That's La Plagne contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon affiliate program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. I never recommend anything I haven't experienced myself, and the commission helps me keep this site running at full speed! See my Disclosure Policy for extra information.
Ski holiday skincare: how I look after my skin in the mountains
Living in La Plagne, the mountains are hard work for my skin. The air is freezing and bone dry, the wind bites, and the sun at altitude is much stronger than it is back home. Add central heating and a few late nights in the chalet, and by February my skin is usually crying out for help!
After lots of trial and error, this is the routine I actually use, every day, all winter. I’ve also included my do’s and don’ts for your ski holiday, so your skin comes home happier than it arrived.
Planning a family ski holiday?
Get my free Ski Holiday Planning Pack: the Ski Holiday Reset Planner, the Ski Lessons & Ski Hire Guide, the Accommodation Guide and the Transfer Guide, written by a local mum of three to help you plan your La Plagne trip.
Why the mountains are so hard on your skin
- Cold, dry air. The colder it gets, the less moisture there is in the air. In the UK there’s still plenty of moisture around in winter, so imagine how dry it is up here when it’s all frozen!
- Wind. Chairlift rides into the wind leave your cheeks raw and red.
- Strong sun. The sun is stronger at altitude, and the snow reflects it straight back up at your face.
- Central heating. Chalets and hotels are toasty, but the heating dries your skin out even more overnight.
My daily skincare routine in the Alps
This is what I use at the moment. Nothing too fancy, and lots of it is from The Ordinary, so it doesn’t cost a fortune. I’ve put everything I can into one list on Amazon too.
1. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
I start by washing my face with the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.
2. Hypochlorous acid spray
Then a spritz of hypochlorous acid spray. Mine is a really cheap one from a pound shop, so this step doesn’t need to cost much at all! If you can’t find one, this ISOCLEAN hypochlorous acid spray is a good option.
3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Next up is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum.
4. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
Then my vitamin C: The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. It’s not on Amazon UK, so this link goes to The Ordinary’s own website.
5. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
I also use The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.
6. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors
Then I lock it all in with The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. Up here, this step is non-negotiable!
7. SPF, every single day
The most important step of all. I wear SPF every day, whatever the weather. My everyday one is the Altruist Face Fluid SPF50, and if I want a bit of cover when I’m heading out on the mountain, I swap to the Altruist Anti-Redness SPF50.
Ad: get 15% off at Altruist with my code JenSnow15 (one use per person, valid until 30 April 2027). For more options, here are all the sun creams I use for skiing.
My weekly skincare extras
Sheet masks
Once a week, I do a moisturising sheet mask with niacinamide in it. It’s a lovely boost of hydration after a few days in the cold and wind, and ten minutes of peace and quiet (if the kids let me!). If you want to give sheet masks a try, this Garnier 5-pack is a good-value place to start.
Qure microneedling
I’ve just started trying microneedling with Qure’s Micro-Infusion, once every two weeks or once a month, to see how it goes. It’s early days, so I’ll let you know how I get on!
Qure always seem to have deals and sales on, so keep an eye out. It’s also worth checking Vinted: I picked up a 6-month pack for a fraction of the price. If you’re happy buying this kind of thing on Vinted, you can really save a lot.
My body and hand care
It’s not just your face that suffers up here. My body and hands get really dry in winter, so this is what I use.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche body oil
To lock in moisture, I use the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche, the thicker version of their famous dry oil. It’s my winter go-to.
Eucerin UreaRepair Plus 5% Urea hand cream
For my hands, I use the Eucerin UreaRepair Plus hand cream with 5% urea, and it’s amazing.
If my hands are particularly dry, I coat them in coconut oil or a bit of the Nuxe oil before bed and let them soften up overnight.
Don’t forget your lips
Lips take a real battering in the mountains. My four go-tos are the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, Nuxe Rêve de Miel, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast for sore lips, and the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask every night. Here’s my full guide to the best lip balms for skiing.
Ski holiday skincare: my do’s and don’ts
Don’t
- Take really hot showers. Guilty as charged! But they strip your skin of its natural oils. Go for warm rather than hot, and keep it short.
- Skip the sun cream. The winter sun and the snow together can do real damage, even on cloudy days.
- Over-exfoliate. Once or twice a week is plenty. I love a charcoal soap, but if I use it more than once a week, my skin ends up tight and red.
- Forget about your body. I’m often guilty of splashing out on my face and forgetting the rest of me! A big body moisturiser with a pump top is the easiest way to remember, and it’s quick to cover the kids in it too.
Do
- Wear SPF every day, and reapply on the slopes.
- Keep a lip balm in every pocket.
- Add moisture to the air overnight. If your accommodation doesn’t have a humidifier, my insider tip is to put a large container of water on the radiator and let it evaporate overnight.
- Drink plenty of water. Altitude, skiing and après all dehydrate you, and your skin shows it.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so pay attention to how yours reacts. If in doubt, check with a dermatologist or your pharmacist.
French pharmacy favourites
If you’re skiing in France, pop into the pharmacie in resort. French pharmacy skincare is brilliant for the mountains, and you’ll find La Roche-Posay, Avène, Bioderma, Nuxe and more. They make lovely gifts too: here are my French pharmacy beauty gift ideas.
That’s La Plagne and my ski holiday skincare
So there you have it: my real, everyday skincare routine for life in the mountains. Keep it simple, keep it hydrated, and never, ever skip the SPF!
Packing for your trip? Here’s my family ski holiday packing checklist. And if you fancy a treat while you’re here, have a look at my La Plagne massage and beauty directory.
See you on the slopes!
Pin this post to save for later
2 Comments