The dog days of December are a time to head off somewhere snowy. Sadly, now that I have a slipped disc, serious downhill action is nothing more than a fond memory. Nevertheless, the Alps remain top of my holiday destinations, principally because at no point on a skiing holiday are you expected to wear a bikini; but also because some of the best fun I have ever had has taken place well above sea level.

In addition to the physical challenges, there is also the question of how you protect your skin from the elements. My problem area is the forehead, partly because I persist in wearing a hairband (last seen on anyone halfway trendy circa 1991). This means that my forehead gets terrible wind burn, and in sleet suffers a battering from ice particles, which act as a turbo-charged exfoliator.

Vitally important, therefore, is some serious skin protection. I have a friend who really can ski (you know, helmets, crampons, jumping out of helicopters and the like) and she swears by Clinique’s Super City Block SPF 40 (£12.50), which is tough yet lightweight, and can be worn under foundation. It comes in a handy-sized tube, ideal for stashing in a pocket. She also recommends taking care to deal with any unruly facial hair (eyebrows, moustache, chin), since mountain light is unforgiving.

Keep make-up to a bare minimum: mascara will add glamour, but be sure it’s waterproof, such as Lancôme’s Definicils (£18.50). Lipstick is too try-hard, but a good balm is essential: Sisley’s Confort Extrême Nutritive Lip Balm (£29.50, 020-7591 6380) is small but potent; for a touch of colour try Bobbi Brown’s Tinted Lip Balm (£12).

After a day on the slopes, a bath is sublime. Olverum Bath Oil (£13.50, www.olverum.com) is a wonderfully restorative combination of pine, lavender, rosemary and juniper that magically soothes aching muscles and smooths skin. If you are feeling extravagant, sneak into a glamorous foreign chemist on the way back to the chalet and treat yourself to Sisley’s Confort Extrême Day Cream (£83). Even the tiniest amount will soothe the most sensitive skins – and it absorbs quickly without being too greasy.

Spiezia’s 100 per cent organic Aftersun Oil (£19, www.spieziaorganics.com) has similarly restorative qualities. Spiezia also makes a very effective Foot Balm (£16), ideal for easing tired ski feet and packed with refreshing eucalyptus (just in case your boots are hired). Finally, its travel-size trio of healing ointments, Calendula, Arnica and Rosemary (£7.50 each), is worth having to hand in case of sprains or bruises.