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  Natives
is working with Cancer
Research UK's SunSmart campaign to provide advice on sun safety.
This page gives invaluable information about how you can protect
yourself on the slopes from sunburn to reduce your risk of skin
cancer.
Sun on the slopes
Skiers and snowboarders need to take care on the slopes. Even though
it may feel cold in the mountains, when you are high up there is
less atmosphere to filter the ultraviolet (UV) rays: UV intensity
increases by 4-8% every 1000ft. It is easy to get caught out because
you can burn very quickly.
Snow reflects around 85% of the sun's UV rays so you may burn in
unusual places. Look out for the underside of your chin and your
ears in particular.
Up to 80% of the sun's UV rays penetrate clouds, so even if it's
cloudy it's important to protect yourself.
SunSmart tips for the snow:
Cover up - The best way to protect yourself is by covering
up with clothing. Try wearing a long-sleeved jacket with a zip-up
collar, hat and gloves.
Sunscreen - Apply SPF factor 15+ 15-30 minutes before hitting
the slopes. Then reapply every 2 hours, particularly if you're doing
lots of exercise and may sweat it off. You can now buy little tubes
of sunscreen that fit easily in a pocket.
Wear sunblock on very exposed and sun-sensitive areas like your
nose, ears and lips. Don't know which sunscreen to pick? Look for
a 'broad-spectrum' product, one that protects from both UVA and
UVB rays with an SPF of 15 or more.
Protect your eyes - Wear wraparound sunglasses or goggles
that offer at least 99% protection from UV. Most come with information
about their UV filtering capability, but check in the shop if you
are not sure.
Goggles may be better for protecting small children's eyes as they
are less likely to fall off at ski school!
Be SunSmart! Burn the slopes, not your skin.
For more information, visit Cancer
Research UK's SunSmart website
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