Skin Care Safety On The Slopes

With winter upon us, skiers and snowboarders are starting to hit the slopes in full force. Flying down a mountain at high speeds is dangerous enough, but have you ever considered the increased risk of overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation that your skin endures? That’s why the dermatology Delaware professionals at Premier Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery encourage you to use the appropriate sun protection and take proper care of yourselves while on the slopes. High altitude and UV rays reflected by the snow can put skiers and snowboarders at an increased risk of sun damage, which is something that we really want to avoid at all costs. Here are a few skincare tips recommended by the dermatology Delaware professionals at Premier Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery for you to consider before hitting the slopes this season:

-Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher, and apply it 30 minutes before hitting the slopes. Remember that the sun’s reflection off the snow can also be extremely strong on cloudy days (up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds) so make sure to always wear sunscreen, whatever the weather.

–Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed skin – many skiers and snowboarders do not use it enough.

-Be sure to cover often-missed spots like your ears, around your eyes, the back of your neck, the underside of your chin and nose, your scalp, and tops of hands. Use a good lip screen: many people rely on lip balms and forget to get a good quality lip screen!

-Reapply every two hours, and always after heavy sweating. This is especially important in the warmth of spring or when you’ve been wearing a helmet and goggles.

-Make sure you protect your eyes. Sunglasses and goggles that give 99% UV protection and have wrap-around frames will offer good protection for your eyes, eyelids, and the very sensitive skin around your eyes.

-UV rays are generally strongest at midday, so take extra precaution between 10am-4pm by re-applying your sunscreen regularly and drinking plenty of water.

Premier Dermatology And Cosmetic Surgery

Ultimately, a combination of these tips and behaviors is the best way to stay sun safe and reduce your UV exposure while skiing and snowboarding this winter season. Take it from the dermatology Delaware professionals at Premier Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, no one wants to come back from a ski weekend with a goggle tan and flaky nose! For more skincare tips, visit our blog or contact us today to schedule an appointment.