Why SPF Is So Important When Skiing

Why SPF Is So Important When Skiing

Sunscreen might not be the first thing you think about when packing for a ski holiday, but it should be.

Children's skin needs protecting from the sun all year round – including on the ski slopes.

Why is the sun stronger when skiing?

At altitude, UV exposure can be higher than at lower levels. Snow also reflects UV radiation, increasing the amount of sun reaching exposed skin.

This means your child can get sunburnt while skiing, even when the temperature is below freezing.

The cold weather can also make it harder to notice that skin is burning.

Which SPF should I use?

The NHS recommends using at least SPF 30, with at least 4-star UVA protection.

For skiing, we recommend SPF 50 on exposed areas such as:

• Face

• Nose

• Cheeks

• Ears

• Chin

• Neck

• Lips

Don't forget areas that are easily missed around ski goggles and helmet straps.

Don't forget their lips

Lips are particularly easy to overlook when skiing, but they're exposed to the sun, cold and wind all day.

A lip balm with SPF helps protect them from UV exposure while also helping to prevent dry, cracked lips.

Our pick: Dual Snowsports SPF 50 Sun Protection + Lip Balm

At Little Skiers, we stock the Dual Snowsports Sun Protection + Lip Balm Tube SPF 50, designed specifically for skiing and other snowsports.

It combines SPF 50 sun protection with an integrated lip balm, making it easy to keep in a ski jacket pocket and reapply during the day. It also contains aloe vera and vitamin E to help moisturise skin exposed to cold and wind.

Shop the Dual Snowsports SPF 50 Sun Protection + Lip Balm

When should you apply sunscreen?

Apply sunscreen to exposed skin before heading onto the slopes and reapply regularly throughout the day, following the product instructions. NHS guidance recommends frequent reapplication, particularly if sunscreen has rubbed off or been exposed to sweat or water.

SPF isn't the only protection

Sunscreen should be part of your child's overall sun protection.

Make sure they also have:

• Ski goggles or UV-protective sunglasses

• A ski helmet
  

• A neck warmer or buff where appropriate

The NHS also recommends protecting children's eyes from reflected sunlight, including sunlight reflected from snow.

The bottom line

Cold weather doesn't mean no sun.

UV exposure can be significant on the ski slopes, so make SPF part of your child's daily ski routine.

Pack the sunscreen, protect their lips and remember to reapply throughout the day.