5 Tips for Good Skin for Active Lifestyles

by Sim Warren.

For those who love the outdoors, maintaining skin health is just as crucial as honing techniques or building strength. Whether you’re a climber, runner, or hiker, understanding how to care for your skin can make all the difference in your comfort and performance. These fine margins can make a big difference to overall experience and performance.

When it comes to skincare, it can feel like venturing down a rabbit hole. Whether you’re running, hiking, cycling, or climbing, your experience can be hindered by what may seem like uncontrollable factors, or you might just blame your genetics. If your skin is too dry, you can experience discomfort or loss of grip; if it’s too sweaty, similar problems can arise. Mastering the art of skin care means optimising your chances of performing well—and maintaining good skin health is essential not only for climbing but for any sport or active lifestyle.

Beyond performance, proper skin care contributes to overall well-being, promoting comfort, confidence, and long-term health. Healthy, resilient skin helps protect against environmental stressors, supports faster recovery, and ensures you can continue enjoying your favourite activities without unnecessary setbacks.

Building skin health into your daily ritual is key, and it can be simpler than you might think. By incorporating small, consistent practices, such as moisturising after activity and applying sunscreen daily, you can protect and strengthen your skin with minimal effort. It’s not just about managing immediate friction or sweat, but about protecting your skin over the long term. Here are five tips to keep your skin in great condition and help you feel more in control of your performance.

1. Know your skin type

Understanding your skin type can help you be more intentional in selecting activities and conditions that suit you best. Do you run long distances in the sun, cycle through various terrains, or hike on abrasive trails? I have really dry skin, which comes with its own set of challenges. It cracks and splits easily in cold temperatures or on rough surfaces. That’s why I choose routes or gear that are kind to my skin, allowing me to stay active for longer periods without my skin breaking down. Whether it’s choosing breathable fabrics for cycling or applying barrier creams before hiking, knowing your skin type can make all the difference.

2. Find your temperature

Temperature plays a huge role in skin health. In cooler temperatures, dry skin can become problematic, losing moisture and hardening, which can lead to discomfort and poor performance. That’s why, in addition to protective measures like wearing gloves or using specialised gear, I carry a spray bottle of water to refresh my skin and keep it feeling pliable. For me, somewhere between 10–20 degrees Celsius helps my body produce a bit more natural moisture, which aids in grip and comfort. Anything below that, and my skin risks cracking. Anything above that, and sweat can interfere with performance, making activities more challenging.

3. Deal with excess skin

After a full day on rock, our skin is going to respond to these stresses by trying to grow new skin or cluster and bunch up causing calluses.   So at the end of a long day,  file down any excess skin and get rid of any calluses to avoid dry firing off holds or getting flappers.   Simply work your way around your hands using a file or some medium grit sandpaper but be sure not to file too deep.

This practice helps maintain smooth, durable skin that won’t get in the way of your next activity.

4. Moisturise — Give Your Skin a Drink

Physical activities are tough on your skin, and the products we use—whether it’s chalk for climbing or antibacterial hand sanitisers—only make it drier. After your workout or before bed, lather your hands and feet with a quality moisturiser like Solarsport and massage it into any areas that feel dry or worn.

This promotes skin recovery and hydration, helping it stay supple and strong. Repeat this step before bed, and you’ll wake up with skin that feels significantly better. Over time, making this a daily ritual can greatly enhance your skin’s resilience.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also supports your skin, muscles, tendons, and overall body recovery. For outdoor enthusiasts, proper hydration is particularly important, as it helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and resilience during long climbs, hikes, or any high-intensity activity. This ensures you can perform at your best while minimising discomfort and the risk of skin issues.

5. Consistency is Key — Your Skin Will Adapt

Consistency is crucial. Keep up your skin routine, and over a few weeks, your skin will begin to adapt and strengthen. If you’ve ever returned from an intense trip or training session with pink, tender skin, you know how it feels to struggle with reduced grip and comfort. This happens when your skin is worn down. By developing a consistent skincare routine and being mindful of how you manage your skin, you’ll spend less time dealing with irritation and more time focusing on your sport or activity.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining skin health is vital for optimal performance and enjoyment, no matter what sport or activity you pursue. Incorporating daily skincare rituals and protecting against long-term damage—including the risks posed by UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and lead to premature aging and skin cancer—is essential. Remember, using SPF daily isn’t just about avoiding sunburn; it’s about protecting your skin against cumulative damage and ensuring that your body’s first line of defence remains strong.

Find out more about Sim here or ETCHD Climbing here.