Why do skiers get sunburned so easily?

UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun. It is invisible to the naked eye and is categorized into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can contribute to premature aging, while UVB rays are more associated with the top layers of skin and are primarily responsible for sunburns. UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach the ground.

When UV rays hit our skin, they can damage the DNA within skin cells, leading to sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Our skin produces melanin in response to this UV exposure, which is what gives us a tan. This can protect us to some extent, but doesn't eliminate the risk of skin damage. It’s important for individuals to understand that even on cloudy days, UV radiation can penetrate through the atmosphere and cause sunburn.

At high altitudes, such as where skiers and hikers find themselves, the risk of UV exposure and subsequent sunburn is significantly increased. The Earth's atmosphere, which absorbs UV radiation, becomes thinner as altitude increases. Less absorption means that a higher concentration of UVB radiation reaches these elevations.

For every 1,000 meters gained in altitude, UV radiation increases by approximately 10%. This means at the top of a high mountain, UV exposure can be dramatically higher than at sea level. As a result, outdoor enthusiasts at higher elevations are exposed to more intense UV radiation, making proper skin protection crucial to prevent sunburn.

Snow, with its white and pristine appearance, is an excellent reflector of UV radiation. In fact, fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, significantly more than other surfaces, such as grass or water. This reflection creates an environment where UV rays hit the skin from above and below, effectively doubling the UV exposure rate.

For skiers, this means that they are not only dealing with the UV rays directly from the sun but also dealing with the rays bouncing back up from the snowy ground. This dual source of UV exposure can lead to an increased incidence of sunburn on the face and under the chin, areas which are often overlooked when applying sunscreen.

It's a common misconception that sun protection is only necessary in hot and sunny climates. In cold environments, particularly in winter sports settings, individuals may overlook the need for sun protection because the cool temperatures disguise the strength of the sun’s rays. However, appropriate sun protection is vital in these conditions.

Skiers, snowboarders, and anyone spending time in the snow should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours or after sweating. Lip balm with sunblock is also important as the lips can be extremely vulnerable to UV damage. Protective clothing, such as long-sleeved layers, and UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles, are essential, even on cloudy days, to protect against both direct and reflected UV radiation.