It’s that time of year again – January means a rush to the slopes for lots of people, but knowing what to pack can be pretty tricky. We’ve rounded up five essential products that will protect you from the elements while you’re skiing, along with a few tips for surviving the slopes with your hair and skin intact…

1. Protect your complexion
You need the highest protection possible when skiing – the sun is stronger than it appears and is further intensified as it reflects off the snow. Opt for an SPF of 50+ to make sure you’re well protected, and pay extra attention to the nose, forehead and cheeks as these are prone to burning.

Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ Melt-In Tinted Cream [1], this water resistant high SPF sunscreen not only offers optimal protection, but is also tinted to simulate a healthy glow.

Care for hair
If you’re not fan of a hat when skiing, you’ll need to protect your hair from the elements. Sun can be extremely damaging to hair, stripping it of its natural oils and causing colour fade. Choose a formulation that will put the moisture back in and protect your hair from further damage. You’ll also need to weatherproof your style what with all of the snow and the wind, so choose a product that will keep you looking polished.

Try: Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Sun Protect After Sun Treatment [2], an innovative foam spray that repairs, detanges and smoothes the hair after sun exposure, and  Philip Kingsley Weatherproof Styling Froth [3], a protective styling treatment with sunscreens that protects against heat and the weather.

Soothe burns
Sometimes no matter how careful you are, there’s a little patch of unprotected skin that manages to get burned – and there’s nothing worse than sunburn when you’re trying to enjoy yourself! Pack a product that will help to calm and relieve sun-stressed skin, and will help it to recover a little bit faster.

Try: Clarins SOS Sunburn Soother [4], a 100% plant formula with soothing shea butter and mango butter that restores comfort and suppleness with a gentle touch.

Therapy for lips
Lips really pay the price during skiing. When the cold air is combined with the strong sun, lips can feel really dry and irritable. Don’t lick them, though – they’ll dry out again and so begins a cycle that will lead to chapped, cracked and sore lips. Instead, reach for a moisturising lip balm that will protect as well as soothe lips.

Try: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF25 [5], this intensive formulation immediately relieves lips and protects them from windburn, sunburn, UV-induced free radicals and chapping.