theSKIN x Bea Kim

@ 2025-12-31 12:07:53 -0800

At just 18, Olympic-hopeful snowboarder Bea Kim (@hellobeakim) is already carving her name into the sport. From podium finishes to the world’s biggest stages, she’s officially secured her spot on the 2026 Hydro Flask U.S. Olympic Snowboard Halfpipe Team, making her one of the youngest athletes to do so. Between competitions, travel days, and her work with Protect Our Winters, Bea has learned the importance of taking care of herself—her skin, her mind, and the planet. We sat down with her to talk slopes, skincare, sustainability, and staying grounded while chasing big goals on and off the mountain

You grew up by the beach but spend your winters in the mountains. How has bouncing between those two worlds shaped your skin and routine?


Bouncing between the two different climates definitely puts my skin through a lot. After years of back and forth I’ve learned to keep it simple. Keep my skin hydrated, make sure to exfoliate to get rid of product/skin buildup, and sunscreen!

On a typical training day, what does your skin actually go through up there? Cold, wind, sun, altitude… what hits the hardest?

Everything! I keep my face covered up during training days to protect from sun and the cold, but the wind always manages to bite through! A super thick moisturizer helps to create a barrier from the wind in my experience.

Walk us through your après-ride routine. What’s the very first thing you do once you unstrap and head inside?

Post snowboarding the first thing I do is chug a bunch of water. Since I always train in high-altitude locations staying hydrated is key for performing well and recovery. It also helps my skin! I’ve dealt/still deal with acne and drinking water always helps reset and clear my skin.

What’s one product (or step) in your routine that you consider non-negotiable?

Sunscreen! Always. Even if I am staying inside all-day. It is even more important when I am training because the UV on the mountains is so intense!

What’s a small ritual or habit that keeps you grounded during long travel weeks?

My skincare routine is always something that keeps me grounded when I am traveling around. It doesn’t matter where I am, my skincare always stays the same and is a consistent ritual I can rely on. It’s so nice to have time for myself before a hectic day or to unwind after an exciting one!

When you’re not training or competing, what does a perfect off-day look like for you?

Ooh. Definitely drinking my morning matcha, reading a book, hanging out with friends at the beach or outside somewhere, and eating a yummy dinner! Days like these are so important for stepping away from competing and resetting before my next competition.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of snowboarding?

I’m a book nerd. Nothing I love more than going to the bookstore for hours and hours haha. 

What are you listening to, watching, or reading right now that’s inspiring you?

Listening to Cleo Sol. Recently discovered the TV show Girls. So funny. Reading The Queen of Swords and doing a lot of crosswords! I’ve been trying to read more translated books!

You do so much climate advocacy with Protect Our Winters. How does that show up in the way you shop?

I try to shop as sustainably as possible, but not everyone is perfect. Imperfect advocacy! The majority of my closet is thrifted or vintage. In addition to the sustainable benefits, you are able to find unique pieces when second-hand shopping!

What have you manifested that came true? And what is an intention you’re setting for 2026?

In 2025, I manifested getting into my dream college and that came true! For 2026, I am trying to live in the moment as much as possible. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the madness of everything happening in my life so just trying to take a step back and have fun!

When you’re picking out skincare, what really matters to you? The ingredients, the feel, how it performs, the sustainability side… all of the above?

All of this matters to me. I would say how it performs and ingredients are most important to me. My skin is super sensitive and reactive to new products, so finding what works for my skin is most important. It is a bonus if they are sustainable and can fit in my carry-on.

Describe your perfect moisturizer in three words.

Hydrating, simple, unscented!