Slop on ski sunscreen

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 301, 25 August 1989, Page 6

Slop on ski sunscreen

Skiers are being warned to protect themselves from one of the less obvious hazards they face when they venture onto the snow, skin cancer.

'With thousands of skiers on the snow for the school holidays, we

want to remind them that the sunlight on the ski slopes is often

more dangerous then the sunlight at home. "The severe sunburn common with skiers, can cause skin cancer including the dangerous form, melanoma," said the Cancer Society's medical director, Dr Alan Gray. "People venturing onto the snow for the first time are particularly vulnerable to severe sunburn. They are in cold surroundings and they often don't realise they are being burnt." Skiers are exposed to more sunlight because there is less atmosphere to filter out ultraviolet radiation at the ski field's higher altitudes. As well, the snow and ice reflect a large percentage of the radiation, said Dr Gray. In addition, the thinning of the ozone layer could be increasing the risks skiers face. "Skiers need to use a strong sunscreen to protect themselves. And it's particularly important to protect children's skin when they are on the snow," said Dr Gray. Broad Spectrum sunscreen "We recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more. This gives the skin 15 times its natural protection." Skiers should check the label to see whether a sunscreen gives broad spectrum protection. Broad spectrum sunscreens are most effective because they filter both types of harmful ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB, Dr Gray says. Sun-sensitive parts of the face such as the nose and lips needed extra sunscreen protection. "You can still get a gentle tan through even the strongest sunscreen." Dr Gray said the sun can be just as damaging on cloudy days as when the sky is clear, and the danger is greatest in the afternoon. High altitudes also cause additional ageing of the skin said Dr Gray. The harsher sunlight causes greater drying and thinning of the skin, and can permanently damage the skin's elasticity. Age spots and roughness are also more likely to develop. Melanoma Awareness The Cancer Society is cautioning all New Turnpage8

Sunscreen From page 6 Zealanders against excessive sunburn. It can result in skin cancer, including melanoma. "We're also advising people to check with their doctor if they notice changes in freckles or molcs," said Dr Gray. Most cases of melanoma can bc cured complctely of they are treated early and it's relativcly easy to recognise the danger signs of early melanoma. The Cancer Society's Melanoma Awareness Campaign, begun in 1988, is continuing this year and is sponsored by UV Ultrablock and AMP.