Skiers face significantly higher UV radiation due to altitude (8-10% increase per 1,000 feet) and snow reflection (up to 90% of UV rays bounce back). Combined with cold wind that strips the skin's natural protective barrier, this creates a perfect storm for skin damage. A proper skiing skincare routine includes broad-spectrum SPF 50 applied before you hit the slopes, reapplication every 2 hours, and a recovery routine post-ski.
Why This Matters for Skiers
-
UV intensity at 8,500 feet is approximately 60% higher than at sea level
-
Snow reflects up to 90% of UV radiation compared to just 9-17% from grass
-
Cold wind strips the skin's natural protective oils and urocanic acid (your skin's natural SPF)
-
"Windburn" is often actually sunburn-the cooling effect of wind masks the burning sensation
Key Skin Stressors on the Slopes
High-Altitude UV Exposure
For every 1,000 feet you climb, UV intensity increases 8-10%. At typical ski resort elevations (8,000-12,000 feet), you're exposed to dramatically more radiation than at sea level. The relationship is exponential-small altitude gains create disproportionately larger UV increases.
Snow Reflection (Albedo Effect)
Snow acts like a mirror, reflecting up to 90% of UV rays back at your skin. This means you're hit from above AND below. Areas typically shaded-under your chin, inside your nostrils, under your nose-get burned. Research from the Australasian College of Dermatologists found that time spent around snow is 200% more harmful for UV exposure than time at the beach.
Cold Wind Damage
Wind strips your skin's stratum corneum of its protective oils and natural urocanic acid. This impairs your skin barrier, making you more vulnerable to both UV penetration and moisture loss. The blood vessels dilate, causing redness that looks and feels like a burn.
Low Humidity
Cold mountain air holds less moisture. Combined with indoor heating at lodges, your skin loses hydration rapidly, leading to cracking, flaking, and compromised barrier function.
Recommended Skincare Routine for Skiers and Snowboarders
Before Hitting the Slopes (Morning)
-
Apply barrier moisturizer - Choose something with ceramides or jojoba oil to reinforce your skin barrier before exposure.
-
Apply SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen - Cover all exposed skin 15 minutes before heading out. Don't forget ears, neck, and under your chin.
-
Protect your lips - Use SPF 30+ lip balm. Lips produce very little melanin, making them extremely vulnerable.
During Ski Day
-
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours - Carry a lightweight, easy-to-apply formula. Sunscreen effectiveness diminishes regardless of water resistance claims.
-
Wear physical barriers - Goggles, neck gaiter or balaclava, and helmet protect against both UV and wind.
-
Hydrate - Drink water throughout the day. Altitude and cold accelerate dehydration.
Apres-Ski (Evening)
-
Cleanse gently - Remove sunscreen, sweat, and environmental debris with a hydrating cleanser. Avoid anything with salicylic acid or harsh exfoliants.
-
Apply active recovery moisturizer - Use a rich cream with ingredients that support skin repair (Vitamins A, C, E, hyaluronic acid).
Common Mistakes
Assuming clouds protect you - UVA rays penetrate cloud cover. You need sunscreen regardless of weather.
Only applying sunscreen once - Even "all-day" formulas need reapplication. Sweat, wiping your face, and time all reduce protection.
Forgetting reflected UV - The undersides of your face (chin, nostrils, neck) need protection from snow reflection.
Taking long hot showers after skiing - This strips your already-stressed skin barrier and worsens dryness.
Using summer skincare - Light lotions don't cut it. You need richer, barrier-reinforcing formulas in cold, dry conditions.
Quick Checklist
-
SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen applied 15 min before exposure
-
SPF 30+ lip balm
-
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
-
Goggles, neck gaiter, and helmet for physical protection
-
Active barrier moisturizer morning and night
-
Hydrate throughout the day
FAQs
Q: Can I really get sunburned while skiing in winter?
A: Absolutely. UV radiation at ski resort altitudes is 40-60% higher than at sea level, and snow reflects up to 90% of those rays back at your skin. Winter sunburns are common and often more severe because people don't expect them.
Q: What's the difference between windburn and sunburn?
A: Many dermatologists believe "windburn" is often actually sunburn. Wind strips your skin's natural protection, making UV damage worse, while the cooling effect masks the burning sensation. Both can occur simultaneously.
Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen while skiing?
A: Every 2 hours minimum. If you're sweating heavily or wiping your face frequently, reapply more often. Keep a travel-size sunscreen in your jacket pocket.
Q: What SPF should I use for skiing?
A: SPF 50 broad-spectrum is recommended. "Broad-spectrum" means protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. At high altitude with snow reflection, you need maximum protection.
Q: Why does my skin feel so dry after skiing?
A: Cold air holds less moisture, wind strips your skin's natural oils, and indoor heating further dehydrates you. Your skin barrier gets compromised, leading to moisture loss. Combat this with barrier-repair moisturizers and avoiding long, hot showers.
Q: Should I use a different skincare routine for skiing than summer?
A: It depends. Make sure you're using a more occlusive moisturizer like Dermasport that reinforces your skin barrier. You may have to apply moisturizer more frequently, too. Avoid retinoids and harsh exfoliants that can irritate skin in cold, dry conditions.
References
-
PMC - "High Altitude Dermatology" - Comprehensive review of UV exposure and skin conditions at high altitude
-
Skin Cancer Foundation - "UV Radiation & Your Skin" - UVB damage at high altitudes and reflective surfaces
-
NYU Department of Dermatology Study - 60% higher UV-B at 8,500 feet vs sea level; 8-10% increase per 1,000 feet elevation
-
Frontiers in Young Minds - "Why Is Skin Cancer Risk Elevated at Higher Altitudes?" - 50% more UV radiation at 10,000+ feet
-
PMC - "Is Multidirectional UV Exposure Responsible for Increasing Melanoma Prevalence with Altitude?" - Snow albedo research
-
Skin Cancer Foundation - "Against the Wind" - Wind's effect on natural skin protection
Don't Hit the Slopes without Dermasport
The conditions skiers face-intense UV, cold wind, low humidity-are exactly what we designed Dermasport for. Our SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen creates a hydrophobic barrier that protects against both UV rays and moisture loss, while ARC (Ageless Recovery Complex) in our Moisturizer and Eye Cream helps repair the cumulative damage from days on the mountain. Whether you're skiing at Tahoe or training in the pool, protecting athlete skin from environmental stress is what we do.
