Your Skin Care at Higher Elevation: What You Need to Know in Mammoth Lakes

While you're soaking in the beauty of Mammoth Lakes, don’t forget to protect your skin, especially at higher elevations. At 8,000 feet, UVA rays are approximately 40% stronger than at sea level. Even on cloudy days, UV rays penetrate through clouds, windows, and clothing. They reach deep into the skin's dermis layer and are a leading cause of premature aging and skin cancer. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays don’t always burn the skin, which makes them even sneakier.

Fresh snow only adds to the risk, reflecting up to 80% of UV rays and effectively doubling your UV exposure. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or enjoying a lakeside walk, sun protection is essential.

Dr. Pam Mundell, dermatologist at Mammoth Hospital, offers practical advice to stay protected while still enjoying the great outdoors.

Sunscreen: Use a mineral-based, SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen to block both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget often-missed areas like ears, the back of the neck, and especially the lips. Dr. Mundell recommends roll-on sunscreen for on-the-go protection—perfect for activities like trail running or mountain biking.

Clothing: A plain white T-shirt only offers about 8% protection against UVA rays. Instead, choose clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50, which blocks 98% of UV rays. Protective items include long-sleeve shirts, pants, bathing suits, wide-brim hats, neck gaiters, and gloves. If you wear a ball cap, remember to apply sunscreen to your ears and the back of your neck.

Sunglasses: UV rays can damage not just your skin but also your eyes. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps prevent conditions like cataracts and reduces the risk of skin cancer around the eyes and eyelids.

Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Whenever possible, limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV intensity is at its peak.

Annual Skin Checks: Scheduling a yearly skin exam is a great preventative step. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, you might consider taking Heliocare Advanced—a supplement that contains Fernblock (a natural antioxidant) and Vitamin B3, which may help reduce sun damage when used alongside other protective measures.

So go ahead—hit the trails, paddle on the lake, or enjoy après-ski on the patio. Just remember, the sun at elevation is stronger, and your skin deserves extra care. Enjoying the journey and loving the destination!