Athletes who exercise outdoors (particularly in the mountains) must protect their skin using an appropriate sunscreen to prevent premature skin aging, as altitude and perspiration significantly amplify the impact of UV rays.

noli's read

The recommendation to protect one's skin during outdoor physical activities is scientifically unimpeachable. The statement regarding altitude is based on very solid atmospheric physics data. An observational study conducted in the Swiss Alps indeed confirms that global UV radiation increases by approximately 10% for every 1,000 meters of elevation, because the layer of the atmosphere that filters the rays is thinner. Furthermore, the impact of sweat on exposure is very real: according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), perspiration increases skin sensitivity to the sun, which lowers the skin's tolerance threshold before the appearance of redness. Finally, the lack of protection among athletes is supported by a recent observational study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), showing that more than 50% of athletes never use sun protection during exercise, mainly due to uncomfortable textures.

the sources

1. 1Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM 2011
2. 2Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC 2013