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How to have glass skin in winter: ski holiday skin hacks
Ever wondered how to keep your skin looking radiant and dewy even when you’re zipping down the slopes in sub-zero temperatures? I’m a busy mum living right here in the French Alpine ski resort of La Plagne. And let me tell you, maintaining that coveted glass skin while managing work and family life amidst the chill can be quite the challenge. But fear not! I’ve got some insider tips that will help you achieve that perfect, poreless glass skin look, even when the winter winds are less than forgiving.
What is Glass Skin?
Glass skin is a term coined from the K-beauty realm or Korean Beauty. The Western world is fast catching on to the trend. Glass skin describes skin so smooth and luminous it could be mistaken for glass. Achieving this isn’t just about what you put on your skin; it’s a holistic approach to skincare that involves consistent care and nurturing. This includes everything from the products you choose to the way you protect your skin from environmental elements, which is especially important during harsh winters on the slopes.
Challenges to Achieving Glass Skin in Winter
Winter in the UK is full of challenges to keeping skin feeling hydrated and healthy. In addition, the unique challenges you face in the mountains and the idea of maintaining glass skin, particularly at a ski resort like La Plagne, seem daunting. The cold and dry air can strip moisture from your skin, while harsh winds and UV exposure from the sun reflected off the snow can lead to chapping and sunburn.
Keeping your skin hydrated and protected when you’re skiing at altitude requires more than your average daily skincare routine. Here are some of my tried and tested tips for keeping winter skin soft and glowing – plus some of the best and cheapest French beauty products to help you on your glass skin mission!
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7 Essential Skincare Tips for Glass Skin on Ski Holidays
1. Double Cleansing
Begin with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve sunscreen and makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
I’ve tried lots of oil-based cleansers, and I always come back to the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It’s available in rose and also a fragrance-free version for sensitive skin. But I love the original version, which smells amazing, with lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile. It’s not cheap, between £40-50, but you use very little and it lasts forever.
For a water-based cleanse, my French mum friends rave about Avène Clearance Cleansing Gel, great for more oily skin. I also love this Uriage face and body wash. My local French pharmacist recommended it to me when I was having a dermatitis breakout. It’s super mild, even for the most sensitive skin—I also use it to bathe our baby. Plus, this large bottle at 500ml is only 9€ and has lasted me over 6 months so far! So it really balances out the cost of the Elemis cleansing balm!
I have also just picked up the Uriage oil face cleanser because the water-based one is so good. And again, at less than 10€ for 500 ml, it’s a much more pocket-friendly option than the Elemis Procollagen Cleansing Balm. By using these products, you'll be on your way to achieving that flawless glass skin look into no time.
2. Exfoliation
For glass skin, exfoliate with a product that’s effective yet gentle enough to prevent irritation. Nuxe Aquabella Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Gel offers a refreshing clean and is biodegradable, making it kind to both your skin and the environment. It’s also only 10€ for a 150ml tube from a French pharmacy, so add this one to your ski holiday shopping list.
I also love dry brushing for my body. Dry brushing is a popular skincare technique that involves using a firm, natural bristle brush to gently brush the skin while it’s dry. Usually, you’d do this just before showering. If you’re heading on a ski holiday, this isn't something I’d necessarily recommend whilst on your ski trip. But it’s a great way to prep your skin in the run-up to your next ski holiday.
Dry brushing is great for:
- Removing Dead Skin Cells: The firm bristles of the brush are effective at removing dead skin cells from the surface, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant.
- Stimulating Blood Flow: The brushing action increases circulation to the skin, which can help to promote healthier skin.
- Enhancing Lymphatic Drainage: Brushing towards the heart is believed to aid the lymphatic system in removing toxins from the body.
People often use dry brushing as part of a daily skincare routine to achieve softer, more toned skin, and some even attribute a reduction in the appearance of cellulite to regular dry brushing due to the improvement in blood flow and toxin removal.
3. Toners
A good toner balances your skin’s pH after cleansing. Try Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner for a burst of natural salicylic acid that refines pores without drying out your skin.
I also love the Mario Badescu face toners and I have a variety of the scents all over my apartment and in different bags. I love the rose for my morning routine. I have the lavender on my bedside table for a calming evening spritz. And the chamomile is in my handbag for freshening up on the go. I also like to use a spritz of these to set my make-up before heading out the door.
4. Serums – the key to glassy winter skin
By applying a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and a night serum with retinol or similar active ingredients, you'll soon be reaping the benefits of glass skin. Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturiser works wonders for hydration. I also love the Typology Vitamin C serum for brightening and evening out my complexion.
For the night, Typology’s Retinol Serum is a sustainable choice that promotes skin renewal. One thing with any retinol is to start sparingly and build up how much you’re using. It is an active product, and you want to make sure your skin doesn’t react to it.
5. Moisturising Winter Skin
Lock in your serums with a good face moisturiser. CeraVe Moisturising Cream is excellent for intense hydration and repairing the skin barrier, which is crucial in cold climates. Weleda Skin Food is also something of a cult classic. It’s moisturising enough to use as a night cream or after being out in the sun. I also keep this on hand on flights or when travelling for an extra moisture boost.
I also love the Typology 9 ingredient moisturiser, which is light and not greasy. It’s moisturising enough to keep my face hydrated on the ski slopes and is my daily go-to face cream.
For my body, I love the CeraVe Lait Hydratant body moisturiser and also the other French brand, Mixa which is lovely on my sensitive skin. I find having a pump bottle of body moisturiser in the bathroom means I’m more likely to use it regularly. Another TiKTok viral product for glass skin is the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5. Mild enough to use for babies, this cream is designed to repair dry and cracked skin on your face, hands and body.
6. SPF Sun Creams for Ski Holidays
Never forget to apply a broad-spectrum SPF cream. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+ is a lightweight option that doesn’t feel greasy under your ski gear and goggles. I also love the Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour protection stick. It’s perfect for quick application on ski holidays and ski lifts.
I’ve used a lot of different sun creams in the mountains and I’ve listed my top sunscreens for ski holidays in this recent article.
7. Staying Hydrated
Keep your hydration levels up. This almost goes without saying! But drinking plenty of water and consuming a balanced diet will complement your external skincare regime, helping to maintain that inner glow.
On a ski trip, there are some key ways you can build up how much water you’re drinking.
1 – Take a large glass of water to bed with you and drink it first thing when you wake.
2 – If you can safely put a large glass of water on top of the radiator in your room, it will act like a makeshift humidifier. Helping to combat the dry mountain air and indoor heating.
3 – When you stop for lunch, always get water for the table and drink a large glass before moving on to lunch.
4 – If you’re heading to après ski, get a large glass of water before switching the beers and cocktails.
5 – Keep a reusable water bottle with you on the slopes. My family loves the soft water bottle pouches for skiing. Or a CamelBak water bladder that you can slot into a backpack.
That’s La Plagne & Winter Skin Care for Glass Skin
Achieving glass skin while enjoying the winter fun on your ski holiday is all about adapting your skincare to the demanding alpine environment. With these tips and product recommendations, your skin will look as luminous and smooth as the serene snowy slopes around you.
See you on the slopes!
You can shop most of these French skincare products online here.
