What's The Best Sunscreen For Snowboarding?

When out in the snow, it is important to use sunscreen that can protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays while also providing protection from the wind and cold.

Whether you are snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering... Or just hitting the apres bar hard, your skin will be exposed to higher levels of UV than usual. Not to mention sub-zero temperatures and harsh winds. 

Here are our top 5 things to look out for when choosing sunscreen for your next winter adventure...

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

SPF is the abbreviated term for Sun Protection Factor.

It´s a measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen in protecting the skin from UV radiation. The SPF number indicates the timing of protection a product provides.

For example, if it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red in the sun, an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer - about 5 hours.

At high altitudes, the Sun's rays are more intense due to the thinner atmosphere, so it´s even more important to use sunscreen in the mountains than it is on the beach!

A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended for high-altitude activities, such as hiking or skiing. Additionally, it is important to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. 

Water and Sweat Resistance

Sweat-resistant sunscreen is formulated to stay on the skin even when the wearer is sweating.

Anyone who has had to walk back up the hill to fetch their dropped pole will know just how much sweat you can work up on the side of a mountain!  

Sweat-resistant sunscreens typically contain ingredients that help the sunscreen adhere to the skin. These are usually silicone-based, but natural alternatives are available (as found in our vegan SPF50)

They also often have water-resistant properties, which help them stay on the skin even when exposed to water. Keeping mountain users protected during snow and rain showers...or when that pond skim goes badly wrong!

Broad Spectrum Protection

UVA radiation is responsible for tanning, but it also contributes to skin aging and the development of skin cancer.

Sunscreen can protect against UVA radiation, but not all sunscreens provide equal protection.

Sunscreens labeled "broad-spectrum" protect against both UVA and UVB radiation, but not all broad-spectrum sunscreens are equally effective.

Look for sunscreens that contain ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone, which provide better UVA protection.

To protect against UVA and UVB rays whilst out on the mountain, it´s important to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection.

Ingredients

When it comes to protecting and nourishing your skin, we believe that naturally formulated sunscreens are the best. That´s why we started Palm & Pine and why we will always be keeping things natural!

Natural sunscreens use natural ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block and absorb UV radiation. These minerals are mixed with other natural ingredients such as: 

• Shea butter - To moisturize and nourish your skin 
• Echinacea - To provide antioxidants 
• Calendula wax - To provide natural, vegan waterproofing and sweat resistance 
• Lemon balm - To provide antibacterial properties to the product ad your skin. 

Lip Protection

When out on the mountain, your lips are exposed to the sun, dry air, and cold wind. A combination that can burn and crack even the most luscious of lips! 

Sunburned lips can be painful and can lead to long-term damage, such as an increased risk of skin cancer.

The best way to avoid chapped, painful lips is to carry an SPF lip balm with you and reapply regularly.

We find the best time is on the chairlift, remembering to share with your friends too, but don´t drop it!

When choosing a lip balm for your winter adventure. Try to find one with the below features

• SPF rating (SPF30 or higher) 
• Water/weather resistant
• In small, easy-to-carry packaging
• Containing ingredients that nourish your lips rather than dry them out (avoid ingredients such as alcohol and perfume)
• With a tinted coloring.  

Sustainability

If you care about spending time in the mountains, you should care about sustainability! 

It´s no secret that global warming has negatively affected the snowfall and weather in mountain ranges worldwide. 

As mountain goers, it´s our duty to protect the environment and the mountains. Allowing the natural inhabitants and our children to enjoy winter fun. For generations to come. 

When choosing a sunscreen, think about sustainability by asking such questions as: 

• Does it come in Plastic, single-use packaging?
• Does it contain toxic chemicals such as oxybenzone or octinoxate that can run into soil and streams? 
• Does the brand practice sustainable manufacturing processes? 
• Is it made from natural, biodegradable material? 

Our Sunscreen

The name Palm & Pine comes from our equal passion for the ocean and the mountains. With a mission to protect our customers whilst protecting their playgrounds. 

We have developed our SPF50 formula to be the ultimate protection for winter sports enthusiasts. It´s  the top choice for snowsports athletes worldwide, including Olympic snowboarder Seppe Smits

Some of our standout features for winter adventurers are: 

• Long-lasting, broad-spectrum UV protection  
• Water & sweat-resistant 
• No tears formula, leaving you with crystal clear vision all the time.
• Smooth and easy application, whatever the temperature 
• Pocket sized, go-anywhere container 
• Packed with beneficial natural ingredients that nutrify the skin whilst protecting it. 
• No plastic! Made with recycled aluminum which can be reused or recycled.
• Tinted formula for stealth protection. 
• Vegan 

Buy yours today with free worldwide shipping and don´t forget to use your discount code!