In the mountains two things work against your skin: the sun is stronger at altitude, and wind and cold pull out moisture. So the base gets stepped-up sun protection and richer hydration. Here's the kit for a hike and a mountain trip.
At altitude UV rises by about 10% per 1000 m, and snow reflects light strongly so SPF goes higher, with mandatory reapplication, and a stick is handy. Wind and cold dry the skin: a rich cream, a lip balm and cover for exposed areas. Sunglasses and a hat are essential.
01The sun at altitude
The higher you go, the thinner the atmosphere and the stronger the UV: according to the WHO, radiation rises by about 10% per 1000 m of ascent. Snow reflects a large share of the rays, adding to the load. So take a broad-spectrum SPF, apply it generously and reapply every 2 hours a stick is especially handy on the trail. Don't forget ears, neck and the backs of the hands. See also why you need SPF.
- Broad-spectrum SPF, generously; reapply every 2 hours, a stick is handy.
- Snow and altitude boost UV protection is needed even in the cold.
- Sunglasses with UV protection and a hat.
- Exposed areas: ears, neck, backs of the hands.
02Wind, cold and dryness
Wind and low humidity pull out moisture; skin roughens and flakes. What helps is a richer cream than in the city and a lip balm reapplied often. In strong wind and frost, a rich protective product (a butter or balm) on the cheeks and nose does the job. On basic hydration: how to hydrate your skin.
03Common mistakes
- The same SPF as in the city, with no reapplication. At altitude and on snow you need more protection.
- A light cream in the wind. It won't hold moisture in dry, cold air.
- No sunglasses or hat. UV is stronger at altitude.
- Ignoring lips. In wind and frost they crack first.
04Common questions
Why is it easier to burn in the mountains?
At altitude the atmosphere is thinner and filters less UV — about +10% per 1000 m according to the WHO. Snow additionally reflects the rays, adding to the load on the skin.
What cream should I take hiking?
A richer one than your city cream: it holds moisture better in dry, windy air. For exposed areas in the cold, a protective butter or balm.
05What to pack
Broad-spectrum SPF, stick
Easy to reapply on the trail.
Link coming soonRich cream
Holds moisture in wind and cold.
Link coming soonProtective butter or balm
On cheeks and nose in strong wind.
Link coming soonLip balm (ideally with SPF)
Against cracking in wind and frost.
Link coming soonDirect purchase links aren't available yet — the affiliate programme is still being set up. The product names and ingredients are listed, so each one is easy to find in the shop's search.
The data on UV rising with altitude and on sun protection draws on materials from the WHO and AAD:
This material is educational and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist.