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Skiing skincare and treatments
Ski(n)care? Snow problem. When we ski, our skin is exposed to a multitude of elements that can have a real impact on our skin. From extreme cold, wind burn and high UV levels, we get it from all angles. Here are our top tips when heading to the pistes.
How the slopes can affect your skin
“When a client comes to us and is looking for advice on how to care for their skin when skiing, we generally focus on two key things: skin barrier and UV protection” says Jayne Burton-Sazo, Dermal Therapist from our team here at Pfeffer Sal.
Extreme cold (and mulled wine...) can cause dehydration
Wind burn can irritate your skin
Sun exposure due to high altitude and UV reflection on the snow
Blocked pores due to thick products
Before your trip
“Depending on your skin type, I’d recommend reducing highly-active ingredients such as strong exfoliants and retinols, and increasing use of skin barrier promoting products with ingredients such as niacinamide, pre- and probiotics." Jayne, Dermal Therapist at Pfeffer Sal.
If you are looking for a treatment before a ski trip, our Essential Facial is great as we’ll personalise it with ultra-hydrating serums, applied with sonophoresis technology (a device that causes cells to vibrate, driving the key ingredients of aminos and vitamins that we will custom-mix for you into the deeper layers of the skin) and a session under the Dermalux LED which is amazing for strengthening the barrier.
Don't have time for an Essential? Pop in for an Under the Light session which consists of a double cleanse and a 20 minute personalised programme under the Dermalux LED.
Barrier strengthening products
During your trip
“SPF is the most important product you will use on the slopes. Try to use SPF 30 or 50 and bring it with you to reapply during the day.” says Jayne. We love Esse's Sunscreen SPF30.
According to the World Health Organisation, “With every 1000m in altitude, UV levels increase by approximately 10 per cent,” and that’s not taking into account the UV reflection off the snow. “Fresh snow is a particularly good reflector and almost doubles a person's UV exposure.”
At the end of the day, we love a gentle cream or balm cleansers (like Esse Sensitive Cleanser and Wildsmith Active Repair Nourishing Cleansing Balm) as they help to keep the skin nourished and hydrated, while also removing SPF and makeup effectively.
For skin barrier strengthening and protection while you are on your trip, continue with the serums you were using pre-trip such as Cosmetics 27 Pure 27 and Esse Probiotic Serum. A nourishing moisturiser such as Cosmetic 27's Baume 27 will protect the skin further.
Après-trip
If you are looking for the best treatment to care for your skin après your time on the slopes, our Gently Does It is ideal if your skin is feeling sensitive and wind-swept.
The nourishing and calming treatment incorporates probiotics which help with your skin's microbiome, and assist in building up your skin barrier. As always, we're here to help and get your skin in tip-top shape.
For extra skin-soothing action at home, our hydrating cream masks nourish post-alpine skin. These are our favourites:
