You may think it's sunny days in the sand where you are more at risk of sunburn, but dermatologists warn it’s actually the bright white surface of the snow where you’re more likely to end up red faced and peeling.
EVEN IF IT'S CLOUDY AND FREEZING ON THE SLOPES, I CAN STILL BURN?
Yes! Clouds actually do very little to filter out UV rays—with up to 80% still passing through them. Add that to the reflectivity of the snow’s surface and you’re doubly exposed all day with little to no shade as you descend.
DON'T LET THE COLD WEATHER FOOL YOU...
Sub zero conditions tend to make people completely forget about getting burnt. The higher you go the more powerful the sun becomes. UV intensity goes up by about 10% for every 1000 feet. Stay vigilant on the slopes and keep a pocket-size SPF with you at all times to reapply.
OK, SO THE BEACH IS SAFER?
While the sand reflects less than 20% of UV radiation, you still need to keep wearing sunscreen there too. In fact, anytime you are in daylight, you are being exposed to damaging UV rays. That also means through car windscreens and windows.
SO IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS, THE BEACH, AND EVEN IN THE CAR I HAVE TO WEAR SPF?
Dermatologists say Yes! Sun exposure is the number one cause of aging. Just because you don’t see immediate sunburn, doesn’t mean there isn’t damage being done.
The cumulative effects of unprotected sun exposure such as wrinkles, sagginess, fine lines, and pigmentation may take years to show up—-but when they do they are irreversible.
START AS YOU MEAN TO GO ON
It’s not a matter of where you burn faster, both the beach and the mountains lead to varying amounts of sun damage. Getting into the habit of applying sunscreen everyday is the only way to stay safe. Make SPF a non-negotiable part of your morning routine.
IF THAT SOUNDS LIKE TOO MUCH WORK, STREAMLINE YOUR SKINCARE IN ONE SIMPLE STEP
Most of us are tight on time in the mornings, so choose an SPF product that has also been infused with skincare ingredients to double up as your moisturizer or primer.
All of Spooge’s Mineral Sunscreens have been formulated with hydrating properties to keep your complexion plumped and soft, as well as protected from the sun both in the waves and on the piste.