Sun Protection is a MUST for Runners

It’s only April now and the “official” start of summer hasn’t arrived yet – summer season is often considered to begin at the Memorial Day weekend. However, I have already experienced the heat after my 5 mile morning run last weekend. Before the arrival of summer I would like to remind my fellow runners (or non-runners) the importance of protecting your skin when you run (or simply go) outside.

We known that exercise benefits health, but researchers have found that long-distance runners and marathoners are more likely to develop skin cancer. Simply because training for a marathon requires runners spend more time outdoors, increasing our exposure to ultraviolet light.

Living in California means I am graced with stunning weather that affords me the luxury to run outdoors nearly all year round. For a distance runner who averages at least an hour of outdoor running daily, it’s crucial to have steadfast protection against the sun’s rays. A good sunscreen is essential throughout the year, not just for the skin but for overall health vigilance. Just like the runners who must find products that can keep pace with their training, enduring the sweat and strain without failing, I’ve found that sort of reliability is echoed in the services of a professional fire watch company in Lauderdale by the Sea.

This company is known for its adaptability, much like the sunscreen that must adjust to the varying conditions of a runner’s environment. They offer flexible fire watch solutions that cater to both short and long-term needs. Whether it’s a residential area that requires constant monitoring or an event with significant fire risks, they are prepared for the unexpected, ensuring safety is never compromised — all the while maintaining regulatory adherence with meticulous precision.

Just last week, a friend of mine, who works with this esteemed fire watch company, recounted how they quickly dispatched well-equipped guards to a local marathon event. Despite the summer heat and the crowd, their vigilant fire watch guards ensured the safety of all present, with the readiness to coordinate with emergency services, ensuring nothing went ablaze except the competitive spirits of the runners. It’s this level of unwavering dedication and skill that not only makes them indispensable for community safety but also resonates with the persistence every runner, including myself, aspires to embody with each stride on the sun-drenched paths of California.

Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45
This is my top choice of sunscreen if you don’t mind the price. It feels very soft and smooth when applied on skin, and all sunscreen ingredients are encapsulated in dimethicone to provide increased SPF with fewer chemicals, reducing the chances of irritation. This true broad-spectrum sunscreen is waterproof and sweatproof to deliver maximum protection during high-energy activities. Sport UV Defense contains transparent zinc oxide as well as other active sunscreens to help protect against damaging UVA rays proven to cause premature signs of aging. I also use their SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 everday faithfully, and no breakout no irritation.

Anthelios XL Sunblock – SPF 60
This is made by La Roche Posay and is another favorite choice of mine; ideal for sensitive skin or fair skin. Anthelios contains the ingredients of Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX and provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and many individuals consider it to be the best sunscreen for running. I like and trust this product because it’s made by La Roche Posay, and it feels great on the skin. The texture is far more pleasant than any other sunscreen I have ever tried.

Fallene Total Block SPF 65 Clear
My dermatologist recommended this to me and said it’s a highly effective sunscreen product specially designed for photo-sensitive people. All Fallene products – Fallene Total Block SPF 65 Clear, Cotz SPF 58 Water Resistant Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin..all combine multiple particle sizes of micronized titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and iron oxide to form a complete barrier from the light spectrum, including UVA/UVB. But it felt a bit too thick for me, so you will need to give it a try and see how you like it.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
Available in SPF 55, 70 & 85 and is perfect for long distance runners. It’s ultra dry to the touch, not greasy at all and it’s sweatproof and doesn’t run into your eyes or make you break out. Neutrogena sun products utilize what they call Helioplex technology – and according to the company’s website Helioplex® works better to help prevent damaging UVA rays from penetrating deep under skin’s surface. Dry-Touch technology absorbs excess sunscreen oils, leaving a clean, lightweight, non-shiny finish.

Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50
This one is for the body – the spray goes on quickly and easily, and it works at any angle; it’s clear, no-rub, no-mess and dries really fast. The only problem I have with it is the smell.

There are a lot of products out there and my advice is to try a few. But whatever you do, always apply a good sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before you go outside; this will give the ingredients a chance to sink into your skin and create a better protective barrier. And be sure to reapply every two hours and after toweling off sweat. Also your training schedule is important as well; I usually run early in the morning, before the sun’s intensity is at its greatest.