Before heading off for winter sports, choosing sun protection is essential to protect your skin and take care of your health. It is available in the form of creams, but also sprays and sticks. The effectiveness is the same, only the application method varies. Explore our sunscreen selection on our online store to take care of yourself and your children with the best products on the market.
Why use sunscreen or sun cream when skiing?
Whether it’s bright and sunny or the weather is more overcast, sun exposure is significant in the mountains. It is intensified by the reflection of the sun’s rays on the snow, which increases the risk of getting sunburned. The higher the altitude, the stronger the exposure to ultraviolet rays, even when the sky is cloudy. Applying sun protection is thus essential to protect your skin from damage caused by the sun.
Sunscreen: which SPF to choose for skiing?
In the mountains, especially in winter, the sun’s rays are much stronger than at lower altitudes. Snow reflects light by up to 80%, intensifying the effect. Neglecting to apply protection to your face can, even in the short term, cause lasting damage to your skin and put you at risk. When skiing or snowboarding, it’s recommended to use an SPF 50 sunscreen at the start of your trip, even if the sun seems to be hiding behind clouds. With mountain weather being so unpredictable, you might experience fog at dawn, sunshine in the morning, and clouds in the afternoon. As your stay progresses and if your skin allows, you can switch to SPF 30 protection.
How to protect yourself from the sun during winter in the mountains?
Spray sunscreens: good or bad idea?
No matter the type of sunscreen you use, their level of protection will be the same once absorbed by the skin. For their ease and quick application, spray sunscreens are particularly popular, especially at the beach where the entire body needs coverage. However, when skiing, only your face is exposed to the sun, making this type of sunscreen less convenient, especially as you might inhale some during application.
Stick sunscreens
In the mountains during winter, stick sunscreens are an ideal option. Effective and quick to apply, they provide high protection against UV rays. They don’t need to be spread around. You use them as simply as a lip balm. You save precious time on the slopes, snowshoeing, or ski touring, and you don’t need to remove your gloves or mittens when it’s cold. Very compact and lightweight, they are fit easily in your ski jacket pocket or inside your backpack.
After-sun lotions: restorative for the face
Burns, allergies—frequent, unprotected sun exposure accelerates skin ageing. Naturally, it happens that you forget your sun protection at home. To remedy this, when your skin has suffered from the sun’s harmful effects, after-sun lotions are the perfect solution to rehydrate and regenerate skin pigments.
Some of our best UV protection products
EQ Love SPF 50: organic protection for babies
Thanks to its formula adapted for young kids, this sunscreen for babies provides effective protection from 3 months of age. Organic certified, it respects your child’s skin with a 100% natural composition. Water-resistant, it remains effective even with perspiration.
SWOX Bio SPF 50: the transparent stick
Transparent and ultra-protective, this stick sunscreen is the perfect companion for anyone spending time in the mountains. Its very compact packaging makes it easy to carry anywhere, allowing you to protect yourself from the sun at any moment.
SunBum lip balm
SunBum lip balms are the perfect companions for all your winter adventures in the mountains. SPF 30 rated, they provide 2-in-1 protection by shielding your lips while keeping them hydrated. Available in flavours like mango, coconut, or banana, their taste enhances the user’s experience, while the Vitamin E and aloe-enriched formula nourishes your skin.
Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down lotion
After a day enjoying the sun and fresh snow, Sun Bum’s After Sun lotion will be just what you need. Its Cool Down effect refreshes and soothes your face, marked by exposure to the sun’s rays at altitude. Hypoallergenic, it respects both your skin and the environment. What more could you ask for?
