As we head into the deep of winter, the thought of hitting the slopes is on the top of most people's list of things to do.
What can beat a day out on the cold white stuff? Just remember to protect your skin.
Many people are now aware of the risks associated with skin cancer.
They wear sunscreen when working outside or heading to the beach.
All that being said, the very same people will fail to wear sunscreen when up on the slopes.
After a day of pounding moguls and such, they head back to their room to find their face and neck burned to a crisp.
Nothing could be worse for your skin.
The primary reason people get burned when skiing has to do with an incorrect assumption.
We usually associate sun exposure with heat.
When it is cold outside, we tend to discount the impact of the rays of the sun on our skin and bodies.
Nothing could be more inaccurate.
Keep in mind, the energy in one day of sunlight is sufficient to supply all the energy needs of the world for one year if we could figure out how to harness it.
The fact it happens to be winter in your area is irrelevant.
Skiing actually can be more dangerous from a skin care perspective than sitting on the beach sans protective sunscreen.
Why? Reflection, my friend.
The power of the sun on the slopes is a multiple of just laying on a beach somewhere.
The snow reflects the sun.
As a result, you get hit directly from the rays coming down from the sky as well as getting exposed by the rays reflecting off the snow.
This double whammy is why the inside edges of your nose can hurt some times after skiing.
They are sunburned! So, should you live in a state of fear and avoid skiing at all costs? No, of course not.
The key is to understand the skin exposure risk and take protective steps.
Wear a quality sunscreen.
One based on natural ingredients is usually superior because it will not cause decay in the plastic lining of your gear and clothes, which can happen with chemical based sunscreens.