A Guide To Sun Protection For Skiers
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A Guide To Sun Protection For Skiers
High altitudes combined with snow can have a serious impact on your skin if you're not protected. Learn how to take the proper steps to eliminate dangers from UVA and UVB rays.
Hi there! I'm Abi Cleeve from Ultrasun. I've been in the sun care industry for 30 years, really helping people to make the right decisions on their sun care choices. Today, I'm going to try and do the same for you.
Skiers need extra protection from the sun. Both UVA and UVB are intense, especially altitude. It's essential that they are well-protected.
Also of course, when you are feeling cold, you are not as inclined to protect yourself from the sun. And something in your mind thinks 'Oh, I'll be fine.' It's absolutely imperative to protect yourself.
The snow actually reflects and intensifies the sun rays. It can increase that power by up to 83%. That's a huge amount, nearly double as powerful, because your altitude, up to 2 or 3000 meters, even that small amount closer to the sun makes a real difference and really intensifies the sun's glare.
Again, because you're mainly covered, you may not think about sunshine in the same way. But the areas that are exposed, which obviously tends to be the face, can be incredibly vulnerable. Choose a sun protection with a high SPF, at least 30.
If possible, go to a very high level of a 50 or a 50+. Choose a good UVA and apply this product before you even hit the slopes. The idea is to apply that about 20 minutes before you're getting your other ski gear on.
Of course, using a product and then applying your goggles on and off, and on and off, could dislodge that product, so it's essential to get a really good application. If you can, choose a product that says it's once a day, or long lasting application. These products should at least last you until lunch time, making it very convenient to continue to enjoy your skiing, without feeling you've got to keep reapplying.
Nobody wants to take unnecessary equipment up on a ski lift, so it's something that you can leave behind and reapply at lunch time. Remember that even when you're skiing, you may at times feel cold, the sun can be incredibly intense. It can be built by 83% extra power just by reflecting off the snow.
And the altitude, you're even closer to the sun. Protect yourself well from UVA and UVB rays. So, enjoy your skiing but make sure you do it safely.
Protect yourself well and use this information to look after yourself in the future. .