Ah, the open road, nothing quite like it except the feeling of the wind whipping through your hair. That is if you’re a runner. Unfortunately, if you’re a runner who loves to take in the sights of the outdoors and boost your heart rate simultaneously, you may also be familiar with the “runner’s face.”
Runner’s face is an affliction that can cause redness, flushing, sunburns, and even premature wrinkles if left unaddressed. But don’t worry; with the proper sun protection for runners, you can protect your skin from sun damage and enjoy running outdoors without fear of developing a runner’s face!
In this article, we’ll start by looking at what a “runner’s face” really is and then provide some tips on what to look for when choosing the best sun protection for outdoor runs.
Have you ever heard of runner’s face? If you’ve been logging high miles or running for a long time, you may have experienced it yourself.
Runner’s face is the wrinkles and fine lines that can appear due to excessive exposure to the sun while running. Unprotected sun exposure when running can create wrinkles and ageing of the skin, making it appear older than it should be.
Runner’s face can also cause more severe damage than just wrinkles, leading to sunburns, discolouration and unwanted pigment changes in the skin.
It can also aggravate skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, making them flare up more quickly. Preventive measures are critical for all runners, especially those running longer distances. To avoid a runner’s face, you must know what kind of protection is best for your skin and how to apply it correctly.
Have you ever heard of runner’s face? If you’ve been logging high miles or running for a long time, you may have experienced it yourself. Runner’s face is the wrinkles and fine lines that can appear due to excessive exposure to the sun while running. Unprotected sun exposure when running can create wrinkles and ageing of the skin, making it appear older than it should be.
Runner’s face can also cause more severe damage than just wrinkles, leading to sunburns, discolouration and unwanted pigment changes in the skin.
It can also aggravate skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, making them flare up more quickly. Preventive measures are critical for all runners, especially those running longer distances. To avoid a runner’s face, you must know what kind of protection is best for your skin and how to apply it correctly.
You might have heard of the dreaded runner’s face if you’re a frequent outdoor runner or any outdoor athlete. So what exactly is it? Runner’s face is a form of premature ageing caused by exposure to sun and wind, resulting in wrinkles and thinning skin.
The reason why this tends to be more common in runners specifically is twofold: one, we often tend to forget how crucial sunscreen is. Two, runners are exposed to more sun and wind than sedentary individuals since they sweat while running.
So if you want to kiss the runner’s face goodbye, there are two essential steps: first, slather on sunscreen before heading out on longer runs, and second, cover up your face with a cap or bandana for extra protection against the harsh UV rays and windy days. These seemingly-small steps can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful!
Few things can diminish your running performance more than “runner’s face.” So, what is runner’s face? It’s a condition caused by excessive UV exposure (UV rays are twice as intense for runners because of the reflection of the sun off of pavement) that results in premature wrinkling, discolouration, and hyperpigmentation. Sounds pretty bad, right?
The good news is you don’t have to stop running to avoid runner’s face; you need to be proactive about sun protection.
Here’s what you want to look for when choosing the best-rated sun protection for runners:
But what is the best approach to sun protection for runners? The answer is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and ensure it’s water-resistant. Tests and research undertaken by the American Academy of Dermatology also recommend looking for “broad spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects from UVA and UVB rays.
Balmy Fox – On the Trail, Sun Cream and Sunscreen Lip Balm uses a high level of natural oils and waxes (and no chemicals), increasing its levels of sweat and water resistance when compared to most major high street brands
The most important thing with sunscreen is to remember to use enough and re-apply frequently
Besides using a good sunscreen, it’s essential to take other steps to protect your skin as well:
It may seem like a lot of work, but the extra precautions are worth it. Keeping your skin protected from the sun can help you stay healthy, feel better and look better in the long run.
Whether you’re going for a jog around the neighbourhood, or trail running in the mountains, you know how important hydration is, and that goes for your skin, too! Keeping your skin hydrated is vital when avoiding runner’s face, so moisturising and aftercare products are essential for runners.
So why exactly should a runner invest in moisturisers and aftercare products?
Moisturising products help replenish lost moisture in your skin and help keep it from drying out. This will ensure your skin retains essential oils, vitamins, minerals and proteins to protect itself from harsh elements like sun exposure and sweat. Regularly applying a good moisturiser after every run can help maintain healthy-looking skin.
Balmy Fox “On the Trail” Sunscreen also makes an excellent moisturiser, due to it being formulated using only natural oils, and waxes
Your run puts you at risk of UV exposure, especially if you’re running outdoors, so make sure your facial moisturiser contains SPF. SPF measures how well sunscreen can protect you from UVB rays, which cause sunburns (and those dreaded wrinkles). The higher the SPF number, the higher the protection against UVB radiation you get. So when finding an effective sunscreen product for runners, go with an SPF of 15 or higher!
Don’t forget about taking care of your skin post-run; it’s just as crucial as pre-run preparation! For example, cleansers and toners are great for removing sweat, dirt and excess oil; masks can help soothe any redness or inflammation; serums are great for brightening dullness.
In conclusion, no one is immune to runner’s face, but there are ways to mitigate the damage it can cause. Investing in the right products can ensure that your skin gets the best protection before, during, and after you hit the road.
Choose sunscreens with broad spectrum coverage and water resistance that can last through your sweatiest runs. Match your sunscreen with a moisturiser and hat designed specifically for runners to ensure your skin remains hydrated and protected throughout the day. With these products, you can enjoy the sunshine without the worry of runner’s face.
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