Protect Your Skin on the Slopes
Planning on Skiing this Winter?
Hitting the slopes in high altitudes increases the intensity of the harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Here’s what you need to know to Protect Your Skin!
The thinner atmosphere also reduces the number of rays that are normally blocked, which increases your chance of sunburn. The snow also reflects 80% of the rays from the sun. So, a fun day out in snow can actually be as harmful to your skin as a day at the beach. Five or more blistering sunburns can dramatically increase your chance of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer.
Cloud Coverage
Don’t let a cloudy day catch you off guard! We’re not just talking about when you’re on the ski slopes. Many of us have suffered the effects of a little too much sun from a cloudy day when we thought it wasn’t necessary to wear sunscreen because the clouds provided some shade. Clouds are not Mother Nature’s shade. Clouds do not stop the UVA rays from the sun. Most of the UVA rays pass directly through clouds and are just as damaging to our skin.
Preventing UV Damage
On a positive note, UV damage is preventable. Sun protective clothing is very effective at providing a barrier against these damaging rays. Wrap up with layers. Unfortunately, we can’t wrap our faces all too well. For those areas that can’t be covered by sun protective clothing, sunscreen is necessary, even in the winter, even on cloudy days. And remember your lips! Your lips deserve extra special attention on the slopes and in the snow.
What sunscreen is a good choice for your skin and lips for a winter ski trip or time out in the snow? You should look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least a SPF 30 and one that contains zinc.
George Dermatology offers a large selection of sunscreens that provide excellent protection for year-round wear, so you don’t have to feel or smell like a buttered coconut in the winter. Call George Dermatology today! We are happy to help you find a sunscreen that you will look forward to wearing daily to keep your skin looking younger than your years.