified by the sun’s reflection on the snow—can lead to sunburned lips, which are both uncomfortable and damaging. A good lip balm, especially one with SPF protection, helps to seal in moisture, soothe existing dryness, and shield your lips from the elements, keeping them smooth, healthy, and protected all day on the slopes. Here are some of my favourite nourishing lip balms:
