All the Answers to Every Burning Sunscreen Question You’ve Ever Had
At this point, the fact that you need to wear sunscreen while riding-or doing anything outdoors-is a no-brainer. It’s not like you can outride UV rays, right? And even if you aren’t walking away from your workout with a tank top burn line, you’re still exposing your skin to sun damage every time you step outside.
“Incidental sun exposure for only 10 to 15 minutes a day adds up over time and can cause significant sun damage and accelerated photoaging,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologic surgeon at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Centers in New York City. Translation: Your outdoor cardio sessions could lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin, not to mention skin cancer, if you don’t protect yourself.
When you take into account the amount of time we cyclists spend under the sun and the excessive sweating working against our sun protection, it’s even more important that we follow the basic guidelines for SPF: mainly using it, but also reapplying it as long as you’re exposed to UV rays. And don’t skip the top of your ears, back of your neck, lower lip, and even your scalp, says Neal Schultz, a medical dermatologist based in New York City, and founder of Beauty Rx Skincare. These are higher risk spots that athletes tend to forget and can be areas of concern, he says.
But protecting yourself from UV-induced damage and skin cancer on the run doesn’t have to be as tedious as an interval workout. It can be easy if you just make the effort-so here are expert-backed answers to all of your sunscreen FAQs so you have everything you need to know to do it right.
Does a higher SPF number mean better protection?
The short answer: Yes. “We used to think anything over SPF 15 was not any more effective than a lower number, but now studies have shown that the higher the number, the better the protection,” explains Engelman. SPFs as high as 100 could have a significant effect against sun damage, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; when people used SPF 50 cream on one side of their face and SPF 100 on the other, 55 percent of the participants were more sunburned on the less protected side.
But you don’t really need to stress about slathering on anything over SPF 50, adds Schultz. “Once the SPF exceeds 50, there’s very little additional protection.” It also depends on whether you’re using it properly: “You need to be applying enough and reapplying immediately after swimming or sweating and every two to three hours otherwise,” he says. If not, the SPF hardly matters; whatever the number is, it’s going to wear off.
What’s the difference between a chemical and a physical sunscreen?
There are two ways sunscreens work: They either absorb UV rays or reflect them away from your skin. “Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing damaging UV energy,” says Schultz. “They’re the more traditional sunscreens you think of,” he adds, and mainly consist of ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone, or a combination of these. Those carbon-based ingredients then convert the UV rays into heat and release it.
On the other hand, “mineral sunscreens sit on the top of the skin and deflect or scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin,” says Engelman. Picture the streak of white cream lifeguards wear on their noses. “They’re typically made up of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” she says. While some sunscreens are better for different skin types, choosing between physical and chemical protection is really a personal choice.
Traditionally, many people shied away from formulas using a physical screen due to the thick formula and opaque white coverage of the zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, but new technologies have been improving this effect, and some physical formulas now feel as light and sheer as the chemical versions. Try any of these sweat-resistant sunscreens that will keep you covered throughout every run.
What ingredients in sunscreen cause it to sting my eyes?
It’s actually not the active sun-protecting ingredients (referred to on the back label as “Active Ingredients” that cause that stinging sensation, says Schultz. “It’s the ingredients that comprise the vehicle of the sun-protecting ingredients, i.e. lotion, cream, etc. And there are a limitless number of ingredients that can cause stinging or burning.” Watch out for chemical sunscreens that contain octyl methoxycinnamate or ones containing fragrance, says Engelman; those are more likely to make you teary-eyed. You may also want to opt for a powdered formula such as Brush on Block. It uses a mineral powder delivery system that can help soak up some perspiration and oil during exercise.
But won’t I just sweat the sunscreen off when I start riding?
“Yes, and that’s why you need to reapply it!” says Schultz. Look for oil-free and water-resistant formulas to limit the amount of sunscreen running off your skin (and especially into your eyes). “I also like powdered sunscreen-it will absorb sweat throughout the workout and won’t feel like a thick barrier,” says Engelman. “Physical sunscreens, in general, tend to adhere better on the skin.”
You should apply sunscreen one hour before going outside; this gives it time to be to absorbed, Engelman says. And if you’re going on a long run that will last longer than two hours since applied, definitely bring SPF to apply on the go. Mini sticks and travel tubes work well for this. You can even give yourself a second layer of protection with a hat, top, or arm sleeves made of UPF fabric.
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If I don’t burn, I don’t really have to wear sunscreen, right?
False, incorrect, wrong. “Sunburns are caused by UVB rays, and skin cancer is caused by UVA rays, which are the majority of UV rays,” says Schultz. “Not burning confers no protection from skin cancer.” Plus, sun damage from burns also causes accelerated photoaging, says Engleman. Translation: You’re going to look weathered, faster. And “sun damage accumulates even if the skin is not burned,” she adds.
If it’s not sunny out or it’s winter, is it okay to skip sunscreen?
Nope. “The UVA rays that cause skin cancer are the same all year long and all day long,” says Schultz. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Make it a habit to slather up before every outdoor run no matter what the forecast calls for that day.
Do cyclists have a higher risk of skin cancer than non-cyclists?
While there hasn’t been a ton of research on cyclists, it makes sense that since we spend so much time outside, we might be more vulnerable. One study published in the journal Dermatology in 2000 did find that cyclists on the Tour de Suisse were 30 times more exposed to UV radiation than is recommended.
“Anyone spending more time in the sun than the average person is at a higher risk for skin cancer than one who is not being exposed to UV radiation,” says Engelman. “So, in theory, someone who is running outdoors during daylight hours is getting more damage and is at higher risk of skin cancer than someone who is not outdoors for that same amount of time.” But that doesn’t just apply to cyclists. Anyone who spends more time in the sun is more at risk than someone who doesn’t-especially if they don’t adequately protect their exposed skin.
What if I am prone to breakouts?
That’s no excuse to skip your SPF. “Just like with any other skincare products, you want to buy sunscreen that is labeled water-based, oil-free, for acne or oily skin, or non-comedogenic,” says Schultz. Non-comedogenic means that the sunscreen was specifically designed to not clog your pores, which would lead to irritation, pimples, and blemishes.
Could wearing sunscreen while cycling impact my performance?
Speaking of blocking pores, some runners stress that SPF could actually slow you down by blocking your pores and causing overheating. But research shows that sunscreen has no effect on ventilation, oxygen consumption, lactate levels, sweat loss, or rating of perceived exertion. While this study is from 2000, more research is needed on newer formulas. If you want to be extra cautious, “buy sunscreen that’s labeled water-based, oil-free, for acne or oily skin, or non-comedogenic,” says Schultz-exactly what you’d look for if you don’t want to deal with sunscreen-induced breakouts. “Those products will not impede sweating, which is vital to thermoregulation while exercising,” he says.
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