How to Protect Your Skin During Winter Sports
When people think about sun protection, they usually picture hot summer days at the beach — not cold mornings on the slopes or winter adventures outdoors. But the truth is, your skin can still be exposed to high levels of UV radiation during winter sports, even when temperatures are low.
Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking or spending long days outdoors during winter, protecting your skin should still be part of your routine.
Why Winter Sun Can Still Damage Your Skin
One of the biggest misconceptions about winter is that cold weather means less UV exposure. In reality, UV rays are still present year-round and can be even more intense at higher altitudes.
Snow can also reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, increasing your exposure from multiple angles. This means areas like your nose, cheeks and lips are especially vulnerable to sunburn and long-term skin damage during winter activities.
20% Zinc Oxide
SPF 50+
Fragrance Free
Paraben Free
Vegan
Contains Vitamin B3+B5, Vitamin E & Aloe Vera
4 Hours Water Resistance
Rubs in Clear
Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Extreme element barrier
Suitable for all Skin Types
Safe for children over 6 months old
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
90mL
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate through cloud cover.
The Most Vulnerable Areas During Winter Sports
During winter sports, some areas of the face are more exposed than others, especially when wind and cold conditions dry the skin out.
Pay extra attention to:
Nose
Cheeks
Lips
Ears
Under the eyes
Neck
These areas are often exposed for long periods and can burn quickly in alpine or outdoor conditions.
Use a Long-Lasting Zinc-Based Sunscreen
Winter sports usually involve hours outdoors, sweat, wind and changing conditions, which makes long-lasting protection important.
Zinc-based sun protection is a great option because it creates a physical barrier on the skin and stays visible so you can clearly see where you’re protected.
Applying zinc to high-exposure areas like the nose and cheeks can help provide reliable coverage during long days outside.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
Lips are one of the most commonly overlooked areas during winter. Cold air, wind and UV exposure can quickly dry them out and lead to cracking or sun damage.
Using a lip balm with SPF can help keep your lips protected and hydrated throughout the day.
Reapply Throughout the Day
Even during winter, sunscreen should still be reapplied regularly — especially after sweating, wiping your face or long periods outdoors.
If you’re spending the whole day on the mountain or outside, keeping a compact zinc stick or sunscreen in your jacket or bag makes reapplication easy.
Cover Up Where Possible
Sun protection isn’t only about sunscreen. Protective clothing and accessories can also help reduce UV exposure during winter sports.
Helpful additions include:
Sunglasses or goggles with UV protection
Hats or helmets
Neck gaiters or buffs
Jackets with high collars
Gloves and long sleeves
Winter Sun Protection Matters
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your skin is safe from UV damage. Winter sports often involve extended exposure, reflective surfaces and harsh outdoor conditions that can take a toll on your skin.
Building simple sun protection habits into your winter routine can help keep your skin healthier and more comfortable while you enjoy the outdoors.
No matter the season, protecting your skin should always be part of the adventure.
Sun Zapper Kids Pure Zinc Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with 25% non-nano zinc oxide. It’s 100% vegan & organic, reef safe (no chemical sun filters), preservative free, paraben free, and artificial fragrance free. Built for active outdoor days, it offers 80 minutes water resistance, rubs in clear, and works as an “extreme element barrier”. Suitable for all skin types and safe for children over 6 months. Made in Australia.
25% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
100% Vegan & Organic
Reef Safe - no chemical sun filters
SPF 50
Artificial Fragrance Free
Paraben Free
Preservative Free
80 Minutes Water Resistance
Rubs in Clear
Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Extreme element barrier
Suitable for all Skin Types
Safe for children over 6 months old
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
100g
SPF 50+ Zinc Stick Sunscreen Protection
Maximum Performance for Extreme Athletes
4 hours Water Resistance
Extreme element barrier
Paraben Free
Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Suitable for all Skin Types
Safe for children over 6 months old
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
12g stick
