The Ultimate Pre-Ski Skin & Body Prep Checklist

The Beauty of Colorado Winters — and the Toll on Your Skin

If you live in Colorado, you already know: ski season is magical — and it’s also tough on your skin. The combination of altitude, wind, sun, and cold mountain air can leave even healthy skin tight, flaky, and irritated after a few days on the slopes.

At Jalan Facial Spa, we see this every winter. Our clients come in glowing from the mountain — but their skin tells another story. So, our estheticians put together a Pre-Ski Skin & Body Prep Checklist designed to help you look and feel your best from the first chairlift to après-ski.

Step 1: Rebuild Your Moisture Barrier Before the Season Starts

Cold air and low humidity strip away your skin’s natural oils. Strengthen your moisture barrier early with a hydrating facial — we recommend Jalan’s Signature Facial or Hydrafacial, both customized to restore hydration and prepare your skin for exposure.

Our estheticians can add a Collagen Mask or Vitamin C enhancement to your facial treatment to boost resilience before you head to the mountains. It’s like giving your skin a winter coat — soft, strong, and protective.

Step 2: Exfoliate Smartly (Without Overdoing It)

Exfoliation helps remove buildup that can trap dryness and dullness, but too much can make your skin more sensitive to cold and UV rays. A gentle chemical peel series (available September–May) smooths the surface without irritation.

If you’re going on a big ski trip, schedule your peel 1–2 weeks before you leave. This gives your skin time to recover and fully glow.

Step 3: Hydrate from the Inside Out

You already know altitude dehydrates the body, but it also saps the skin. Before your trip:

Drink extra water for a few days leading up to your departure.
Add electrolyte packets to balance minerals lost in the dry air.
Use a humidifier at night to keep your skin’s moisture barrier strong.

Our team also recommends layering hydrating products: a serum first (like Naturopathica’s Aloe or Rose Geranium Hydrating Mist), then a rich cream or oil.

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Body

Skiing is a full-body sport — and your skin below the neck needs care too. Start with a Salt of the Earth Body Scrub to exfoliate and soften dry winter skin. Follow with a Thermal Muscle Melt Massage to warm sore muscles and improve circulation.

These services not only feel incredible — they also keep your skin smooth, hydrated, and ready for the mountain air.

Step 5: Protect on the Mountain

SPF every day — even when it’s cloudy. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays.
Reapply a zinc-based sunscreen every few hours.
Use a rich balm on cheeks and lips (Circadia’s Lip Renewing Hydrator is a favorite).
Avoid alcohol wipes or harsh cleansers post-ski — they’ll make windburn worse.

Small habits like this can make the difference between a rosy après glow and a week of flaking, stinging skin.

Step 6: Recover Post-Ski

After a ski weekend, schedule a Vital Oxygen Facial or Sacred Grounding Ritual package. These treatments help calm redness, rehydrate, and rebalance skin that’s been through cold, sun, and altitude.

If your muscles are sore, our estheticians can combine an Herbal Restore Massage with aromatherapy to ease tension and promote deep rest and harmony.

Step 7: Treat Yourself (and Someone Else)

Ski season is also gift-giving season. A Jalan Spa Gift Card is the perfect post-slope present for your ski buddy, partner, or family member. It’s an experience they’ll remember — and their skin will thank you for.

Ready to Glow All Season Long?

Colorado winters can be rough, but your skin doesn’t have to show it. With the right prep and care, you can keep your glow from the lodge to the lift.

Let our team help you protect, hydrate, and restore your skin for everything this ski season brings.

Book your pre-ski facial or massage today!

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