Forgot Your Sunblock? Save Your Skin With This Tip... (1-2-2010)

We all know excessive sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer. Therefore, it is absolutely critical to protect your skin from the sun while hiking.

But what if you forget your sunblock...like I did on my summit attempt of Uncompahgre Peak (OUCH!):





















Don't despair! The secret tip that will save your skin is...ChapStick.

As with sunscreen, you should always be carrying some type of lip protector. The key is to buy one with an SPF of at least 15. Then, when you forget your sunscreen, you can rub the lip balm all over your exposed areas and be totally protected!

I've implemented this strategy on several hiking occasions. And it worked every time. The two products that I've personally used are:

1. ChapStick Lip Moisturizer SPF 15
2. Blistex Ultra Protection SPF 30

Now, if you forget sunscreen AND lip protection with SPF, you're hosed.

Just kidding! Try to cover all exposed areas with clothes or anything else you have on hand.

The Hiking Nerd