Bright blue skies, winter sun and snow like icing sugar. These are the conditions that’ll put a beaming smile on any skier’s face. Yet, they’re also the perfect conditions for snow sunburn. Yes, it’s a thing. Find out everything you need to know about ski sun protection. Plus, how to treat sunburn from snow.
Snow sunburn is caused by UV radiation (sunlight) reflecting off snow or ice. But when you’re skiing or snowboarding down a mountain, an icy breeze in your face, it may feel like there’s little risk of sunburn. Don’t be fooled. Snowy days can also be sunny days. Even if it’s a cold, cloudy day on the slopes, sunburn and skin damage is still a risk.
It’s the sun’s UV radiation, not heat that can cause sunburn and skin cancer. In fact, snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation. That’s almost double the amount of UV rays. Not only is it coming directly from the sun, but indirectly off snow-covered surfaces. This makes snow even more reflective of UV rays than the ocean, which reflects 10-30%. And, at high altitudes (like when you’re hitting the slopes at Mt Buller or Mt Ruapehu), UV rays are stronger. This is because the air is cleaner and thinner. Did you know that UV levels increase by 10%-12% with every 1000 metres increase in altitude?
TIP: Think UV, not heat. Whenever the UV is 3 or above, sun protection is needed.
Protect yourself from snow sunburn with the following preventative steps.
Pack an SPF 30 or above, broad-spectrum, water and sweat resistant sunscreen. Make sure you pay extra attention to commonly exposed areas of the face. This includes the lips, throat, chin, back of the neck, ears, and the area beneath your nose. A moisturising sunscreen can also help protect your skin against windburn. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen.
Your ski gear will cover most of your body. Yet, wearing a balaclava or beanie that covers your ears can offer extra protection. Scarves and jackets with high collars do a great job at protecting your neck from snow sunburn.
Yes, it’s possible to get eye sunburn from snow. Photokeratitis (AKA snow blindness) is caused by UV rays reflected off ice and snow. While the condition is usually temporary, it can be painful. Eyes can become red, watery and sensitive to light. Wrap-around sunglasses or goggles can help protect your eyes against reflected UV radiation. Thankfully, photokeratitis doesn’t usually cause permanent damage. Pain relief medication and eye drops may help you feel more comfortable.
The most common areas for snow sunburn are the chin, nose, and cheeks. And let’s face it, sunburn can be painful. Especially when you have icy cold winds biting you on the face. If you skipped the prevention tips above, you may wonder what the best snow sunburn treatment is.
Here are five ways to treat and soothe snow sunburn.
Regularly apply moisturising lotion or aloe vera to the affected area. Aloe vera has a cooling effect, helping reduce the pain of sunburn. Its hydrating properties can relieve skin dryness and improve comfort. Aloe vera also stimulates collagen production, which can boost the skin’s elasticity. Oatmeal, particularly colloidal (finely ground) is believed to benefit sunburn. This is thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and pain. For mild to moderate sunburn from snow, you may try an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream. Apply this to the affected areas three times a day for up to three days. *If you are already on medication, always seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner.
Sunburn draws moisture away from your skin. Drinking plenty of fluids and electrolytes can help rehydrate your skin. This can support the skin’s healing process.
Source medical help in the case of the following symptoms:
You slipped up and got snow sunburn. Make a plan that’ll prevent this from happening again. Hint: re-read the section above on how to prevent snow sunburn in the first place! Be sure to pack (and apply) a high SPF sunscreen the next time you take to the ski slopes.
Remember—the more your sunburn, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Regular skin checks are the best way to manage your risk. At MoleMap, we recommend an annual professional skin check, as well as at-home skin checks (here’s a guide to checking your skin) ideally every three months.
