Many factors affect UV intensity, which subsequently alters the UV Index. This in turn, alters the amount of time that you can spend in the sun before starting to burn. The environment or terrain can alter the level of UV radiation that you are exposed to.

Did you know that there is:

1.  An 85% increase from snow reflection

2.  A 100% increase at 3000m altitude

3.  A 25% increase from white-water reflection

4.  That 80% of UV rays pass through cloud

Top 5 Skincare Tips for Skiing

1. The intensity of the sun's rays increases at higher altitudes. Protect your skin against UV damage by ensuring that you use a sunscreen with high UVA/UVB protection. La Roche-Posay recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios Fluide Extreme 50+ €21.50 which offers the strongest protection on the market against UVA and UVB rays with an ultra-fluid and light texture. La Roche-Posay Anthelios stick €10.50 is a handy targeted ultra-protection stick SPF 50+ to effectively protect the most sensitive areas.

2. Lips are particularly prone to drying out in harsh weather so make sure you use a moisturising lip balm with UVA/UVB filters to prevent chapping and cold-sores. For dried out lips try Nutritic Lips €7 for sensitive which not only soothes and nourishes dry lips but transforms the 4 clinical signs of dry and sensitive lips - chapping, tingling sensation, thinness and extra sensitivity. Thanks to the patented Ceramide 5 in Nutritic Lips which reinforces the cutaneous barrier, lips are transformed. Nutritic lips is an non-greasy ultra fine balm that also contains biolipids to nourish and soothe dry lips.

3. Cold weather dries out the skin and can cause cracking and splitting, so when exposing yourself to the elements, do take extra care to moisturise your skin thoroughly morning and evening.  La Roche-Posay Nutritic Ultra-fine cream €16.00 with 5% Biolipids concentration was tested by a famous explorer, Nicholas Vanier, in temperatures as low as -50ºC and proven to protect his face from all the drying effects of extremely cold weather.

4. Eyes require special protection so wear wrap-around sunglasses with adequate UV protection to approved EU standards. 'Snow blindness' (photokeratitis) is sunburn damage to the cornea of the eye caused by UV radiation. This painful condition can be associated with temporary vision loss for up to 48 hours. Choose eyewear that meets the European Standards EN 174, EN 1836 

5. Pamper and restore your skin après-ski with a re-hydrating face mask or use La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water €9.50.  This product is unique by virtue of its composition which contains the highest concentration of any water in the world of the potent anti-free radical, selenium, an essential ingredient in the prevention of skin ageing and induced UV cellular damage. Its therapeutic properties have been dermatologically proven by in-vivo and in-vitro studies to be highly healing, soothing and decongesting.