In Conversation with Dominic Yue on Protecting the Skin During Ski Season

As we enter the New Year, ski season brings a joyful escape for many of our clients. But what many fail to acknowledge is the effect alpine conditions have on the skin. With these colder temperatures and strong UV conditions in mind, we spoke to our specialist plastic surgeon, Dominic Yue, on how clients can prepare their complexion ahead of the season.

What could affect the skin during your skiing holiday?

“The main risk to skin would be from increased UV exposure. During such sporting activities, there is generally an increased outdoor sun exposure and an altitude-related increase in UV radiation. 

“There is also an indirect increase through reflection from the snow. There is published evidence that mountain and snow sports are associated with a higher lifetime risk of skin cancer. It has been shown that at altitudes near the top of Zermatt or Chamonix, skiers could develop a sunburn after only 6 minutes of unprotected exposure.

“The exposure can also worsen pigmentation and cause erythema (redness). Well-applied sunscreen will help protect your skin (and ward off uneven ‘goggle tan’). Even grey days need sunscreen - UVA rays particularly can penetrate through clouds.”

How should sunscreen be used during ski season?

“Using enough sunscreen is important to ensure you are getting the full benefit of the SPF and UVA rating. The amount for the front of your face and neck is one generous strip of cream that runs along the entire middle finger, adding extra to some oft-missed areas - ears, back of the neck, under-chin, back of hands and scalp areas with less hair coverage. Remember that reflected UV rays mean that there needs to be a 360-degree protection. Goggles usually have UV protection, but try to find some UV-rated masks too. 

“It is recommended to use at least SPF 50, and UVA 5 stars and higher is better. There are SPF 70 and even 100 these days that go nicely on the skin without a white cast. With the higher SPF value, you still need to use the same finger length amount. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before hitting the slopes and keep it to the last step of your routine and before any makeup. Sunscreen works optimally for 2 hours, and protection then starts to wane, so reapplying every 2 hours is recommended. 

“This sounds like a real bother on the slopes, but there are dry-sticks and sprays that can be easily applied in a few seconds. Additionally, sweating and masks rubbing on the skin both negatively affects the length of time that sunscreen is effective. Those who are very sun sensitive can consider avoiding certain peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm). If your planned resort has night skiing, try to plan some of your runs after core sun hours.”

How else can we protect our skin from alpine conditions?

“The cold and dry air can damage your skin, so keep an eye on the forecast and be extra mindful on the colder days. Lips and hands are often dry, so ensure you keep your SPF lip balm and mini tube of hand cream with you. Hand warmers can be helpful. If exposed excessively, your skin will dry out, and its barrier will be impaired. At the more extreme end of prolonged cold exposure, one can be at risk of chilblains, chapped or fissured skin and even frostbite. 

“Related to the right gear, ensure that your ski boots fit well. Even fitted and moulded soles may need adjusting over the years. Poorly fitting ski boots cause pain, bruising, pressure pains and have been known to cause nail trauma.  

“Use a good skincare routine to repair or fortify your skin barrier well before you fly off. Optimise actives in your serums by reducing topical retinoids, AHA or BHA acids and other potentially irritating components a week before your trip. These run a risk of photosensitivity. 

“If you are prone to pigmentation, it is usually helpful to add some anti-pigment serums into the mix. If you have any skin conditions or dermatological prescriptions, it is worth catching up with your dermatologist to check. Avoid using new products just before your holiday.”

For those exploring professional skincare options ahead of ski season, Reborne Longevity offers treatments including Fraxel and IPL, which require downtime before and after your appointment at our Harley Street clinic. These may be suitable for some individuals following clinical assessment. Results vary, and all procedures carry risks, which our practitioners will discuss during consultation.

Call us on +44 203 839 5051 or email info@rebornelongevity.com to book a consultation with our skin specialists.