Dermatologists Share Ski Season Skin Care Tips

How to protect your skin from the harsh conditions of skiing and snowboarding

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Dermatologists recommend adjusting your skin care routine before and during a ski trip to protect your skin from the cold, dry air, high winds, and intense UV exposure on the slopes. This includes tapering the use of retinol and other active ingredients, layering on antioxidants, hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier, applying and reapplying high SPF sunscreen, and using occlusive balms to seal in moisture. After a day on the slopes, the focus shifts to gently cleansing, replenishing hydration, and soothing any sunburn or windburn.

Why it matters

Skiing and snowboarding can take a major toll on skin, stripping away moisture and compromising the skin's protective barrier. Without the right skin care routine, skiers and snowboarders risk dryness, irritation, redness, and even long-term sun damage. Dermatologists share their expert tips to help maintain healthy, resilient skin during a ski trip.

The details

Cold air, low humidity, high winds, and increased UV exposure from the sun reflecting off the snow can all seriously stress the skin during a ski trip. This can lead to dryness, redness, irritation, and even sunburn. To combat these harsh conditions, dermatologists recommend adjusting your skin care routine in several key ways: Before your trip, taper the use of potentially irritating active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids. In the days leading up to your trip and while you're on the slopes, focus on protecting and nourishing the skin barrier with antioxidants, hydrating serums and creams, and high SPF mineral sunscreens. Finish with an occlusive balm to seal in moisture. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, gently cleanse the skin, reapply your rich barrier cream, and use soothing, reparative products like healing balms or overnight masks to address any sunburn or windburn.

  • In the week leading up to your ski trip, cut back on retinol and exfoliating acids.
  • Apply antioxidant serum, hydrating cream, and SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen before hitting the slopes each day.
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while skiing or snowboarding.
  • After a day on the mountain, cleanse skin, reapply moisturizer, and use soothing, reparative products overnight.

The players

Alexandra Bowles, DO

A board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology.

Tiffany Libby, MD, FAAD

A board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.

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What they’re saying

“Cold air strips moisture from the skin, while wind further disrupts the skin barrier, leading to dryness, redness, and irritation.”

— Alexandra Bowles, Dermatologist (goop.com)

“At altitude, UV intensity rises about 10 to 12 percent per 1,000 meters, and fresh snow can reflect up to about 90 percent of UV rays—so you're essentially getting a double-dose from above and below.”

— Tiffany Libby, Dermatologist (goop.com)

What’s next

After a ski trip, it's important to continue using soothing, reparative skin care products to address any sunburn, windburn, or other damage to the skin's barrier. Dermatologists recommend following up with gentle cleansers, rich moisturizers, and overnight healing balms to restore the skin.

The takeaway

Skiing and snowboarding can be tough on the skin, but with the right adjustments to your skin care routine, you can protect your complexion from the harsh winter conditions. By focusing on barrier repair, hydration, and sun protection, you can hit the slopes without worrying about long-term skin damage.