The Art of Sun Protection for Runners
Healthy skin isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity
Healthy skin isn’t just about how you look—it’s about long-term protection.
And it starts with the habits we build now.
Sun doesn’t just age your skin, it damages your DNA.
Even one burn matters.
Running is one of the most accessible and enjoyable forms of exercise. It offers cardiovascular benefits, stress relief, and often a supportive run community or at least a really cool medal. Skin Vitality MD wants to address and help reduce the potential challenges a runner may experience.
How do we protect the skin from sun exposure, sweat, friction, wind, and pollution?
Skin Vitality along with Heidi K. Anderson M.D. will create a ritual for skin protection that supports your health and enhances your performance.
Often the first defense in skin protection is to reduce friction or moisture in the folds. With options like Glide, Lume or Secrets Body Cream Deodorant, comfort is much easier to attain. I also have to wear silicon sheaths over my toes to reduce blistering and toe jam, really toenail loss.
Skin Vitality Top Tips:
SLIP
UPF 50 fabrics can be sporty as well as protective with a bonus ability to wick away moisture.
Another aspect of defense is wearing compression on arms and or legs, which sun protects, reduces friction, absorbs sweat and enhances circulation for better recovery.
SLOP
Apply sunscreen on exposed skin. Grab a product that is SPF 30 or higher, and preferably with physical with zinc or titanium ingredients. I love the physical sticks or powders for the face, and since I recommend wearing a hat, start the sunscreen starting at the temples. Colorscience rocks! Remember, sweat and swimming reduce the sunscreens longevity so reapply after 45 min during these conditions. Do not forget your lips, tops of the ears and back of the neck!
Be Heart healthy and Sun smart. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US and is largely preventable, so we need to take steps to reduce the risks.
SLAP
Wear a hat, nothing hurts more than a burned part that peels for days. Plus it will absorb some of the sweat as to not get into your eyes and sting.
WRAP
Wide rimmed sunglasses are vital. We won’t squint and create crows feet, but more importantly, we will reduce the risk of UV induced cataracts, macular degeneration, ocular cancer and scarring of the sclera.
FLUIDS
Skin will loose fluid with sweat. Lungs will release fluid as we breathe. A good before and after hydration plan is important for endurance and recovery. Well-hydrated skin looks healthier, recovers faster, and resists damage better.
I am biased because of living in Sarasota. I remember the days of wearing a wool beenie to not loose too much heat from the head or applying an ointment on the cheeks or lips to not get chapped from windburn or cold temperatures. These measure are temperature based and inportabt too. I have runners in my run group that are in tank tops unless it gets below 50