The Art of Skin Care for Climbing Trips: A Tactical Approach

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The Art of Skin Care for Climbing Trips: A Tactical Approach

By Mikkel Normann Meinertsen

Maintaining durable, tough skin on a climbing trip is no small feat. After countless trips and plenty of trial and error, I've developed a skin-care routine that yields the best results for me. While skin care can vary depending on rock type, climate, and personal physiology, these steps have helped me manage my skin, especially when climbing on granite, where thick and dry skin is key.

Pre-Trip Preparation: Building Your Skin's Foundation

Your skin care begins well before you step foot on the rock. A week before the trip, I assess my hands. Are there thin tips, small cuts, or areas needing extra attention? To save as much skin as possible, I tape up any thin spots while climbing and start smoothing my calluses with a file after every session. This minimizes uneven layers, reducing the risk of flappers.

After filing, I immediately apply Repair cream to nourish and strengthen my skin. Two to three days before the trip, I begin using Tip Juice at night for two consecutive evenings. Since Tip Juice is intense, I follow it with Repair once it has soaked in. This combination creates skin that’s tough, dry, and durable—perfect for granite. If my skin feels overly glassy, I lightly file it and apply Performance or Repair for balance.

On the Trip: Maintaining Skin Longevity

Skin care doesn’t stop once the trip begins. I primarily climb in cooler temperatures (between -3°C and 15°C), but I always bring a wind fan to cool my skin between attempts. This not only prevents sweating but also keeps my finger joints feeling agile.

After each climbing session, I smooth out my tips with a file to even the layers, then apply plenty of Repair cream at night. If my skin starts sweating during a trip, I use Performance or Dry Spray. While Tip Juice can be helpful, I find it too harsh for more than two applications over a two-week span. On longer trips lasting a month or more, I’ll reintroduce Tip Juice if conditions are particularly hot or humid.

Damage Control: When Things Go South

Despite the best planning, skin damage can happen. If I tear through a tip or cut my skin, I typically call it a day. I carefully trim around the damaged area with a razor blade to smooth the edges and apply Repair cream before taping it up. Keeping the wound moisturized and taped helps it heal stronger, even if it takes a little longer.

Tactical Climbing: Maximize Your Skin, Maximize Your Session

Skin is a resource—treat it wisely. When projecting challenging climbs, I limit sessions to no more than two hours per boulder to avoid repetitive wear on the same spots. Alternating hold types and rock textures also helps extend skin durability. For example, swapping sharp 8mm crimps for slopers or pockets can reduce strain and keep your skin intact.

Rest days are just as critical. If time allows, a “day on, day off” schedule is ideal. If not, two climbing days followed by one rest day works well, provided you’re mindful of your skin and the demands of your climbs.

Key Takeaways for Durable Skin

To summarize:

• Leading up to the trip: Climb with taped tips, file after sessions, and apply Repair.
• Two to three days before the trip: Use Tip Juice for two nights, followed by Repair.
• If skin feels too dry or glassy: Lightly file and apply Performance or Repair.
• During the trip: Climb in cool conditions, use a wind fan, and file and moisturize regularly.
• Plan your climbs tactically: Alternate hold types, keep sessions short, and rest appropriately.
• Handle damage promptly: Trim, tape, and moisturize to aid recovery.

Skin care is a game of strategy—one influenced by the rock type, weather, and your personal needs. By being proactive and intentional, you can optimize your skin and enjoy more climbing days with less frustration. Take these tips, adapt them to your routine, and see what works best for you. Happy climbing!