A dedicated climber understands that skin care is just as important as muscle training. Our hands are our primary connection to the rock, and issues such as sweaty palms, flappers, and other skin problems can hinder progress on challenging climbs. With many climbing skin care products on the market, finding the right ones can be overwhelming. Here are seven top-notch balms, creams, lotions, and tools to keep your skin in peak condition and help you reach new heights.

Climbskin Hand Cream for Climbing Skin Care

Climbskin Hand Cream is a versatile solution that addresses climbers’ multiple skin care needs. This cream is designed to heal torn and cracked skin while preventing excess moisture. Unlike many balms that leave a waxy residue, Climbskin Hand Cream serves as both a pre-climb moisturizer and a sweat-preventative. Before your climb, it prepares your skin by keeping it hydrated yet dry enough to maintain grip. Post-climb, it soothes dry skin and splits, promoting faster recovery and healthier skin. This dual-purpose cream is an essential addition to any climber’s kit, ensuring your hands are always ready for the next challenge.

Rhino Spit for Climbing Skin Care

Rhino Spit is specifically formulated to restore friction and pliability to hard, glassy skin. This hand spray is favored by many climbers for its effectiveness in maintaining grip and flexibility during climbs. Rhino Skin Solutions offers Rhino Spit in various sizes (1oz, 2oz, 3.4oz, and 8oz), making it convenient to carry and use according to your needs. By applying Rhino Spit, you can rejuvenate your skin, ensuring it remains supple and ready for the rigors of climbing. This product is a must-have for any climber looking to enhance their performance through improved skin condition.

Lattice Training Hand File for Climbing Skin Care

To prevent snagging and tearing, it’s wise to smooth out skin imperfections like ridges and calluses. The Lattice Training Hand File is more ergonomic and effective than standard sandpaper, allowing for better grip and application of force. This handy tool includes three extra pieces of sandpaper, promoting faster healing and skin growth by removing layers of dead skin. Regular use of the Lattice Training Hand File helps maintain your skin’s health and integrity, reducing the risk of injuries that can sideline your climbing endeavors. It’s a practical investment for any serious climber looking to keep their hands in top shape.

Rhino Split for Climbing Skin Care

While Rhino Spit focuses on enhancing performance, Rhino Split is designed for healing. This roll-on cream is available in two sizes (0.15oz and 2.5oz) and features a blend of beeswax, vitamin E, arnica, dragon’s blood, and tea tree oil. These ingredients offer a mix of occlusive (sealing) and antibacterial properties, making Rhino Split perfect for post-climb skin recovery. Applying this cream helps seal and protect damaged skin, preventing infections and promoting faster healing. Rhino Split is an essential part of any climber’s post-climb routine, ensuring your hands recover quickly and are ready for your next adventure.

Antihydral for Climbing Skin Care

Antihydral is an obscure German drying agent that has gained a cult following among professional climbers. Known as “Skin Doping for Climbers” by Squamish Climbing Magazine, this product not only dries out skin but also forms a faux-callus on the surface, akin to a thick layer of climbing chalk. It’s particularly beneficial for those struggling with excessive sweating, offering a significant performance boost. By reducing moisture and creating a durable protective layer, Antihydral helps climbers maintain grip and prevent skin damage. This product is a game-changer for climbers dealing with sweaty palms and is a valuable addition to any climber’s toolkit.

Joshua Tree Healing Salve for Climbing Skin Care

Joshua Tree Healing Salve has been a staple for many climbers, particularly in Southern California. Renowned for its healing properties, this balm is best applied post-climb or well in advance of a session due to its greasy residue. The salve is formulated with natural ingredients that promote skin recovery, making it a trusted remedy for skin injuries. By applying Joshua Tree Healing Salve, climbers can speed up the healing process, ensuring their skin remains healthy and resilient. This balm is a must-have for any climber looking to maintain their skin’s health and recover quickly from the wear and tear of climbing.

Metolius Climbing Tape for Climbing Skin Care

No climbing skin care list is complete without mentioning the essential climbing tape. Metolius Climbing Tape stands out for its broad width, easy tearability into thinner strips, and durable construction. Featuring a zinc oxide adhesive, it effectively combats moisture and prevents the tape from slipping off, ensuring long-lasting protection. Climbing tape is indispensable for protecting injured skin, supporting weak joints, and preventing further damage during climbs. Metolius Climbing Tape is a reliable and versatile option that every climber should have in their bag, offering the support and protection needed to tackle any route.

Conclusion

Taking care of your skin is crucial for climbing success. Incorporating these seven balms, salves, and tools into your routine can significantly improve your grip, reduce the risk of skin injuries, and enhance overall performance. Whether you need a moisturizer, a healing salve, or a tool to manage calluses, these products offer reliable solutions for every climber’s needs. By prioritizing skin care, you can ensure that your hands remain your strongest ally on the rock, allowing you to climb higher and achieve your goals.