We all know that the harsh elements of winter have a major effect on our skin and hair. It's not just the sun that we should protect ourselves against, but the wind and the cold too. Heaven forbid our skin should dry up and lose its glow and our hair become brittle and limp!

Here is FashioNZ's guide to protecting your skin on the slopes...

SUNBLOCK
Our skin is always at risk of burning and dermatologists say the biggest beauty crime is not using sunblock all year round. It is especially important to protect the skin against the heavy rays of the sun when on the slopes because of the glare that radiates off the snow.

As you are going to be spending extended periods of time outdoors in the elements, you need something heavy duty that will last the distance, hydrate your skin, AND proved SPF protection.

We recommend: Celazome SPF30 daily cream. It is so light that you don't even feel like you're wearing anything, is water resistant and lasts until you cleanse. And at RRP:$49 for a bottle that will last you a few months, it's perfect for the ski season.

CHAP
We're not talking about the young handsome kind here! Your lips are in need of intense hydration on the slopes as they are likely to chap and flake.

Stick to lip-balms, ideally with an SPF, and apply on a regular basis. A great brand to try is the Dr Hauschka Lip Care range which includes a lip balm and a lipstick (so you can look fabulous no matter what the conditions). With plant extracts, these products have been proven to work in the most extreme conditions. RRP:$19 for lipstick. RRP:$23 for lip balm.

SHIELD
Most beauty therapists and cosmetic houses have now caught on to the fact that a daily regime is probably not enough to protect against harsh weather conditions.

Luckily many of them have come up with protective shields and creams to help the skin fight against these damaging elements. These products can be worn in conjunction with moisturisers, sunscreens and make up.

Our very favourite is the Murad Environmental Shield Regime. This shield spray helps to restore, renew and protect your skin. It also helps to hydrate the skin and keep it from going dry. RRP from $57 - $162

BUTTER UP
Just like the skin on your face, the skin on your body also needs protection and nourishment in harsh conditions and your daily moisturiser may not be enough to fight the dryness caused by winter.

This is where a good body butter or lotion comes in. It is absolutely essential to take a good body lotion away with you when hitting the slopes and to make sure to give extra attention to your knees, elbows and hands.

We recommend Giovanni Lavender Vanilla Snow Body Butter - a whipped formula that is rich in nutrients and includes essential fatty acids to infuse the skin with intense moisture. Lightly scented with lavender, it will also help you to drift off to sleep after a long day on the slopes! RRP $19.50

HAIR PERFECT
Now that you have your skin well oiled, screened and protected, it is time to work on your dry, brittle hair.

Hair needs hydration to look its best and the winter months do nothing but drain it of that. The best way to achieve perfect hair on the slopes is by simply giving it a little more attention and using treatments and leave in conditioners.

The new Wella System Professional Repair Cream 30 Second is an express treatment that strengthens and smoothes damaged hair in exactly half a minute. Perfect for taking on holiday with you to replenish your hair before the apres ski cocktail hour begins. RRP $27.70

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