FAQ’s
• How should I choose which sunscreen to wear?
• Can I get a sunburn in the winter?
• Am I still at risk even if I have dark skin?
• Can I get a sunburn while wearing sunscreen?
• Is sunscreen all I have to wear to protect myself?
• Does sunscreen block Vitamin D production?
• What is the difference between windburn and sunburn?
• What does the “Sun Protection Factor”, or “SPF”, in sunscreen mean?
• Am I at increased risk for UV exposure on the mountain?
• What should I do after I get a sunburn?
• Doesn’t a “base tan” protect my skin from becoming burned in the future?
• Will a self-tanning cream protect my skin from the sun?
• Are sun tanning beds safer than the sun?
• Can skin cancer be deadly?
• Do I really have to worry about sun exposure since my skin is mostly covered up when I’m skiing or snowboarding?
• I work outdoors. What can I do to protect myself if I can’t limit my time in the sun?
How should I choose which sunscreen to wear?
There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding which
sunscreen to use and buy. For example, just because a bottle says “SPF
15”, it isn’t necessarily a “broad-spectrum” or waterproof/sweat-proof
sunscreen. You’ll want to remember and look for the words “broad
spectrum” which blocks UVA and UVB (very important!) rays and you’ll
want “waterproof or sweat-proof” because it will stay on longer
when your skin gets wet. Sunscreen doesn’t have to be expensive –
store brands work just as well as name brands as long as they follow the
above guidelines. Remember: You still need to re-apply sunscreen if you’re
out in the sun for several hours, especially if you’re sweating or
playing in the water!
Can I get a sunburn in the winter?
Yes, you can get a bad sunburn in the winter! Remember that UV radiation exposure is greater at higher altitudes. If you are out on the slopes, any water surface (frozen or not!) reflects the sun's rays and can double the UV radiation dose. And even though much of your skin is covered by ski/board gear on the slopes, you always need to protect your exposed skin. Many cases of skin cancer are found on the head, neck and ears—areas that can be exposed to UV rays while on the mountain. Protect your skin with a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a hat, as well as eye protection.
Am I still at risk even if I have dark skin?
Yes. Although people with light skin are at the highest risk for skin cancer, people with darker skin are also at risk. Plus, people with darker skin are also affected by the aging effects of the sun, as are lighter-skinned people. Everyone is at risk for eye damage from too much UV exposure, including snowblindness, cataracts, and retinal damage.
Can I get a sunburn while wearing sunscreen?
Sunscreens are a temporary defense against UV radiation. You should first
make sure that you have applied enough sunscreen. Studies have shown that
most people underestimate the amount of sunscreen that they need. Next,
think about your sunscreen’s “Sun Protection Factor,” or
SPF. A sunscreen’s SPF tells you how long a sunscreen will be protective.
Let’s say on a spring day on the mountain, your skin sunburns in
20 minutes. If you use a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you will get 20 x 15
= 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection. But if you stay outside for over
5 hours, your skin will sunburn even though you applied sunscreen. Also,
remember to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day as it can wear off
with wind and sweat. Knowing how to correctly choose and use sunscreen
will help you prevent a sunburn from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Is sunscreen all I have to wear to protect myself?
No. You should use sunscreen in addition to practicing other sun safe
behaviors. The best protection (though not always a possible solution)
is to reduce the time you spend in the sun by seeking shade or staying
indoors, especially at midday. Also, wear clothing that covers up a lot
of your skin and choose a wide-brimmed hat rather than a ski or baseball
cap. Finally, apply a broad-spectrum, waterproof sunscreen on all skin
still exposed to the sun.
Does sunscreen block Vitamin D production?
The sun helps the body produce its own Vitamin D, in addition to getting
some of this nutrient from your diet. Vitamin D is needed for good health
and the development and maintenance of strong, healthy bones. Although
sunscreen keeps UV rays from being absorbed by your skin, don’t worry
– eating a balanced diet provides enough Vitamin D to keep you healthy.
Plus, the amount of exposure your hands get in just five minutes while
walking from your car to the store, work, or other area is enough to stimulate
plenty of Vitamin D production.
What is the difference between windburn and sunburn?
Windburn occurs when your skin is exposed to severe wind and as a result
loses moisture and becomes dry and chafed. This loss of moisture from
the wind happens especially if it’s cold outside, which is why windburn
usually occurs while skiing. Windburn often comes hand in hand with sunburn,
which is a result of too much sun exposure. Sunburn causes the skin to
redden and also to become dry, so the two are frequently confused. To
avoid both windburn and sunburn, apply both moisturizer and sunscreen
(or moisturizer with sunscreen!) on your skin and cover your face with
a gaiter, if possible.
What does the “Sun Protection Factor”, or “SPF”, in sunscreen mean?
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was developed to describe the amount of protection that a sunscreen provides. SPF numbers tell a person how much longer he/she can stay in the sun without burning while wearing sunscreen as opposed to not wearing any sun protection. For example, if your skin usually burns in 10 minutes (without any type of sun protection,) then an SPF of 15 means that you can stay in the sun 15 times longer (10 x 15 = 150 minutes) until you begin to burn. But remember, in order to get that full protection time from the sunscreen, you MUST reapply – sunscreen can wear off with wind and sweat, even “waterproof” ones.
Am I at increased risk for UV exposure on the mountain?
Yes, and for a couple of reasons. First of all, with higher elevation
you are exposed to more of the sun’s UV rays. For every 1,000 feet
above sea level, you are exposed to 5% more UV radiation. For example,
a mountain at 10,000 feet receives 50% more UV exposure than an area at
sea level. Secondly, the snow on the mountain reflects UV back onto you.
So, it’s a double whammy – not only are you getting exposure
from the sun directly, you’re also getting UV exposure reflected
from the snow beneath you.
What should I do after I get a sunburn?
There are many ways to treat a sunburn. Aspirin can reduce swelling and
relieve pain and hydrocortisone cream can relieve the inflammation and
itching that often accompany a sunburn. You can also use cold compresses
to relieve pain and swelling, as well as apply moisturizers to reduce
dryness and peeling. Avoid using strong soaps on the sunburned area and
never peel the areas of skin where blisters have dried and broken. Most
importantly, remember to use sunscreen and protective clothing whenever
you’re outdoors to prevent another sunburn in the future.
Doesn’t a “base tan” protect my skin from becoming burned in the future?
The myth of a “base tan” is just that – a myth. Any tan
is a sign of damage to the skin, and the protection that a tan provides
is minimal – equal to an SPF 4.
Will a self-tanning cream protect my skin from the sun?
No. Self-tanning creams merely color the skin and rarely have sun protective
ingredients to shield your skin from the sun. In addition, there are currently
no scientific recommendations about self-tanning creams that say what
the long-term risks might be if you use them. If you are using a self
tanner, remember to still practice sun safety when outdoors by doing things
like wearing protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses or goggles, and sunscreen.
Are sun tanning beds safer than the sun?
No. Sun tanning beds are just as dangerous (if not more dangerous) than
the sun! Sun tanning beds directly expose you to both UVA and UVB rays.
A twenty-minute session in a tanning bed is the equivalent to several
hours of exposure outdoors. Remember, no tan is a safe tan - whether from
the sun or a tanning bed. Protect your skin.
Can skin cancer be deadly?
Yes. Although non-melanoma skin cancers are treatable if caught early, malignant melanoma can be very dangerous, even deadly, if not treated early. Regularly monitor your skin for abnormal moles that change shape or color. Have any suspicious looking moles, freckles, or spots examined by your doctor. Play it safe!
Do I really have to worry about sun exposure since my skin is mostly covered up when I’m skiing or snowboarding?
Many cases of skin cancer are found on the head, neck and ears –
areas not usually covered by gear you wear while skiing or snowboarding.
You should always protect any exposed skin from the sun.
I work outdoors. What can I do to protect myself if I can’t limit my time in the sun?
There are many industries where workers spend most of their days outdoors and under the sun. If you must be outdoors, there are several measures that you can take to be sun safe. First of all, you can wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses. Then, you should cover all exposed skin areas with sunscreen that has an SPF 15 or higher. And remember, just because you work outside doesn’t mean that you can’t take breaks in shaded areas or indoors!
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society, WebMD, Centers for Disease Control, National Cancer Institute
