Tips For Protecting Skin When Exercising Outside
20 Ways You Can Protect Yourself From the Sun On Your Next Outdoor Run
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Sun protection is so important. While it's always top-of-mind when doing outdoor activities like picnicking at the beach or laying out by the pool, it should also be a priority when exercising outdoors, especially when long distance running. "Sun protection is crucial to avoid ageing and skin pigmentation," Shoko, NYC spa Premier57's Facial and Skin Therapist, tells POPSUGAR. Beyond cosmetic issues, sun exposure can also be the culprit behind lowered immune systems, eye damage, and even skin cancer. And according to research, the sun can cause damage to the body even hours after you head back indoors, making the usage of sun protection all the more important.
Thankfully, there are many different ways you can shield yourself from the sun's harmful rays while working up a sweat outside, from multipurpose sunblocks to UPF clothing. Keep reading for all the products you need so you can still fit in your daily run without having to worry about damageing your skin.
1 Supergoop! Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50
Supergoop's Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist ($19) is water resistant and combines the enriching qualities of Vitamin C with broad spectrum sun protection. The delivery system is also non-aerosol, meaning it won't dry out your skin.
2 Patagonia Women's High Spy Joggers
Patagonia Women's High Spy Joggers ($79) are super stretchy, quick drying, made out of 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop, and have 50+ UPF sun protection. These joggers are perfect for both the track and the trail.
3 Vive Sana Daily Protezione SPF 30
Vive Sana Daily Protezione SPF 30 ($55) has a deeply moisturising formula containing argan, green tea, licorice root, raspberry seed, and non-nano zinc. It's also very water resistant and provides a sheer matte finish.
4 Bare Republic Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Bare Republic Natural Mineral Sunscreen ($15) is a powerful sport lotion that has an SPF of 50 with no parabens, active chemical sunscreens, or synthetic fragrances. It's also lightweight, water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and has a natural coconut vanilla scent that smells delicious!
5 ADAY Lighter Days Shorts
ADAY's Lighter Days Shorts ($78) are totally breathable, lightweight, and have UV protection. They're also a fashionable staple to have in your wardrobe as they can be worn a bunch of different ways beyond your workout.
6 Glossier Invisible Shield
As their website suggests, Glossier's Invisible Shield ($25) is the perfect sunscreen for people who really hate wearing sunscreen. It's 35 SPF watergel formula quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving behind no greasy film. It protects not only from the sun's harmful rays, but also environmental pollutants that can accelerate the skin's ageing process.
7 Manda Organic Sun Paste with Thanaka Powder SPF 50
Manda Organic Sun Paste ($28) contains thanaka. For over 2,000 years, Burmese people have used the ingredient as a natural SPF due to its ability to deflect the sun. The formula is specially made for those who love to be active in the outdoors, as it's sweat-proof.
8 Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum ($85) is perfect for wearing underneath your sunblock and/or makeup, as it not only brightens and revitalizes the skin, but also fights the first signs of damage caused by the sun and environmental pollution.
9 Lolë Motion Crop Leggings
What I love the most about Lolë's Motion Crop Leggings ($120) is that you get the most bang for your buck. Not only are these great to wear while on a long jog, but they're super functional and can be worn during weekend outings and to after-work plans. Besides their versatility, they are also 50 UPF and they have a 4-way stretch.
10 Natural Zinc
Natural Zinc ($20) is made of 100 percent natural zinc and is both ocean and kid safe. Made in Bali and used by the world's top surfers, its sale profits support Reef Guardians, a reef education program for children ages 8-12.
11 IBKUL Joanna Print Convertible Tunic
IBKUL's Joanna Print Convertible Tunic ($83, originally $118) is made with IBKUL's signature patented material ICEFIL, which is a stretchy, anti-microbial fabric that's comfortable and designed to dry quickly. It converts sweat to a cooling refrigerant and protects against UV rays.
12 Pact Lightweight Lounge Tee
Pact's Lightweight Lounge Tee ($18) is lightweight and breathable, and also provides coverage to one of the most sunburn-prone parts of the body – the shoulders.
13 HydroPeptide Solar Defence Tinted SPF 30
HydroPeptide Solar Defence Tinted SPF 30 ($48) self-adjusts to match the colour of your skin, providing you UVA, UVB, and infrared protection along the way.
14 UVSkinz Womens Active Swim Shorts
UVSkinz Womens Active Swim Shorts ($40-$46) are great to wear while going out for a run or for a quick dip in the water. They're flattering, breathable, chlorine and salt water resistant (if you want to go right from the run to the water!), and are certified UPF 50+.
15 NYDG Chem-Free Active Defence SPF30
NYDG Chem-Free Active Defence SPF 30 ($98) is ideal for both sensitive skin and outdoor workouts. Formulated by the New York Dermatology Group (NYDG), it's micronized ingredients blend invisibly into the skin while also providing optimal protection from environmental skin stressors.
16 Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily Defence Sunscreen Anti-Pollution Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Chanel's UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily Defence ($55) protects your skin from the sun and has a free-radical and anti-pollution shield that protects the skin against environmental pollutants. What makes it even cooler is that it adjusts to the level needed based on environmental conditions.
17 Tree Hut Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 30
Tree Hut Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF 30 ($11) is infused with Rosehip Oil, is lightweight, and quickly absorbs into your skin, protecting it from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
18 Athleta Sunlover UPF Tulip Back Tee
The Athleta Sunlover UPF Tulip Back Tee ($54) is lightweight and offers UPF 50+ protection. The tulip design in the back also adds some extra ventilation to keep you cool on long runs.
19 Waxhead Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick
The Waxhead Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick ($24) is perfect to use on both adults and children. Its water-resistant formula is sensitive on the skin, but also made to stay on during extreme conditions.
20 MAKE Succulent Skin Gel
MAKE Succulent Skin Gel ($25) isn't necessarily a skin protectant, but it's totally helpful in those instances when you forget sunblock. Its antioxidant-rich formula, made with cactus extracts, helps to sooth, nourish, and hydrate sunburnt skin.
