WITH Christmas and the New Year festivities well and truly behind us, some people will be turning their attention to a winter skiing holiday.

And while our winter in the UK has been rather on the soggy side, skiing lovers can expect bright and sunny climes in parts of Europe and beyond.

Both seasoned skiers and newcomers to the slopes are being warned to make sure they pack sunscreen as a vital part of their accessories on the slopes. Skin can burn easily when people are on snowy ski slopes – leaving soreness and embarrassing marks where a person has been wearing goggles.

The British Skin Foundation says the amount of Ultra Violet (UV) rays that reach the earth’s surface increases by up to five per cent for every 1,000 feet above sea level a person is, plus both ice and water are very good reflectors of UV radiation.

This means that areas typically exposed to the elements such as the hands, face and head are the key areas to target for sunscreen. Liberally apply sunscreen, which is at least SPF30 or higher and one with a high level of UVA protection, says the foundation.

The charity, which is dedicated to raising funds for research into cures for skin disease and skin cancer, is offering some top tips for those heading for the slopes

• Re-apply sunscreen as frequently as you would in the summer time to all exposed areas of the skin

• Don’t forget any exposed areas that we often miss when applying sunscreen such as the ears, lips and back of the neck

• Stay moisturised. This won’t protect you from the sun, but winds and colder temperatures will strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it drier and more susceptible to cracking

Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson says: “It’s all too easy to forget about skincare when you’re covered from head to toe, but at altitude, the risk of sunburn remains high.

“It’s vital to adequately protect exposed sites with high factor broad spectrum SPF and remember to reapply frequently.”

For more information about skin diseases and research visit http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/

• There are eight million people living with a skin disease in the UK, some are manageable and others are severe enough to kill. Seven people die every day in the UK from skin cancer.

• Skin disease doesn't just affect the skin, it can have a huge impact on a person’s day-to-day life, crush self-confidence, restrict movement, lead to depression and put a huge strain on families as well as personal relationships.