In winter protect yourself from the sun

Lovers of snow and winter sports should exercise extreme caution when it comes to photo protection, since in snowy mountains three factors are combined that aggressively affect the skin: solar radiation, radiation reflected in the snow and altitude.

The face and the cross of the sun

Receiving sunlight has multiple beneficial effects on the body (Such as promoting the synthesis of, which helps to absorb calcium in the bones, or improving the mood. However, prolonged exposure and without photoprotection can have harmful consequences for the skin. The main risk is given by ultraviolet radiation ( RUV) from the sun, since it is responsible for two processes of great importance for our skin: aging and skin cancer.

In addition to the type of radiation, it is necessary to know the factors that influence the action of the sun on the skin. Thus, we must bear in mind that the higher the geographical area where we are, the more intense the exposure.

The obliquity of the sun's rays with the Earth also influences, depending on the season, as well as the time of day and the latitude of the geographical area. The weather is another factor to take into account, since rain and clouds absorb part of the radiation, as well as the type of surface where we are, since snow reflects up to 85% of the rays compared to 17% of dry sand, for example.

What happens in the snow?

The skin, during skiing and snow sports, will be exposed to 100% radiation that falls directly on it, 80% of that radiation reflected in the snow and 20% corresponding to the height of the ski resort (for every 300 meters of altitude, the radiation increases by 4%).

Therefore, on a daily basis but especially when we practice sports in the snow, it is necessary to use sunscreen products and specific qualities that ensure protection and maintenance of skin hydration.

Photoprotection is especially important in people with white skin and light eyes, blond or redheads, who are generally more sensitive to the sun, as well as those with spots or freckles. Most of these people do not get to tan, or do so after being burned, and they are the ones with the highest risk of skin cancer.

It is also a must in children, since it is known that excess sun at these ages is especially associated with a greater risk of suffering from the most dangerous skin cancer.

How to protect the skin

We have photoprotectors, which allow exposure to the sun and minimize the risk of burns. Most contain mixtures of physical and chemical filters: Physical: they contain particles that exert a reflective action on light, that is, they act as mirrors. In general, the particles are composed of titanium dioxide.

In recent years, laboratories have achieved micronize (dwarf) these particles, making the cosmetic finish of the creams better.

• Physical protectors They are the most suitable for children, as they do not contain chemicals that can cause irritation or toxicity.
• The chemists: they contain complex molecules capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation and dispersing it as heat. They should not be applied in children.

The number that the photoprotector must be labeled is the one, which indicates the proportion of time that a product applied to the skin allows the period of exposure to the sun to be extended without the risk of a burn.

Thus, for example, if a person who is exposed to the sun for 10 minutes without suffering burns uses a 40 sunscreen, it will protect it 40 times more. In any case, it is also important to remember that perspiration (or water in summer) alters it, so it is important to repeat the application.

Currently, the competent authorities recommend labeling SPFs with a maximum of 50. If any laboratory claims that their product has a factor greater than 50, they are urged to label it as 50 +.

Photoprotection tips

• Apply a sunscreen cream or gel before each sun exposure, and apply it again every two hours, especially after sweating.
• Choose a Adequate SFP to our skin type and the intensity of solar radiation. The doctor or pharmacist can tell us which one is the most appropriate.
• These measures should also be taken on cloudy days, since much of the solar radiation is still harmful on those days.
• The increased sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity) can be a side effect of some medications. We must consult the doctor or pharmacist if we can expose ourselves to the sun when taking medications.

Protected eyes

Eye protection is also essential since solar radiation is harmful to the eyes, and more in the snow. The choice of sunglasses should provide comfortable vision with maximum eye protection.

• The first requirement of sunglasses is that they have the CE marking, which indicates that they meet the requirements of European regulations.
• The second technical aspect To take into account is the type of solar filter on the lenses, which prevents harmful radiation from reaching the eye. If the glasses do not have the appropriate filters, they can cause intense headaches, conjunctivitis and photophobias that appear after years and in many cases do so irreversibly. There are color filters that combine color and the ability to absorb solar radiation:
  • Brown improves the vision of contrasts and is recommended for winter sports.
  • Gray does not alter color vision and is a good alternative to driving glasses.
  • The green color very little alters color vision and is well suited for all kinds of uses, especially for farsightedness and winter sports.
  • The photochromatic filters change the color of the lens according to the intensity of the light, and the mirrors reflect the light, so they are a good option if activities are carried out in spaces that reflect light (activities in the snow, climbing …)

According to him degree of intensity With which they filter visible light, the European Union classifies these filters from 0 to 4.

Glasses with category 0 lenses reduce visible light by up to 20% and are recommended as comfort glasses; those of category 1 (reduce from 20 to 57% the light) to walk around the city; those of category 2 (from 57 to 82%) for sports in the field and on the track, walking or cycling; those of category 3, which reduce the light from 82 to 92%, for sports or stays in areas with a lot of sun (beach, sea, mountains) and those of category 4 (they reduce the light from 92 to 98%) in high mountains and when doing intense water sports.