Personal skin care set (part 1/2)

This two-part series covers everything you need in a personal skin care set for climbing. Part 1 focuses on tools for filing/cutting, hand cream & balsam, and finger tape.

Personal skin care set

You wouldn’t hit the gym or the crag without your shoes and chalk, so why climb without proper skin care tools? The right tools help you prevent injuries, recover faster, and stay on the wall longer.

Filing and cutting tools

Goal: Maintain smooth calluses and edges to prevent flappers and cracks. Cut away excess skin to avoid further damage.

KletterRetter skin file:

• Finely graded sandpaper for a smooth skin finish
• Best for large or dry callus areas
• Use once to twice per week, never on raw or sensitive skin

Pro tip: File before or after sessions, not both. Wash your hands and mosturise after climbing.

KletterRetter nail clippers:

• Sharp stainless steel, which is great for nails, but also ideal for cutting off excess skin
• Available in small and large for finger nails and toe nails

Pro tip: it might be tempting to use a razor blade to remove excess skin, but slipping or making a wrong cut can cause further damage and increase recovery time

Hand cream and balsam

What is the difference between hand cream and balsam? Which product is right for me?

KletterRetter hand cream

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula
• Ideal for daily hydration in the morning, during the day, at night, and post-session
• Strengthens your skin’s natural protective layer (epidermis)
• Helps maintain flexibility and prevents cracking

KletterRetter Repair Balsam

• Richer formula, enriched with the antiseptic benefits of natural beeswax
• Designed for split tips, flappers, and damaged skin
• Well suited for deep cracks and weathered skin
• Due to the slow absorbing formular, it is best applied at night or on rest days for deep recovery

KletterRetter Skindisc / Beedisc

• Compact, solid hand balms for fingertip recovery and skin regeneration
• The KletterRetter Skindisc (vegan) is made with mango butter, calendula, and sunflower oil
• The KletterRetter Beedisc is enriched with beeswax, plus mango butter, calendula, and sunflower oil
• Ideal for cracked fingertips, dry patches, and minor skin injuries
• Forms a natural barrier that reduces moisture loss and supports healing
• Slower to absorb—perfect for overnight use or cold, dry conditions

When to use

When to use	Product(s)
Skin feels dry/tight	KletterRetter hand cream
Open wound or deep crack	KletterRetter Repair Balsam
Cracked fingertips	KletterRetter Skindisc or KletterRetter Beedisc
Overnight repair	KletterRetter Repair Balsam
30-60 minutes before your session	A small application of KletterRetter hand cream
Directly after your session	A generous application of KletterRetter hand cream

Finger tape

Tape is an effective tool for support, protection and first aid. It is a must have in your personal skin care set.

What can I use tape for?

• Support strained joints (pulleys, tendons)
• Protect existing skin damage (splits, flappers)
• Prevent skin injuries on sharp holds or high-volume sessions
• Quickly treat injuries during a climbing session

What should I look for in a tape?

• Breathable and skin-friendly (without allergens such as latex)
• Easy to tear and apply mid-session
• Strong enough to stay in place without restricting movement

Taping tips:

• Don’t tape too tight
• Use the right width of tape. KletterRetter finger tape comes in convenient 15mm and 50mm rolls
• Don’t tape undamaged skin unless necessary
• Learn and practice correct taping methods for:
  • Flappers
  • Split tips
  • Joint support
• Store your tape in a container or a bag to keep it clean

For more detailed tips from experts on different taping methods, check out our tape blog at kletterretter.com/tags/tape