Though the idea of skiing may make you think of frigid temperatures and white surroundings, you mustn’t ignore the fact that the sun is still present in the winter! It’s easy to push sun care out of your mind when the weather gets cold, but it’s something you can’t afford to do.
It may not feel like it a lot of the time, but the sun’s UV rays are still working when the weather is cold. When you go skiing, the potential harm from UV rays increases because of the high altitudes at which you ski. The Skin Cancer Foundation asserts that everyone must continue using sunscreen during the cold months, especially skiers!
Now you’re thinking, what kind of sunscreen do I need to buy for skiing? Is it a different type? The answer is that you need a strong broad spectrum protection sunscreen that will keep your skin safe as you make your way down those high altitude slopes.
Let me help you figure out which sunscreen will fit your individual skiing and skin needs!
After deeply investigating the best protection for skiing, SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the best sunscreen for skiing.
Best Sunscreen for Skiing Comparison
 thinksport Sunscreen |
 Raw Elements Eco Stick |
 Badger Sport Sunscreen |
 Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick |
 BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical |
|
| SPF | 50+ | 30 | 35 | 30 | 30 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (22.75%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Price | See at Amazon | See at Amazon | See at Amazon | See at Amazon | See at Amazon |
Buyer’s Guide
The UV rays at high altitudes are no joke! To be sure that you’re properly protected, look out for these must-have features in your sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
When it comes to sun care, there really isn’t much that is more important than getting broad spectrum protection. This means that your protection is balanced against both UVA and UVB rays. That’s right, there are two different types of UV rays from the sun, and they work differently.
UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin and cause you to tan or burn. UVA, are more dangerous, and penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging.
You want proper protection because exposure to both types of rays increase your risk of skin cancer. While you’re high on the slopes skiing, the UV rays reach you even easier so be sure that your sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection!
Best SPF for Skiing
So there’s a little voice in the back of your mind that tells you to pay attention to the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating on your sunscreen, but you’re not really sure why. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. But understanding how SPF works and what different ratings mean will help you choose the right sunscreen for your skiing trips.
The SPF rating tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied your sunscreen. So first and foremost, make sure you take your time rubbing it in well and evenly!
This means that you if you’re wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50, then only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. Sounds promising, right? It is definitely helpful, but not something to get carried away with.
Listen carefully, wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does not mean that it’s safe for you to stay in the sun 50 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. And at those high skiing altitudes, that is the last thing you want to try. SPF protects against UVB rays, which are responsible for burning and tanning. You don’t want to end up with a skiing burn!
Here’s a simple table that will help you understand the amount of protection you get from different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Has this debunked the mysteriousness of SPF for you? As you see, there is little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and one of 100. The AAD suggests choosing sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50. SimplySunSafe endorses this guideline for sunscreens of all purposes.
It depends on your unique skin type and tone what SPF rating you will choose for your skiing ventures. It may be a wise decision to choose sunscreens with SPF ratings closer to 50 for extra protection at high altitudes.
No matter what SPF rating you choose, be sure to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours!
Physical is better than chemical
In case you didn’t know, there are two main categories of sunscreen — chemical and physical. Believe or not, there are real differences between these two types, which lie in their active ingredients and in the ways they work to protect your skin.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin while physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin. Which would you choose if you only heard that information?
I encourage you to choose physical sunscreens at all times, including for your ski trips. There are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones. Just a few of these are that physical sunscreens:
- Work immediately upon application
- Last longer
- Are less likely to cause irritation
- Have a longer shelf life
Are you feeling swayed yet? Here’s another fact to consider. Many chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that mess with your hormones. I think that speaks for itself as something you want to avoid. The worst of these chemicals is called oxybenzone and is still legal and used in many popular products despite concerns from the FDA.
Take care, avoid oxybenzone, and choose physical sunscreens for your ski trips!
Suitable for use on face
Chances are when you’re skiing, you’ll be wearing an insulated ski suit that covers your whole body. It’s not unlikely that you’ll also be wearing heavy duty gloves to keep your hands warm.
So that leaves your face as the main part of your skin exposed to the sun while skiing. As it one of the most sensitive areas of skin, you want to be sure that you find protection that will be gentle while still effective.
There are many sunscreens designed for sensitive areas of the skin, and others designed specifically for use on the face. Take stock of your specific skin conditions and necessary accommodations, and start searching for a face-safe sunscreen.
Water resistant
Sweating is never what you’re thinking about when you set out to go skiing. But it happens! When you spend hours going up and down the slopes enjoying yourself, you are bound to get a bit sweaty. You don’t want that to jeopardize your sun protection.
Aside from sweating, it is also possible to have moisture and condensation settle on your skin from the snow surrounding you. This is another thing that might cause your sunscreen to melt, leaving you unprotected.
So I suggest using water resistant sunscreens for your ski trips. Sunscreens are available with water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes. It’s up to you which length you choose, however, it might make your time on the slopes easier if you choose sunscreens with 80 minutes of water resistance.
Zinc oxide as active ingredient
When you’re choosing your sunscreen for your ski trip, it’s a good idea to check out sunscreens that have zinc oxide as one of their active ingredients.
Zinc oxide is a super ingredient that protects against the full range of UVA/B rays. You know that you are receiving optimal sun protection when your sunscreen has zinc oxide. At the high skiing altitudes, you want to best and strongest protection you can get. Sunscreens with zinc oxide as an active ingredient will provide that type of protection.
5 Best Sunscreens for Skiing
After thorough research into what protection is needed while skiing which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for skiing.
Each product provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. They are all water resistant and suitable for use on the face!
1. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
- SAFE, NATURAL PROTECTION: Thinksport sunscreen provides effective sun protection for athletes, sports and active use. The broad spectrum UVA & UVB sun cream is suitable for daily use on even sensitive skin, offering gentle defense against the sun’s rays.
- EASY APPLICATION: The hydrating body and face sun cream is quick and easy to apply, and protection from the sun begins instantly. The fast absorbing SPF 50+ sun lotion won’t leave your skin feeling oily or sticky, and has no unpleasant chemical scent.
- CLEAN MINERAL FORMULA: The first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, Thinksport vegan, Leaping Bunny certified sun creams contain no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
- WATER RESISTANT: Ideal sunscreen for sport and other activities that make you sweat. Our sun cream provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.
- REEF FRIENDLY: Safe for you, and safe for the earth. Produced in the USA, our sunscreen’s active ingredient is non-nano Zinc Oxide, and the formula is highly biodegradable, non toxic and does not contain any known chemicals harmful to coral reefs.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s choice for the best skiing sunscreen is thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+. At the top of the safety list, as the first sunscreen to have passed the Whole Foods premium care requirements, thinksport is a choice that you can rely on. You get broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
thinksport ‘s formula is designed for use on skin types, including sensitive, and is gentle enough to be used on your face, even daily. You will find that this sunscreen is thick, needs to be rubbed in well, and leaves a slight white cast on your skin. This is to be expected with a high concentration of zinc oxide, and just indicates great protection!
Thinksport’s high SPF rating provides extra protection against UVB rays at the high altitudes where you’ll be skiing. And it’s 80 minutes of water resistance ensure that it won’t melt off your face once you start sweating.
Another reason to choose thinksport is because this brand can protect your whole family while skiing. Check out thinksport Kids Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ and thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen 50+. Your family ski trip is taken care of!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Available in Kids and Baby formulas
- Leaves white cast on skin
2. Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
- CONVENIENT AND EASY-TO-APPLY – Use the easy applicator to wear heavy and opaque or rub completely into skin. Water-resistant sun protection lasts up to 80 minutes and does not run or sting your eyes.
- DAILY USE FOR ALL AGES – Moisturizing formula can be used as part of your daily skin care routine and is gentle enough for kids.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS NATURAL MINERAL SUNSCREEN – Soy, gluten and nut free, contains no synthetic chemicals and packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so your skin stays protected long after environmental exposure
- SPF 30+ BROAD-SPECTRUM PROTECTION – With a sole active ingredient of 23% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, our Face Stick 30+ provides UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum coverage
- SAFE FOR OUR PLANET – Reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO and biodegradable in recyclable packaging. Protect yourself and the environment!
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Considering the purpose for your sunscreen search, skiing, it is important to consider convenience and practicality of your sunscreen. Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 is an excellent option that will be easy for you to carry on you and reapply at the top of the slopes!
Raw Elements provides broad spectrum protection with a very high concentration of super active ingredient zinc oxide (22.75%). So you know your sunscreen will be fighting those UV rays as well as possible.
Raw Element’s formula is hypoallergenic and is gentle enough for use on your face daily. It does leave a white cast as it has such a high concentration of zinc oxide, but it’s like the mark of proper protection.
With 80 minutes of water resistance you will safe against sweating and have a convenient sunscreen option while you’re skiing!
- Very high concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Convenient stick form
- Leaves white cast on skin
3. Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- One 87 ml. Tube of spf 35 sport unscented sunscreen cream
- Organic
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another dependable sunscreen that will protect your face well on the slopes is Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35. This formula has a total of just 5 all natural ingredients, including a very high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%).
With such a simple formula, your face will receive gentle protection that is very unlikely to cause any irritation to your skin. You will be left with the hallmark white cast from the zinc oxide, but you’ll just blend in better to your snowy environment.
80 minutes of water resistance is provided for security when you sweat or find yourself wet with condensation from the snow around you.
Badger is another company that will protect your whole family during your ski trip. Check out their Kids and Baby formulas!
All of their formulas are so good, we also recommend Badger Baby as the best sunscreen for winter because of the hydration it provides, so when you’re not shredding on the slopes it could be an everday option for the cold months.
- Very high concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Options for kids and babies
- Leaves white cast on skin
4. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick SPF 30
- 100% GOOD FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY: A fast-absorbing & non-greasy 100% zinc-based sunblock to protect the face, lips, nose and ears. This water resistant sunscreen SPF 30 stick helps you enjoy the sun safely. Convenient, travel-friendly for families on the go.
- FORMULATED FOR VERY SENSITIVE SKIN: This sunscreen is specifically developed with 100% non-nano zinc to provide you with 80 minutes of water and sweat resistant coverage. Safe for baby and perfect for the entire family. Fragrance free.
- ZINC-BASED, MINERAL FORMULA: Specially formulated with skin-soothing organic oils like jojoba. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free. Enriched with Babo's Organic Nutri-Soothe Complex. Reef friendly.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. Reef Safe. No Oxybenzone. Mineral Based sunscreen.
- NO HARSH CHEMICALS OR IRRITANTS: Hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Clinically tested and rated number #1 in safety by Environment Working Group (EWG). Gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, almond and walnut free. Made in USA and B Corp Certified.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another option which focuses on the convenience of carrying your sunscreen with you on the slopes, Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick SPF 30 provides excellent broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of your target active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
This sport stick is specifically designed for use on your face, ears, nose, and lips, and will protect you just as you need high on the slopes. This may be your best face sunscreen for skiing.
While you will be left looking a bit white, Babo Botanicals will even moisturize and nourish your skin while you ski. The formula contains ingredients like jojoba oil to condition while protecting!
With 80 minutes of water resistance, you don’t need to sweat it and worry about your sunscreen melting away while you ski!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Convenient stick form
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Will leave slight white cast
5. BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical Sunscreen SPF 30
- UVA / UVB broad-spectrum protection.
- Very water resistant.
- 18.6% Zinc Oxide.
- Chemical-free, biodegradeable, ocean-safe, eco-sensitive.
- Paraben-free, petroleum-free, paba-free.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s final recommendation for skiing sunscreen is BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical Sunscreen SPF 30. This is a durable and reliable sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of zinc oxide (20%).
While its name may sound tough, BurnOut is gentle enough to be used on your face and anywhere else on your body every day. Like its counterparts, BurnOut will leave you with a slight white cast, but you can always cover it up if it bothers you while you ski.
The good thing is that you’ll be protected high up on the slopes with 80 minutes of water resistance and you won’t need to worry more than necessary about reapplying your sunscreen.
BurnOut is a solid option for your ski trips and, as it’s SimplySunSafe’s pick as best hiking sunscreen, it’s also perfect for mountain conditions!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Safe for daily use on your face
- Will leave slight white cast
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read this guide which was written for those searching for the best sunscreen for skiing, I hope that you’ve learned more about proper sun protection and found the right product for you!
SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ but all 5 recommended products are sure to protect you well on the slopes.
Before you put on your ski suit, take some time to think about what you really need in a sunscreen for skiing. Test a few different products on your face to see how your skin reacts. That way you’ll be able to make the right decision for you!
I love learning new things and hearing about different products from my community. If you use or know of another great sunscreen for skiing, share it in the comments. I’ll be happy to take a look at it and maybe even add it to this list!
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