For outdoorsy women, including skiers and snowboarders, being outside in the elements during the winter season is hard on our skin and hair. Flying down the ski slopes with the wind in your hair sounds like bliss, but it’s not great if you’re trying to keep your hair healthy and strong.
The wind can tangle your hair and cause split ends as you comb out and detangle your hair after a day on the mountain. Women with curly hair are especially susceptible to tangles and hair damage from the wind.
Wearing your hair down and uncovered while skiing and snowboarding is the worst, as the wind will take out the moisture from your hair, drying it out and reducing that beautiful shine. The cold winter air also dehydrates skin which causes discomfort and leads to dryness. So how do you enjoy your favorite outdoor activities while keeping up your self care?
Here are helpful tips for skiers and snowboarders to add to their self-care routine. Make these simple changes to protect and care for your face, hands and hair during ski season.
A balaclava ski + snowboard mask protects your face
Protection is key for skincare, as damage prevention is easier than damage control! Avoid exposing your face to the elements while you’re skiing or snowboarding by wearing a balaclava ski mask that fits over your helmet and face. This will protect your skin from the wind, cold air, and sun. The loose fit and adjustable face mask prevents your googles from fogging up. You can also pull down the face mask when talking to a friend.
Some balaclava ski masks are soft and cozy, like a blanket for your face. Others are made for water resistance with breathable material. Whichever option you select, a balaclava snowboard mask will save your face from the wind, snow and sun as you fly down the slopes. Find them at your local snowboard and ski shop or see brand websites including Dope Snow, Burton and BlackStrap.
Use a hydrating face wash
Your skincare routine in the winter is different than warmer months as humidity declines and there’s less moisture in the air. During the winter, it’s common for your face to feel drier and be striped of moisture. Make sure you’re using gentle products when you wash your face. Look for face wash products that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser has clean ingredients and is okay to use as part of your daily skincare routine.
When washing your face, it’s critical not to make the problem worse with products that will dry out your skin. Avoid harsh face wash products that contain alcohol, which can dry out skin. Foaming cleansers may also make dry skin worse.
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Avoid exfoliating face scrubs
It’s important to treat your skin gently when it’s already dry and sensitive. Women who ski and snowboard spend time outdoors in the elements, which may increase skin sensitivity. Put away your face scrubs for the season, as they’re prone to do more damage to your skin in the winter.
Wear sunscreen to protect against snow reflection
Apply face sunscreen before you ski or snowboard to protect your skin from sun damage. Wear sunblock on both overcast and sunny days, as 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays break through cloud coverage, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The sun’s reflection against the snow is also mighty strong, increasing UV exposure.
Apply a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater to your nose, cheeks, and other exposed areas. It can be easy to forget to pack sunscreen while preparing to head to the mountain resort to ski or snowboard, but a must for self care. Stick some sunblock in your snowboard or ski bag to keep your skin protected.
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Apply moisturizing hand lotion
Skiers and snowboarders who take care of their hands can prevent dry, cracked skin and cuts. The cold winter air is brutal, and when we’re skiing and snowboarding we’re right in the thick of it, spending time doing what we love, playing in the snow. Applying moisturizer to your hands before hitting the slopes will provide your skin with much needed hydration to make up for lost moisture.
Before you slip your hands into your gloves, treat them to some moisturizer with ultra-healing, advanced repair, and other hand lotions for dry and extra dry skin during the cold winter months. Keep hand moisturizer in your ski or snowboard bag to apply hand lotion when you get off the mountain, too.
Wear glove liners and keep your gloves on, girl!
It’s tempting to take off your ski gloves to check your phone, change your music, and make other adjustments while waiting in the lift line or sitting on the chair lift, but it’s time to break this habit if you’re noticing that your hands are dry and cracked after a day on the slopes. Keep your hands inside your gloves to protect from the winter air when you’re skiing and snowboarding.
Snowboarding glove shopping tips: When shopping for snowboarding gloves, look for water resistant gloves that will prevent water from making its way through the material, keeping your hands warm and dry. Some ski and snowboard gloves come with glove liners that add an additional soft layer of protection.
Braid your hair to protect it from the wind
There’s no better feeling than flying down the ski slopes, but we can save the wind blowing through our hair for the movies. Skiers and snowboarders travel at high speeds down the mountain and that wind is a lot of damage to your hair, which can cause split ends.
Braiding your hair before skiing or snowboarding is the easiest way to keep your hair out of your face and safely protected from wind damage. Style your hair in one or two braids and keep them tucked inside your jacket and balaclava. If you want to go ahead and jump on the ‘strands’ trend of lady skiers and snowboarders who leave two hair strands dangling on either side of their goggles, go ahead Sis!
Self Care Tips for Skiers and Snowboarders
- Wear a balaclava ski and snowboard mask
- Use gentle face wash
- Avoid face scrubs
- Wear sunscreen to protect your face
- Apply moisturizing hand lotion
- Keep your gloves on and wear glove liners
- Braid hair to protect it from the wind
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