Skincare Tips For When You Next Hit The Slopes

Skincare Tips For When You Next Hit The Slopes
|

As ski bunnies will know, freezing cold weather mixed with high-speed winds and the sun's rays can play havoc with your skin. It can also make certain skin conditions like eczema and rosacea even worse.

Open Image Modal
AP

So, while wrapping up in the right gear is essential before hitting the slopes, it's also important to keep these skincare tips in mind to avoid dryness and UVA damage.

Dr Stefanie Williams, a dermatologist and Medical Director at European Dermatology London, shares her expert advice on how to keep your complexion healthy both on and off piste.

Use gentle skin products

"In dry skin, the skin's barrier function is less effective, which can lead to an increased tendency for irritation and possible even adverse reactions to skin products," says Dr Williams. "For this reason, it's best to minimise contact with soap and instead use a creamy emollient wash or bath oil instead. Make sure to take an omega-3 rich fish oil supplement too."

Apply broad spectrum sun protection on the slopes, even if it's cloudy

"While you might not get sunburnt, your skin can still be exposed to significant amounts of UVA without even noticing," Dr Williams explains. "UVA can penetrate window glass and clouds, so has an impact even on cloudy days. I always recommend using the same sun protection level of broad-spectrum SPF 30-50 whether the sun is out or not."

Avoid hot baths

"After a day on the slopes in the freezing cold, it's tempting to jump straight into a steaming hot bath but this isn't the best choice for your skin. Baths and showers should be kept as short as possible and water should always be lukewarm. Mesh sponges, abrasive scrubs and woven face cloths should also be avoided in the cold weather as they will aggravate the skin."

And don't forget - you can also eat your way to healthier skin. Here are 10 foods to stock up on post ski holiday: