An Observational Study of Personal Ultraviolet Dosimetry and Acute Diffuse Reflectance Skin Changes at Extreme Altitude

This expedition's participants received massive doses of UV radiation during their time at high altitude. In many individuals this was similar to the annual exposure of northern European office-workers (100 MEDs). Diffuse skin reflectance spectroscopy revealed considerable subcutaneous lipid loss, skin dehydration, and increased melanin in keeping with these levels of exposure.