Sunscreen at altitude: what a mile up does to UV
Sun
3 min read
Dr. Anneliese Ruark, MD
UV gets stronger as you climb. What that means for sunscreen, hats and timing in Denver and the mountains.
UV exposure rises as you go up, because there is less atmosphere above you to filter it. Snow reflects a large share of UV back up as well, which is why skiers burn under the chin and nose on cloudy days.
For daily life in Denver, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on your face, neck, ears and the backs of your hands, every morning, all year. For a day outside or in the mountains, choose SPF 50, reapply every two hours and after a swim or a workout, and add a hat and sunglasses.
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide suit sensitive and eczema-prone skin and are the ones we recommend after lasers and peels. The best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear every day, so pick a texture you like.
This note is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Results vary from person to person. If a spot bleeds, grows quickly or changes color, book a visit within days.
Author
Dr. Anneliese Ruark, MD
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anneliese Ruark, MD, FAAD.
