Sports and sunscreen often go hand in hand, especially in the case of outdoor sports like cricket, cycling, running, to name a few.

With regards to outdoor running, the runners are exposed to the harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays emitted by the scorching sun. The duration for which the runners are exposed to these harmful UV rays is determined by the type of run that the runners undergo.

A run for fun could be a small one, but something like a marathon, demands runners to be out for longer periods of time. Being out for longer periods of time means that the running not only can take a toll on the body but also on the skin which is exposed the damaging UV rays emitted by the burning sun.

So, what comes to the rescue of the runners? The answer is simple. It is zinc sunscreen.

Running is enjoyable

Bicycler Kristin Armstrong has quoted, "There is something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul."

There is seldom any doubt that running is something which gives an adrenaline rush to the avid runners. Though running can be done both indoors and outdoors, the latter is arguably more enjoyable given that the runners can soak themselves in the beauty of nature, including lush green trees, flowing water in a lake and fresh air, which give the runners good company while they are busy doing the job at hand.

Running can be risky but there is always a zinc sunscreen

Though outdoor running seems all good and fancy, it comes with certain kind of risk. This risk is from the harsh UV rays emitted by the baking sun. In order to protect themselves from these dangerous rays, the runners tend to apply a white coloured sunscreen, which is nothing but a zinc sunscreen.

A zinc sunscreen is made from zinc oxide, which gives the sunscreen the white colour. A zinc sunscreen also known as physical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen is known to be sweat resistant as it has the ability to stay right on top of the skin.

Zinc sunscreen does not gets easily absorbed into the body and stays for longer durations of time, protecting the exposed parts of the body against the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. 

Choosing the best sunscreen for running

There is a wide range of zinc sunscreens available in the market. Having too many options in the zinc sunscreen segment, though seems to be a luxury, it can sometimes get confusing for the runners to choose the best one that they can apply while they enjoy their run. Some of the things that one needs to keep in mind while selecting the best zinc sunscreen are its ingredients, SPF (sun protection factor), and other properties.

1. Ingredients

First, a zinc sunscreen is typically made from natural ingredients like zinc oxide (ZnO), which is a combination of zinc and oxygen. There are some zinc sunscreens which contain aloe vera, which not only enhances the natural qualities of the sunscreen but also adds a nice fragrance to the otherwise ordinary zinc sunscreen.

Second, the runners need to check the SPF factor before making the zinc sunscreen purchase. Zinc sunscreens are available in different SPFs like SPF 30, SPF 50, among many. The SPF of a zinc sunscreen determines the percentage of protection offered by the sunscreen.

2. SPF

For instance, a zinc sunscreen with SPF 50 provides protection against 98 percent of the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. Third, apart from the ingredients and SPF factor, runners should also look for properties like sweat resistant and oil-free while choosing the zinc sunscreen.

Such zinc sunscreens are suitable to people with any skin type. A zinc sunscreen that meets the aforementioned criteria is Elemnt zinc sunblock 360.