Essential Sun Safety Tips for Your Ski Trip

Sun exposure during cold season can still actually damage your skin. According to Dr. Perry Robins of The Skin Cancer Foundation, most people are unaware that Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can wreak havoc on your skin during your ski trip as much as on your beach adventures.

Skincancer.org explains that higher altitude means increased sun exposure. UV radiation exposure increases 4 to 5 percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level. Also, snow reflects up to 80 percent of the UV light from the sun, so the same rays often hit your skin twice.

With the ski season ahead of us, it’s important to take extra precautions on the slopes. Follow these sun protection tips:

Use sunscreen with higher SPF

For extended outdoor activities like ski trips, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with higher SPF. According to skincancer.org, you need to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before hitting the slopes. And, be reminded that you still have to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days since up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds.

Apply sunscreen to exposed skin

Bring enough bottles of sunscreen for you to protect all the exposed areas. You have to apply one ounce or two tablespoons of sunscreen on your body and at least a teaspoon on your face. Most often, we forget to protect sensitive regions like the lips, ears, area around the eyes, underside of our chin, scalp, and hands. So be sure to have all these regions covered. Wear lip balm with a minimum SPF of 15.

Cover up

Wear a helmet/hat, long sleeves, pants, gloves and ski masks. It’s also important to choose clothes with sun-protective factor. For instance, a sleeve with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) can prevent the penetration of harmful rays to skin.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using clothing made of dark, tightly woven materials€”they absorb UV light better than cotton fabrics in lighter color.

Wear your sunglasses or goggles

Use the kind of sunglasses or goggles that block 100% of UV rays. Also, the ideal sunglasses have wraparound or large frames€”they will protect your eyes, eyelids, and the sensitive skin around your eyes.

Be mindful of the time

Ski early in the morning before 10 AM, or later in the afternoon after 4 PM as UV exposure tends to be higher between these times. And, remember that the longer you stay on the slopes, the higher the risk of your skin getting sundamaged.

Watch out for photo-sensitivity

If you’re taking your medication, some drugs like tetracycline and diuretics can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure and increase the risk of sunburn. So before your trip, consult your doctor about this possibility.


You can have all the fun on your ski trip, but be sure to take great care of your skin and protect it against sun damage.


Original site: http://goarticles.com/article/Essential-Sun-Safety-Tips-for-Your-Ski-Trip/9419844/