Skiing: Don't Forget the Right Sunscreen

At a glance

Going skiing or doing another snow activity? Don't forget to bring and use a good sunscreen.

Few people think about protecting their face during snow activities. Yet the risk of getting burned shouldn't be underestimated!

Few young skiers protect themselves from the sun

A survey by the Dutch polling firm TNS Nipo, conducted among more than a thousand people, found that 41% of young people (under 18) use no sunscreen, or very little, during activities on the slopes. Among those over 18, this figure is higher (68%), but it's still too low given the risks to the skin.

The mountains and ultraviolet rays

For many people, sun protection is associated with summer holidays at the seaside and sunbathing on the beach. Yet the danger of UV rays to the skin is just as significant, if not more so, in the mountains on a ski slope:

the effect of UV radiation increases by 10% for every 1,000m of altitude,
the reflection of UV rays off snow (90%) is significantly higher than off the sea (40%) or beach sand (25%),
the cold makes the skin drier and less sensitive to the effects of the sun. As a result, you notice the sunburn much later, or too late,
even on cloudy days, the effect of UV rays on the skin remains very high.

The risks

The risks involved can range from a simple "sunburn" - which can be worse on sensitive areas of the face, such as the ears and nose - to allergic reactions (spots, redness), as well as, in the long run, premature skin ageing and, in the most serious cases, skin cancer.

Be especially careful with young children, whose skin is very sensitive.

Best practices

Apply sunscreen to exposed parts of the body half an hour before heading out onto the slopes;
Choose the right protection factor (a minimum SPF of 30 - find the best protection factor for your skin type by clicking here);
Choose a sunscreen designed for winter sports. It's richer than the kind used at the beach in summer and stays easy to apply in low temperatures. Your skin will also dry out less quickly.
Physical activity on the slopes makes you sweat, so it's important to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Protect your eyes (ski goggles, sunglasses);
Protect your lips with a good-quality lip balm;
Don't forget to stay hydrated regularly (non-alcoholic drinks).