Perfect skin conditions are the holy grail of climbing. Professional climbers go so far as to wear medical gloves when applying skincare or haircare products, wearing gloves while doing dishes, and keeping their hands out of the water in pools or hot tubs. The quality and quantity of the skin on your hands can make or break a climbing session, so it’s no wonder the pros go to extreme lengths to keep their skin in top-notch condition.
If you’re a climber who’s been fortunate to avoid significant skin issues or hasn’t paid heed to the quality of your skin, count yourself lucky. But since you’ve landed on this article, odds are you’re facing ripped calluses, flappers, or worn-down fingertips. Or, you’ve realized the importance of proactive skin maintenance through second-hand accounts (hello to the friend who had bleeding or split fingertips). Either way, educating yourself on the basics of skin maintenance as a rock climber will help your overall performance.
Ideal skin is dry, but not so dry that your skin is cracking and painful. It’s also tough but uniform (i.e., no built-up calluses). Dry skin maximizes friction, while uniform and rigid skin prevents flappers. Some climbers may naturally have and be able to maintain this type of skin, while others face sweaty/wet hands or extra dry skin. Knowing how to care for your skin type is essential to prolong your climbing and avoid session-ending skin injuries. Keep reading to learn all the skincare routines, tips, and tricks.
Skincare 101 for Rock Climbing
Must-Have Tools
Regardless of skin type, these tools are essential for climbing, ensuring you’re always prepared and equipped.
● Sandpaper File
Any sandpaper file will work. FrictionLabs makes a great, double-sided, pocket-sized finger file if you need a suggestion.
● Skin Cream
A moisturizing skin cream designed for climbers will be your best friend post-climb. Rhino Skin, Joshua Tree, and Climb Skin all offer popular options.
● Nail Clippers
Use to trim away dead skin, hangnails, and long fingernails that could catch or snag. Hangnails or ripped nailbeds can be equally painful to damaged skin and limit your climbing.
● Leuko Tape
Ditch the white athletic tape and invest in a roll of Leuko Tape. This is the best option if you need to tape over worn-down fingertips or splits. It’s sticky and durable, so it won’t slide off or be split by sharp rocks.
Must-Dos:
These are three must-dos regardless of your skin type to maintain healthy skin that heals quickly between climbing sessions
1. Wash Your Hands.
After climbing, thoroughly wash your hands to remove any excess chalk. Gritty soap works best, but at the minimum, wash with soap and water.
2. Trim away dead skin.
Using nail clippers, carefully trim away dead skin that’s starting to rip away. Don’t trim too much. You’ll use a file to smooth out the edges.
3. Sand down calluses and frayed skin.
Sand the area where you cut any dead skin away. You can also carefully file down frayed fingertips (where your skin looks flaky) and uneven calluses. Filing away dead skin promotes the growth of new skin and prevents further fraying or tearing.
4. Condition your skin.
On non-climbing days, make sure to moisturize your skin. A little goes a long way, especially if you have sweaty/wet skin. Moisturizing helps your skin maintain elasticity, which is critical to preventing splits.
Managing Sweaty/Wet Skin
In addition to the must-have tools and must-dos, climbers with sweaty skin will benefit from using a drying agent. Rhino Skin makes a performance antiperspirant that you apply a few hours before your session. You can also use the performance antiperspirant on your feet.
Another option seasoned climbers will use is liquid, alcohol-based chalk before powdered chalk. The alcohol is a drying agent, and the liquid chalk layer stays longer than the powdered chalk.
Investing in a personal fan may be worthwhile if you want to compete at a high level or send a project. Hang around or watch enough high-level competitions, and you’ll see a handful of climbers bring fans into the isolation/warm-up area to dry their hands before competing.
Some climbers use antihydral, a very intense drying agent.If you’re considering this option, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and possibly seek professional advice, as incorrect use can result in skin damage and extended recovery times.
Managing Dry Skin
Climbers with dry skin will find a regular moisturizing routine their best option. Make sure to moisturize at night before bed or hours ahead of a climbing session.
Pre-taping is also helpful. When you notice the skin on your fingertips becoming flaky, consider taping over the area before beginning your session. Dry skin is a recipe for splits that can take a long time to heal. Use a sandpaper file after sessions where you notice your skin flaking and becoming uneven.
Every climber has a unique skin-care routine. Finding what works best for you and sticking to it will let you maintain healthy, pain-free skin, allowing you to climb harder and longer.