Cold weather, icy winds and high-altitude sunshine, i.e. alpine conditions, are a recipe for chapped, sunburnt and dry skin. If you’re headed to the slopes this winter you may want to pack more than just fabulous sunglasses and salopettes. Skincare brands are really upping the ante when it comes to snow-side beauty, so the options are somewhat more plentiful than a tube of white opaque lip suncream tied to an elastic and worn under a ski jacket. We’ve picked our favourite suncreams, moisturisers, muscle soaks and lip balms so that the only thing you have to think about, whether on- or off-piste, is the actual skiing.
Zelens Daily Defence Sunscreen SPF 30, 50ml, £55
Dr Marko Lens is a skincare expert we can trust to provide the gold standard in sun protection. This handy little tube packs a punch with a broad spectrum SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply in the morning to neck and face to avoid the dreaded goggle tan lines and fight against the effects of ageing.
Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream, 60ml, £39
This thick, silken cream is the barrier you need between your skin and icy alpine winds. It smells herbaceous and mountain-like and instantly hydrates and smooths without feeling clogged or greasy. Apply morning and evening, avant and après ski.
Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment SPF 30, 6g, £23
Fresh is the master all things lip-related, which is why we love this SPF balm formulation. Slotting neatly inside a ski jacket, it’s water resistant and glides easily across lips – but can also be used around the eyes and face. With avocado and grapeseed oils it’s nourishing as well as protective.
Piz Buin Glacier Cream, 40ml, £10.99
The delicious and distinctive smell of Piz Buin, a formulation launched back in 1946, has been turned into a moisture-rich, water-free hard suncream and packaged in this beautiful vintage tin for the winter season. Compact enough to pop in your pocket, it will make you look and feel like Ingrid Bergman on the set of Hitchcock’s Spellbound.
Susanne Kaufmann Witch Hazel Bath Oil, 250ml, £41
After a hard day of snow sports there is no greater feeling than slipping into a hot bath. Hailing from the Austrian mountains of Bregenzer Forest, Susanne Kaufmann Organic Treats use precious natural ingredients that are perfect for unwinding and treating. This witch hazel-based bath oil works wonders on dry and wintery skin, and leaves the muscles supple and relaxed.
Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Body Oil, 100ml, £42
If all the action on the slopes has taken it’s toll on your muscles then this divine Aromatherapy Associates body oil will relieve aching. Massage into the skin to let the arnica and lavender get to work soothing and de-stressing your limbs. You’ll be back on the slopes in no time!