Question

Why do skiers get sunburned so easily?

Short answer

Answer: Skiers get sunburned easily due to factors such as higher altitude, increased UV exposure, reflection of sunlight from snow, and inadequate sun protection. Being at high altitudes results in thinner atmosphere and increased UV radiation, while the snow reflects up to 80% of the UV radiation, doubling their exposure. Additionally, skiers often do not use adequate sun protection like sunscreen or sunglasses because they may not feel the heat of the sun in colder environments.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Sunburn

Sunburn is caused by the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When the skin gets exposed to too much of this radiation, it gets damaged, resulting in sunburn. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVB is primarily responsible for sunburn.

High Altitude and UV Exposure

At higher altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner, and less UV radiation is absorbed by the molecules in the atmosphere. As a result, more UV radiation can reach the ground and skiers' skin who are at high altitudes. This increased exposure to UV radiation means a higher risk of sunburn. In addition, the UV radiation increases by about 10% with every 1,000 meters of altitude gain. Therefore, skiers are exposed to more UV rays as they are usually at high altitudes.

Reflection of Sunlight from Snow

Snow is highly reflective, and it can reflect up to 80% of the UV radiation that hits it. Skiers are not only exposed to direct sunlight but also the reflected sunlight from the snow surrounding them. This doubles their exposure to the harmful UV radiation, increasing the risk of sunburn.

Inadequate Sun Protection

Skiers often do not use adequate sun protection, like wearing sunscreen or sunglasses, because they may not feel the heat of the sun in colder environments. This lack of protection further increases their susceptibility to sunburn.

Conclusion

Skiers get sunburned easily due to a combination of factors, including higher altitude, increased UV exposure, reflection of sunlight from snow, and inadequate sun protection. To avoid sunburn, skiers should always wear sunscreen with a high SPF, protective eyewear, and cover their skin appropriately.

Key concepts

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun. It is invisible to the naked eye and is categorized into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can contribute to premature aging, while UVB rays are more associated with the top layers of skin and are primarily responsible for sunburns. UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach the ground.

When UV rays hit our skin, they can damage the DNA within skin cells, leading to sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Our skin produces melanin in response to this UV exposure, which is what gives us a tan. This can protect us to some extent, but doesn't eliminate the risk of skin damage. It’s important for individuals to understand that even on cloudy days, UV radiation can penetrate through the atmosphere and cause sunburn.

Sunburn at High Altitudes

At high altitudes, such as where skiers and hikers find themselves, the risk of UV exposure and subsequent sunburn is significantly increased. The Earth's atmosphere, which absorbs UV radiation, becomes thinner as altitude increases. Less absorption means that a higher concentration of UVB radiation reaches these elevations.

For every 1,000 meters gained in altitude, UV radiation increases by approximately 10%. This means at the top of a high mountain, UV exposure can be dramatically higher than at sea level. As a result, outdoor enthusiasts at higher elevations are exposed to more intense UV radiation, making proper skin protection crucial to prevent sunburn.

Reflection of Sunlight from Snow

Snow, with its white and pristine appearance, is an excellent reflector of UV radiation. In fact, fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, significantly more than other surfaces, such as grass or water. This reflection creates an environment where UV rays hit the skin from above and below, effectively doubling the UV exposure rate.

For skiers, this means that they are not only dealing with the UV rays directly from the sun but also dealing with the rays bouncing back up from the snowy ground. This dual source of UV exposure can lead to an increased incidence of sunburn on the face and under the chin, areas which are often overlooked when applying sunscreen.

Sun Protection in Cold Environments

It's a common misconception that sun protection is only necessary in hot and sunny climates. In cold environments, particularly in winter sports settings, individuals may overlook the need for sun protection because the cool temperatures disguise the strength of the sun’s rays. However, appropriate sun protection is vital in these conditions.

Skiers, snowboarders, and anyone spending time in the snow should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours or after sweating. Lip balm with sunblock is also important as the lips can be extremely vulnerable to UV damage. Protective clothing, such as long-sleeved layers, and UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles, are essential, even on cloudy days, to protect against both direct and reflected UV radiation.