We all agree climber’s hands are not the prettiest out there. But we couldn’t care less. The only time climbers pay attention to how their skin looks is when it interferes with their climbing. That’s why we’ve put together this long-overdue guide to the best skin care balms to keep you climbing strong and, more importantly, longer.
Why is skin care important for climbers?
Ironic enough, although crucial for climbing, skincare is something that very often goes overlooked.
But did you know healthy skin helps you recover faster in between climbing sessions, and it can mean climbing less tense because you are not aching at every hold you touch?
Squeezing sharp granite holds, pulling on gym plastic grips, jamming into cracks, and using chalk can really damage your skin.
As a result, climbers often experience dryness, cracks, splits, and flappers on their hands.
And when cold is added into the equation things can get even spicier!
Benefits of having a well-maintained climber skin
- It prevents pain and discomfort while climbing
Badly wanting to climb but being afraid to touch the rock because of the skin aches? We’ve been there! And this is how we found out climbing doesn’t need to hurt! - It improves grip on holds
When it comes to climbing, having the right skin texture is crucial. Skin that is too dry can crack easily, while overly soft skin may slip or tear on holds. Taking care of your skin ensures it stays in optimal condition for climbing. - Speeds up recovery
Quick recovery is especially critical when we are on a climbing trip and we want to enjoy as much climbing as possible. Because climbing frequently puts your skin under extreme stress, regularly using skin balms and moisturising products can help repair damaged skin faster, and minimise wear and tear.
The best skin care balms to keep you climbing
Do you want to stay at the top of their game? Whether it’s small cracks or painful splits you want to heal or you simply strive to keep your hands in prime condition, using the right skin care balm can make a significant difference.
Crux Mojo Skin Repair Stick
Made by skin experts from CRUX in Spain, the Mojo Skin repair stick was created for climbers who expose their hands to the most extreme conditions.
It is 100% natural (no sulfates, parabens, petroleum derivatives, or other chemical compounds) it quickly regenerates, soothes and hydrates damaged skin so that it does not limit your performance.
Why we love it: it has a cooling relief and prevents the cracking and splitting that comes from over-dry skin. Compared to many other skincare brands, it includes benzoin tincture, Asiatic Spark, calendula, and shea butter, all of which are known for their ability to accelerate skin regeneration. Moreover, the unique combo of rice wax and beeswax makes it a fast-absorbing layer so you don’t have to worry about oily hands.
Cons: We did not find any.
Where to buy: available in our Boulderflash shop.
ClimbSkin
The climbSkin is a hand cream that’s 100% vegan and was made to prevent skin dryness. It has a non-greasy texture therefore it’s absorbed fast and effectively into the skin, even an hour before climbing.
Why we love it: It is fast absorbing, has a very pleasant texture and it hydrates your skin very well.
Cons: However, apart from the main natural ingredients which indeed do wonders on the skin (aloe, shea butter, Rosa moschata seed oil, Centella Asiatica, and Sea Buckthorn), I am not a big fan of the rest of the ingredients on the list.
ClimbOn
The ClimbOn has a solid formula specially developed to hydrate and repair already damaged skin from either climbing or cold. Apart from being super effective, it is so natural you could literally eat it which puts it at the top of the list.
Moreover, ingredients like beeswax, apricot kernel oil, and essential oil really do soothe burns, cuts, scrapes, rashes, cracked cuticles and heels, tissue nose, road rash, diaper rash, abrasions, poison ivy…any skin issue that needs deep moisturising.
Why we love it: Thanks to the bar format it’s long-lasting and super convenient to carry in your climbing bag without worrying about spills or temperature shifting.
Cons: Slightly greasy texture that may not suit everyone as it takes a long time to be absorbed into the skin. That’s why I prefer using it when I go to bed and massage my hands really well.
Are you feeling confused between the two? Here’s a review of both which will help you choose one or both, depending on what you need.
Rhino Skin Repair
Designed with climbers in mind, Rhino Skin Repair balances hydration and has strengthening properties, thanks to ingredients like urea and essential oils.
It prevents over-softening and hydration while promoting healing and this makes it a perfect choice for climbers who want to maintain strong calluses.
Moreover, it seems that the Repair reduces inflammation.
Why we love it: it turned out to be particularly efficient on climbing trips where you want to climb more days in a row or in summer when temperatures can vary and some days can feel warm for climbing.
Where to buy: Rhino Skin products are available in our Boulderflash shop.
Crimp Oil Skin Care
Crimp Oil Skin Care is a dry oil made for quickly regenerating climbers’ skin harnessing 5 essential oils well-known for skin care benefits: Lavender, Cistus, Damas Rose, St John’s wort, and Myrrh.
Why we love it: It leaves absolutely zero grease on your skin, it can be used just before climbing and the roll-on system makes it super easy to apply. Plus, it smells nice!
Where to buy: Crimp Oil products are available in our Boulderflash shop.
The ingredients to look for in a climber’s skincare balm
- Shea butter: Packed with vitamins A and E, shea butter deeply moisturises your hand’s skin while also helping to prevent signs of aging. Its nourishing properties make it a go-to ingredient for repairing dry, cracked skin after long climbing sessions.
- Cocoa butter: Renowned for its high-fat content, cocoa butter creates a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and shielding it from harsh environmental elements.
- Beeswax: Beeswax is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-allergenic properties. When applied to the skin, it attracts moisture from the air, helping to hydrate the skin and lock in that moisture. This makes it effective for treating dry skin and preventing further dryness.
- Essential oils: Essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil are renowned for their wound-healing properties. They help speed up the repair process, reducing downtime between climbing sessions. Essential oils like chamomile, lavender, and arnica reduce inflammation, easing discomfort and swelling caused by friction or overuse.
Do you want to know four reasons why your skin is so bad?
Over the years, I’ve had my share of challenges. And regardless of what the challenge was, do you know what I learned?
I could have done a better job taking care of myself! And that’s why I become a firm believer in fast and effective prevention, rather than treatment.
Here are some reasons why your skin might be suffering and you might not even be aware of:
Environmental factors
Climbing outdoors exposes your skin to harsh elements like wind, sun, and cold temperatures. All of this can lead to dryness, sunburn, or frostbite. On the other hand, indoor climbing doesn’t make you immune either as gym holds can be quite abrasive.
Easy two-step solution for after-climbing sessions:
- File your skin and then wash it thoroughly.
- After it dries out fully, use a deeply moisturizing balm like the ones suggested upper. Preferably do it before going to sleep so you make sure you’re not going to use your hands anymore.
Washing your hands excessively or using hand sanitizer too often
Don’t get me wrong, washing your hands after using the restroom and rinsing off dishes in the morning is probably fine (as long as it’s not a full sink).
However, I recall a friend who worked in a bar and often complained about the condition of his skin from washing so many dishes every day. I didn’t think much of it until I took a job for a month helping out in a kitchen, and suddenly, I found myself facing the same problem.
Solution: If you really have to do many dishes before a climbing session or the night before use gloves and if you still feel like your skin is too soft, try something like Rhino Skin Repair.
As for the hand sanitizer, during COVID-19 times I used it every day – a few times per day. And it’s the main reason my skin got super dry and I had severely cracked skin for a few months. So pay attention to how often you are putting that onto your skin: Simply washing it with soap should be fine.
Over-climbing
A routine of climbing consistently does make your skin stronger. But there is a point when too much becomes too much. For example, when you finish your sessions with bleeding fingers.
Solution: This one is simple: if you have bleeding fingers, give your skin time to recover between intense sessions. Or tape them for god’s sake!
Also, did you know that your skin gets warmer with each attempt we make on a boulder? That’s why, even if your muscles feel fine, you might want to give your skin a longer break or find wait to cool it back down.
Watch this video to better understand the importance of sanding your skin after bouldering and how that helps you have a better grip.
Final tips on how to use balms to have great climbing skin
Maintaining great climbing skin involves using balms strategically to balance hydration, recovery, and toughness.
But not only.
Read on to get the most out of your balms:
Hydrate internally
Using balms definitely helps your skin to stay well hydrated and recover fast. However, no skin care product will ever replace the qualities of water.
So make sure you drink plenty of it before, during, and after your climbing sessions.
Post-session skincare routine for recovery
Always file your skin after the climbing session but before taking a shower or washing your hands.
Right after, if necessary, use a nail clipper to cut the nasty splits. Additionally, use a good skin care balm like the ones we recommend.
We promise you’ll experience better skin and fewer aches while climbing even if it’s the very next day!
Nighttime and balm routine
Having good skin care it’s also a matter of how often climbers should apply these balms for optimal results. Therefore, if you are climbing for two days in a row make sure you apply your favorite balm before bed because your skin has a chance to recover uninterrupted.
For even deeper hydration put on gloves after applying the balm to lock in moisture.
In cold weather such as Winter, it’s advisable to use it even on rest days but that also depends on how often you are climbing.
Whereas in Summer, you should be focusing on recovery from sweaty and abrasive sessions – therefore use it only when necessary.
Manage calluses
The goal is to maintain a protective layer without letting it get too bulky. So exfoliate by sanding or filing of calluses to prevent them from becoming too thick and prone to tearing.
I prefer doing it before taking a shower and then applying balm to keep the area smooth.
Do you remember our Climber hands and skin: How to look after them guide?
If you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend it as it’s packed with tips on how to have good climbing skin.
We want to hear from you! What’s your secret to keeping your climbing skin in top shape?
Do you have a favorite balm that’s not on our list? A post-session recovery routine that works wonders? Or maybe a DIY remedy that’s been passed around your climbing crew?
Share your tips, tricks, and favorite products with us in the comments below or tag us on social media using #Boulderflash and we’ll feature the best suggestions in an upcoming article.
Let’s build the ultimate climbers’ guide to skincare together!
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