You may associate hot, sunny days with sunburns, but you can receive severe sunburns during the winter months -- especially while skiing. The environmental factors of skiing are conducive to overexposure to the sun, and the common misconception that cold, winter days keep you safe from the sun only adds to the high risk of suffering damaging effects from ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light is emitted by the sun, along with other forms of electromagnetic radiation. The UV rays from the sun are made of three types of UV light -- UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA is the least harmful, and UVC is the most dangerous to humans. Fortunately, UVC rays are blocked by the Earth's ozone layer. However, UVA and UVB rays both are able to reach the Earth's surface. These two types of ultraviolet light threaten the health of your skin, and overexposure to them can lead to sunburns.
Snow
Snow skiing increases your chances of overexposure to UV light. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that sunlight reflecting off snow can double the strength of UV rays. Wearing sunglasses or ski goggles helps protect your eyes from the bright light and covers the skin around your eyes, blocking UV light from this area of your face.
Altitude
The higher the elevation of the ski slopes, the greater exposure you have to UV light. The strength of UV rays increases 4 percent for every 1,000 feet of elevation. As you increase altitude, the thinner the atmosphere becomes. This leaves fewer molecules to absorb UV light. Research the altitude of the area you ski and plan accordingly to protect your skin from sunburn.
Prevention
Wear protective clothing to block overexposure of your skin. Cover your ears, face and neck while skiing and wear a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 30, even if the sun is blocked by clouds. Broad-spectrum sunblocks help block UVA and UVB rays. Also use a lip protectant of the same SPF strength to protect your lips from sun damage. Continue reapplying sunblock as you sweat or the lotion rubs off throughout the day.
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