Sun skin care tips

After a long, cold winter in much of Canada, a lot of the country is finally starting to warm up and the sun has been shining. The sidewalks are packed with runners eager to get some spring runs in, but don’t forget that all that sun isn’t always good for you; too much of it can cause skin problems later in life or a nasty burn the next day. Also, long term skin damage can’t be undone.

Melanoma is one of the leading cancers in Canada and runners are at an increased risk of developing it.

One of the best rules for avoiding skin damage while running is to try and not go for runs while the sun is at its highest point, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. You won’t always be able to keep a schedule that allows this, but the sun is more dangerous during those hours.

Wearing sunscreen is one of the most obvious ways to combat long term skin damage, but there are a few important things to remember before picking one off the shelf at a pharmacy.

Make sure you buy an oil-free sunscreen with broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher protection. Broad spectrum sunscreen covers both UVA and UVB rays so you’re protected from both sunburns and longer term damage. Buying sport sunscreen that is sweatproof and waterproof will make runs m0re enjoyable. The sunscreen won’t drip into your eyes and need reapplying halfway through a long run.

Also, it’s tempting to shed as many layers as you can as soon as the temperature allows, but maybe think twice about going out for an hour in beating sun without a shirt. It might seem like an awesome idea, but it’s also an awesome way to get a mean sunburn. Consider keeping some clothing on if you can bear it, and remember all clothing is not created equal.  A lot of new athletic wear has great UV-blocking and reflective fibers in it that are even better at protecting you from the sun than many sunscreens. Cotton is not very good at blocking the sun. If you’re outside in cotton on a bright day, a lot of the most dangerous UVA rays may still make their way to your skin.

UVA rays are tricky. They also make their way through clouds, so remember that, even on days that are overcast, you can still be doing damage to your skin if you’re outside exposed for too long.

Beyond this, don’t forget to cover up certain points that are often missed. The neck, hands and ears get neglected by many. Also, a good pair of sunglasses and a hat will go a long way to avoiding sun stroke on a hot summer day.

So, enjoy the sun and get outside for your runs now that it’s warming up, but don’t forget to keep safe from the rays and remember that a bad sunburn might keep you out for a few days afterwards and long term skin damage can’t be undone.