Expert warns skiers to wear sun protection
Individuals due to depart on a winter skiing holiday may be inspired to pack their natural sunscreen after hearing one expert's warning about the dangers of sunny slopes.
Kimberley Carter of the British Association of Dermatologists explained how it is important to protect the skin from too much direct sunlight.
She claimed skiers "risk soaking up as much ultraviolet (UV) rays as sun worshippers hitting the beach".
As a result, people are just as likely to get burnt if they fail to use products to protect their face, it was noted.
Ms Carter urged individuals to ensure they pack sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30 and to regularly reapply to any exposed areas of skin throughout the day.
"UV radiation is actually more severe in alpine regions than at sea level – the amount of UV rays that reach the earth's surface increases by up to five per cent for every 1,000 feet above sea level you are," it was explained.
According to Ms Carter, another risk factor is the "very efficient" reflecting quality of water, which means sunlight will bounce off surfaces rather than be absorbed by snow and ice.
Individuals were warned that rays can penetrate through clouds and fog, meaning even on an overcast day it is easy to sustain skin damage if natural sunscreen is not used.
It was suggested the chin and nose are most at risk of "dangerous sunburn" from reflective rays, as - dependent on the age of the snow – between 50 and 90 per cent of UV radiation is bounced back.
Finally, Ms Carter reminded novice skiers the time of day when they are more likely to burn is between 10:00 and 15:00, with a "panda-eyes tan" a clear sign someone is new to the sport.
Louise Thomas-Minns, skin therapist and founder of Uandyourskin.co.uk, recently commented that sun protection is just as important in winter as in summer.
Posted by Shannon Davies
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