Discover Nadia Fairfax-Wayne's ultimate winter skincare and recovery guide, from alpine slopes to soothing baths — featuring her favourite IKKARI products.
Winter, for me, is a season of two rhythms — movement and pause. There’s something deeply grounding about the crisp mountain air, and skiing has always been my antidote to the chill. It’s the ultimate winter sport, you’re completely immersed in nature, working every muscle, all while swaddled in your most stylish snow gear.
That said, the slopes are no spa. The altitude, the dry air, the intensity of UV reflecting off the snow don’t go unnoticed by your skin or your muscles. Even when the clouds roll in, I never skip SPF. I’ve learnt the hard way that a snow sunburn hits harder than a summer one. My go to alpine shield is IKKARI’s Hydrating Mineral SPF 30 a two in one protection and hydration.
Nadia Fairfax-Wayne's Winter Renewal Ritual
My first run on the slopes is always pure exhilaration, but by nightfall, it’s another story. That satisfying soreness creeps in — yes you know, that surprise ache of muscles that you didn’t know you had — and that’s when ritual matters most.
My après-ski unwind begins first in the bath. A generous pour of IKKARI’s Recovery Bath Soak with magnesium and Himalayan salt turns the tub into therapy, easing tension, replenishing, and reviving. There's something sacred about being still after a day of motion. I stay in until the water cools.
Then it’s time for the Body Oil — a rich, aromatic veil of nourishment. The essential oils linger softly on my skin and in the room. I massage it in with intention, where hydration meets reset.
For anything on my face there’s no compromise. This is a golden moisturiser, Overnight Renewal Cream, infused with bakuchiol — my gentle go-to over retinol. It gives that fresh-skin feel and healthy glow without the harsh dryness and redness of Vitamin A. I use it morning and night, on and off the mountain.
Finally when I’m ready for a little après-ski drink it’s to watch a patriotic game with friends and family. You really can’t beat getting cozy around warmth and sharing in some laughs.
Ps. I’ll let you in on my true nightly secret hero: Deep Sleep Tonic. I swear by it. Five pumps in a glass of water and I’m down, out, and restored for the next day’s ski runs and fun.
Final tip: reminder to repeat the ritual on day two. Your future self will thank you.