Is biking good for your skin?

What does biking do for your skin?

These are general exercise benefits, rather than something unique to cycling. Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, bringing oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. The flushed glow after exercise comes from increased circulation, which is inconvenient for anyone trying to sell the same effect in a bottle. Regular exercise also helps manage stress and supports better sleep. Because stress can contribute to acne, eczema and psoriasis, reducing stress can reduce the likelihood or severity of flares.1

How to protect your skin before, during and after biking

1. 1Before riding, remove makeup and put on freshly washed cycling clothes. Oil, bacteria and dead skin on unwashed clothing can clog pores. Avoid sharing helmets when possible, and wipe down shared exercise equipment before use.
2. 2For daytime outdoor rides, apply broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to uncovered skin. Choose an oil free formula labelled "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores." Use sun protective clothing and shade where possible. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after sweating. In cold weather, moisturizer or petroleum jelly can help protect skin that gets chapped, without replacing sunscreen.
3. 3Reduce rubbing before you set off. Wear cycling shorts suited to the activity and apply petroleum jelly to areas that easily chafe. Choose breathable fabrics that move sweat away from skin, and check that seams and tags do not rub.
4. 4During the ride, gently pat sweat away with a clean towel rather than rubbing. Check your saddle fit and position, and change position regularly to relieve pressure. More saddle padding is not usually the answer, even if the seat looks qualified to be a sofa.
5. 5After riding, remove sweaty shorts promptly and shower. Wash acne prone skin gently with a mild, oil free cleanser, using your fingertips and warm water. Avoid scrubbing and hot water. If you cannot shower, change into clean clothes; salicylic acid pads are an option for areas that tend to break out.

What if biking causes chafing or saddle sores?

Chafing is irritation from skin rubbing against skin, clothing or another surface. Moisture makes skin easier to damage. For minor chafing, stop the rubbing, gently clean with mild soap and water, dry the area and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Minor chafing usually clears within a few days.34

Saddle sores develop around the buttocks, groin and inner thighs from pressure, friction and moisture. They can include painful bumps, blisters or open sores, even after short rides. Take a break from cycling until they improve. Keep the area clean and dry, wear loose breathable clothing, and do not pick or pop sores. Early sores often settle after a few days off the bike; deeper sores can take weeks.5

When should you get medical help?

Get medical advice if chafing worsens or does not improve within a few days. Saddle sores that do not improve with home care also need assessment. Seek care for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus or fever, which can signal infection.45