Skiing skincare – on the slopes!

On the slopes you will run into various environmental challenges all at once – and that’s in addition to keeping yourself upright!

On a beautiful sunny day you may still experience windburn and even frostbite depending on how cold it is!

Sunburn.  At altitude you are at more risk of UV damage as the sun’s UV load is stronger.  Although it may be -5 that doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburnt and even catch sunstroke.  Recent findings show that the highest UVA/UVB protection such as factor 50 will only protect you 50 times longer than your skin can go before burning – so if you are particularly sun sensitive then do be cautious and take regular breaks from the sun.

Winburn.  On a windy day racing down a piste you may be forgiven for mistaking your rosy cheeks for sunburn but it could be as simple as just constant exposure of your face to wind.  Here it’s important to create a barrier between your skin and the elements.  The more barrier layers the better.  We aren’t advocating “doing a Posh” and caking yourself in makeup however an SPF followed by a BB cream or tinted moisturiser would offer a good barrier for your skin during the day.

Frostbite.  Not always a consideration especially in the temperate Alpine region but it has happened and temps have dropped as low as -30.  First degree frostbite presents as numb, white skin that is stiff to the touch.  If you are out in such cold conditions you need to keep an eye on your slope-mates and if any numbness or tingling is noted then get inside right away.  Wear a balaclava or facial buff that covers the majority of your face – especially your nose as your extremities will get it first!

We love;

La Roche Posay Anthelios XL – SPF 50+

What’s not to love about this sun lotion.  It’s absolutely perfect for skiing because it’s not a round or cylindrical bottle – it sits very neatly in a ski jacket or trousers as the bottle is quite slim.  The lid is spot on – it’s a screw cap which means no accidental uncapping or oozing in your pocket.  The stream of fluid that comes out is a good consistency and easily blendable – you can either get a nice handful or a few drops to micro-apply to places like noses and ears.  The formula is water resistant (incase you face plant) non-perfumed and paraben free.   It is extremely effective at blocking a good proportion of the suns rays – after a few very sunny days I’ve received no sunburn at all.  Available from larger Boots stores.

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

For us ladies who wouldn’t dream of going anywhere without a “face” on – Bobbi Brown’s new addition to her range – the BB cream.  Comes in five colour shades and blends fairly well – it’s great for proving your skin with that essential barrier to the elements.  I tried it out on 3 women – one in 30’s, one in her 40’s and one in her 60’s and they all thought it was a lovely product.    Available from QVC £28

Lavera Sun Milk – SPF 20.

The organic brand of choice when it comes to sun care – Lavera are world class in making the organic version of any skincare product you can think of.  Another light fluid which is easily blendable –

SunShots SPF 25

If you are not sure what the weather is going to do and you don’t have much room – take a Sun Shot!  Little sachets of sun cream – great for the whole family if there’s a sun “emergency”

Ultrasun Ultralip SPF 15 Lip Balm

A handy, uncomplicated lip screen with SPF 15.  So many lip balms these days don’t contain SPF – those are fine to use in the evenings but on the slopes do try and use one with an SPF!  Contains Vitamin E and blackcurrant seed oil from QVC  Ultrasun also do a spray on SPF cream which is a great idea for on the slopes!