How do I protect my skin during outdoor workouts?

What should I do before heading outside?

1. 1Remove makeup with a gentle cleanser before exercising. Makeup mixed with sweat can contribute to clogged pores.
2. 2Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before leaving. Cover every area clothing leaves exposed, including your ears, neck, scalp, backs of hands and tops of feet. Use about an ounce for an adult's exposed body, rather than a thin smear.
3. 3Put on sun protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Look for an ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, label on clothing.
4. 4Choose a shaded route where possible. If your schedule allows, exercise outside the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when sunlight's UV exposure is generally highest.

Should I wear sunscreen while running?

Yes, including for a short run: even 20 minutes outside counts as sun exposure. Clouds do not remove the risk from UV rays, the invisible radiation in sunlight that damages skin cells. Sunscreen is especially important when the forecast UV index reaches 3 or higher. Snow and pale sand reflect UV, so winter training and beach workouts also need protection. Apply sunscreen regardless of your skin tone.246

What sunscreen is best for sweating?

Look for three things: SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and water resistance. Water resistance lasts for either 40 or 80 minutes on wet skin; check the label for the interval. No sunscreen is waterproof. For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is a good option. If you are prone to breakouts, look for "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" on the label.15

The word "sport" has no FDA definition on sunscreen, so the bottle's athletic career is mostly typography.5

How often should I reapply sunscreen during exercise?

Reapply at least every two hours outdoors when your skin stays dry. During sweating, follow the sunscreen's 40 or 80 minute water resistance interval, and reapply after heavy sweating, swimming or toweling off. Exercise can make reapplication necessary within an hour, so do not treat two hours as a fixed waiting period. Apply a full layer to all exposed areas again. Higher SPF gives more protection while the sunscreen is on your skin, not more time between applications.345

How do I reduce rubbing and weather irritation?

Choose loose workout clothes and fabrics that wick moisture, such as nylon or polyester, to move sweat away and reduce rubbing. Well fitting shoes and moisture wicking socks help prevent blisters. In cold weather, moisturizer or petroleum jelly can help protect skin that becomes chapped or windburned; keep using sunscreen too.1

Sun protective clothing adds UV protection without another layer of lotion, which is one less thing to spread before leaving the house.2

How do I wash sweat off my face after exercise?

Shower after exercise to remove sweat, oil and bacteria. If you cannot shower, wash your face with a gentle cleanser that will not clog pores and change into clean clothing. If no cleanser is available, lukewarm water alone helps. During the workout, gently pat sweat away with a clean towel rather than rubbing.1

When should I take extra care?

Some medicines increase sun sensitivity, including doxycycline, certain diuretics and ibuprofen. If skin starts burning, prickling or reddening, get out of direct sun rather than continuing the workout. Sunburn can take about four hours to appear. Avoid further sun exposure until a burn heals, and do not break blisters. Seek medical attention for a large or severe burn, dehydration, fever over 101°F, or extreme pain lasting longer than 48 hours.34