As skin cancer makes up four per cent of cancer cases and is responsible for one per cent of all cancer deaths, protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is vital – even during winter. 

“The main cause of skin cancer is sun exposure, and although people are aware of the risk when they’re at the beach in summer, they sometimes don’t realise the necessity of using good sun protection when skiing or snowboarding,” says Matthew Gass, spokesperson for the British Association of Dermatologists.

While overexposure to UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds may be the main cause of malignant melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer), the risk should not be ignored during the colder months. Sarah Williams, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, says: “We are exposed to more UV light at high altitudes, like the Alps, and snow is very reflective – increasing the risk of sunburn even more.”

Indeed, snow and ice can reflect between 50 and 90 per cent of UV radiation, according to Matthew: “UV radiation is actually more severe in alpine regions than at sea level – the UV rays that reach the earth’s surface increase by up to five per cent for every 1,000 feet above sea level”. This means that a mountain at 10,000 feet will receive 50 per cent more UV exposure than an area at sea level. Sunburn is an indicator that the skin’s DNA has been damaged, which over time can lead to skin cancer. In fact, blistering sunburn before the age of 20 can double the risk of developing malignant melanoma.

However, skin doesn’t have to appear red raw or blistered to be damaged – even pink skin is a sign of sunburn. And while cold temperatures may encourage people to keep their skin covered up, but UV rays on the slopes can carry health risks, particularly for the parts of the skin that are commonly exposed, such as the eyes and face.

For sun-safe ski-skin, Sarah advises:

• Wear CE marked and British Standard or UV 400 labelled sunglasses. Wraparound styles offer the greatest protection
• Wear at least SPF15 sunscreen with a high star rating
• Apply sunscreen generously and frequently to exposed areas, such as the face, ears and neck
• Be particularly cautious between 10am and 3pm when UV radiation is at its peak.

If customers do become mildly sunburnt, advise that they avoid direct sunlight by covering up the affected areas of their skin and staying in the shade until their sunburn has healed. Other tips to pass on include:

• Sponge the skin with lukewarm water, or have a cool bath or shower
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Apply a moisturising lotion or aftersun cream to cool and moisturise the skin, and relieve the feeling of tightness
• Painkillers can help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and lower a high temperature
• If severe, or concerned, seek medical advice.