Skiing, Altitude and Skin Health: Expert insights from NIANCE Switzerland.

Skiing is one of the most demanding environments for the skin—and the body as a whole. At altitude, the skin is exposed to a unique combination of stressors that accelerate dehydration, inflammation, oxidative stress and premature ageing if not addressed correctly.

1. WHAT EFFECT DOES THE WEATHER ON SKIING SITES HAVE ON OUR SKIN?

High-altitude ski environments place the skin under extreme physiological stress. UV radiation increases by approximately 10–12% with every 1,000 metres of altitude, while snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, dramatically amplifying exposure. Cold temperatures, strong winds and very low humidity impair the skin barrier, resulting in accelerated water loss, micro-inflammation and collagen degradation.

In addition, prolonged exposure to blue light reflected by snow and increased oxidative stress contributes to photoaging—even in winter conditions. These factors combined mean that skiing can be more ageing to the skin than summer sun exposure if not properly managed.

2. DOES THIS ENVIRONMENT REQUIRE A SPECIALISED BEAUTY ROUTINE? WHICH PRODUCTS FROM NIANCE’S LINE-UP ARE BEST SUITED TO SUPPORT THE SKIN IN SUCH CONDITIONS?

Absolutely. Skiing requires a protect–regenerate–recharge routine, rather than a conventional winter skincare approach.

During skiing, protection is paramount.
I recommend NIANCE Sun Protection Fluid COMPLETE SPF50, which provides broad-spectrum UVA, UVB and blue-light protection, while preserving skin hydration and microbiome balance. It is specifically designed for high-stress environmental exposure, helping to prevent photoaging, inflammation and barrier disruption.

After skiing, the skin enters a state of cellular stress and repair demand.
For immediate, visible recovery, I recommend NIANCE Epigen9 Rejuvenating Mask – the Miracle Trio. This advanced mask delivers a high concentration of regenerative and epigenetic actives, providing an instant revitalising effect while supporting skin renewal, firmness and radiance. It is particularly effective after cold, wind and UV exposure, when the skin requires rapid nutritional replenishment and repair.

To support recovery from within, NIANCE Collagen-Hyaluron Beauty Booster complements topical care by stimulating collagen synthesis and restoring skin hydration and elasticity on a systemic level.

3. WHAT INGREDIENTS OR FORMULAS DO YOU RECOMMEND INTEGRATING WHILE SKIING?

In alpine conditions, I advise formulations that combine:

• Broad-spectrum UV and blue-light protection to prevent collagen breakdown
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative actives to counteract cold- and UV-induced stress
• Barrier-strengthening and biomimetic ingredients to maintain skin resilience
• Epigenetic and regenerative compounds that support cellular recovery and longevity

NIANCE products are developed using FERNESSE® biotechnology, targeting the biological drivers of skin ageing rather than offering superficial protection alone.

4. HOW CAN ONE SUPPORT THE SKIN’S RECOVERY POST-SKIING?

Post-ski recovery should address both skin regeneration and overall cellular energy.

In the evening, I recommend combining Epigen9 Rejuvenating Mask – the Miracle Trio with Collagen-Hyaluron Beauty Booster to deliver intensive topical and nutritional support. This inside-out approach accelerates recovery, restores skin density and enhances resilience.

In the morning, particularly during physically demanding ski days, NIANCE Epigen12 Cell Renewal can be integrated into the routine. By supporting cellular energy metabolism, mitochondrial function and biological resilience, it helps the body—and skin—better adapt to altitude, cold exposure and physical exertion. While developed primarily for longevity and biological ageing support, many users appreciate the added sense of vitality and sustained energy during active periods.

— 𝗗𝗿. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝘄𝗮𝗿𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿
Chief Scientist at NIANCE, Ph.D. in Biology, Global Top 50 Longevity Expert