Sunscreen is one of the most important skin care products cyclists should use before setting out on an exciting ride. Why do cyclists need to wear sunscreen? Sunscreen acts as a sunblock that protects the wearer against the scorching sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Cyclists spend a lot of time in the sun on long rides. Therefore, they must apply sunscreen to the exposed parts of the body to protect themselves from the damaging UV rays emitted by the burning sun. Read on why Cyclists should regularly apply sunscreen.

 

While there is an umpteen number of sunscreens available in the market, choosing the best for cyclists is paramount. Some of the features to look for before buying sunscreen for cyclists are:

 

Broad-spectrum protection

As with any sunscreen, your sunscreen should be broad-spectrum with an SPF of 30 or above. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the user from ultraviolet A (UVA) rays that cause signs of ageing, like dark spots and wrinkles and ultraviolet B (UVB) sun rays associated with burns and cancer. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more offers protection against 97%+ of the harmful rays emitted by the sun.

 

 

Oil-free, water-proof and sweat resistant 

Sunscreen is considered good if it is sweat resistant, oil-free and water-proof. Typically, there are two categories of water-resistant sunscreen:

 

80 minutes: 80 minutes is considered the ideal rating for any sunscreen to be used by any athlete involved in sports that require being out in the sun for longer periods. They are excellent for anyone who sweats profusely.

 

40 minutes: If you do not sweat a lot, the water-resistance factor may not be as important, so you could get away with using a sport sunscreen with a 40-minute label.

 

Natural or mineral-based sunscreen

Sunscreen made from natural ingredients like zinc, orange, lemon, etc., usually does not cause any side effects and is considered suitable for different skin types. If you opt for a chemical-based sunscreen, you could likely attract a side effect. Not all chemicals suit your skin. 

 

Different sunscreens for different skin types

Considering your skin type while buying sunscreen is a must. For instance, if you have dry skin, look for ingredients like glycerin, lanolin, oils or aloe, as they have a major hydrating factor. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, lightweight and non-greasy gel sunscreens can work wonders. People with sensitive skin are recommended to use fragrance-free physical (natural/mineral-based) sunscreen. Such sunscreen does not have any side effects. It is always advisable to avoid sunscreens with preservatives or alcohol as they can cause skin irritation.

You can read more on need of protection from sun on our blog.

Do you cycle regularly? Share your thoughts about skincare for cyclists in the comment section below