It’s no secret that skiing is one of the most popular winter sports, attracting people from all over the world. The slopes are gorgeous, the ambiance at a village holiday park is what dreams are made of and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love riding a giant ski machine?
While all of this is completely true, it’s also important to note that skiing, like any other winter sport, can become tiring, even dangerous if you don’t take proper care of your equipment. This can be especially true if you’re skiing on unfamiliar terrain or in adverse conditions. When this happens, it’s usually because your equipment is dirty or malfunctioning. This is where ski kit cleaning products come in.
Many ski companies make very durable and highly affordable ski clothes and equipment, but this doesn’t mean the materials used to make them are perfect for skiers’ skin. The snow, the wind and the cold all play a part in causing some skiers’ skins to dry out and crack, especially around the area where the nose and forehead meet. This area is often referred to as the โsnorkelโ because it’s the part of the body that gets the most dry skin exposure when skiing.
After you’ve been skiing for a while, you’ll start to notice that your snorkel is getting a bit dry. If you ski in cold conditions or on rough terrain, it will be even more prominent. This is why it’s important to clean your skin before and after skiing, especially if you’re skiing on unfamiliar slopes or in adverse weather conditions.
Luckily for you, we’re going to tell you exactly how to clean your ski skins and how to identify the best skin tingling products for your needs. Keep reading to find out more.
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The Importance Of Proper Ski Skin Cleansing
Letting your skin air dry after skiing is great for maintaining flexibility and preventing skin injuries, but if you want to keep your skin looking healthy and dry, you need to do a bit of homework before and after your ski sessions. Like any other part of your body, your ski skin needs to be treated with the proper nutrients and hydration to stay healthy and tingling.
After your last ski session, you should dry your skin thoroughly, ideally with the aid of an indoor shower or an outdoor spritzing device such as a spray bottle filled with water. This is especially important if you’ve been skiing on wet or damp snow, as the moisture will encourage bacteria and fungus growth, which might lead to skin infections. If you do decide to take a shower after skiing, make sure you wash your hair and scalp before stepping out of the shower.
What Is The Best Way To Clean My Ski Skins?
There are a few items you can use to clean your ski skins before and after skiing, but none of them are actually designed for this purpose. Instead, use these items to maintain the condition of your ski kit.
Wipes
Wipes are great for cleaning your skin before and after skiing, but they aren’t designed to remove moisture from your skin. Instead, wipe down your goggles, the interior of your helmet and the area where your skis come together. Make sure you also clean any perspiration off your brow with a tissue or handkerchief.
Goggles/Helmet Cleaner
Doing a bit of research into the best goggle cleanser, it’s important to note that there isn’t any one solution that fits all situations. You need to find a product that is effective and affordable, yet also safe for your eyes. One of the most popular choices for this is Puresport Goggle Cleaner with Vinegar and Water. This specific product has proven itself through years of use by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, so if you’re looking for an affordable German-made product, you can’t go wrong.
Wax
After you’ve been skiing for a while, it’s important to clean your skin with some petroleum jelly, also known as โskin waxโ. This is an effective barrier between your cold, oily skin and the wind, snow and cold air, helping to keep you cool and comfortable as you ski. Petroleum jelly is also useful in preventing rust on metal equipment such as skis and snowboards. Like the wipe, the goggles/helmet cleaner and the spritz, petroleum jelly is an affordable and effective product, making it a favorite of ours. Just make sure you don’t let your face or clothing come into contact with it, as it may stain or damage both.
Conditioners
Like your hair, the scalp and the eyebrows, your skin needs to be kept moisturized so that it stays supple and tingling. To do this, you need to condition your skin with products designed to lock in the moisture. While there are a variety of conditioners out there, many are designed for other purposes and might not work well for your skin. For example, if you have excessively dry skin or if you ski in very cold temperatures, you might need a hydrating conditioner. If you have very oily skin and you ski in dry conditions, you might need a hydrating conditioner with an SPF 15 or higher.
How Often Should I Clean My Ski Skins?
As mentioned above, letting your skin air dry after skiing is great for flexibility and preventing injuries, but if you want to keep your skin looking healthy and tingling, it’s important to do a bit of research into how often you should be wiping down your ski skins. Just like the petroleum jelly discussed above, there’s no one answer that fits all situations. Instead, use these products as a guide and work on a schedule that works best for you.
If you have very oily skin and you ski in dry conditions, you might need to wipe down your skin more often than others. If you have dry skin and you’re a frequent skier, you might need to wipe down your skin less often, if at all. You might also need to wipe down your skin more often if you’ve been skiing in very cold or very hot temperatures. Of course, this is all dependent on how frequently you’re getting injured at the time. If you’re not sure, just ask your ski club or staff member for assistance.
Skiing During The Summertime?
While it’s not recommended to ski in the summertime, you may do so if you want to. The key is keeping cool while also being comfortable. Like any other winter activity, the biggest risks associated with skiing in the summer are the increased temperatures and the increased moisture. Moisture is great for growing fungus on your skin, which can lead to infections. The more you sweat, the more you need to drink, which in turn could cause you to become dehydrated.
If you’re going to be out in the sun while skiing, make sure you protect your skin by applying sunscreen and protecting your eyes with sunglasses. You may also choose to wear short-sleeved shirts and long pants to keep your body heat in and the cold winds out. Remember: the hotter the air becomes, the greater the likelihood of injuring yourself. If you aren’t prepared for the potentially dangerous temperatures and increased moisture, then it’s best to avoid skidding altogether.
What Other Skin Tingling Supplements Should I Try?
While there are a few items specifically designed for cleaning and tingling your skin, you might also try natural products that are good for your skin or other items that increase circulation, which in turn helps improve your skin’s condition.
Final Takeaway
As you’ve probably already guessed, keeping your ski skins clean is an essential part of enjoying your time on the snow. The best way to do this is with a little bit of research and preparation before any ski session. Make sure to do your research on the best way to wipe down your goggles, helmet and skis after skiing, as well as how often you should be doing so. Keep in mind: no matter what, never, ever swim in the ocean or lake after your last ski session.