Runners: sunscreen recommendations?

RadioactivePirate
RadioactivePirate Posts: 212
in Fitness and Exercise
What sunscreen do you use when you're running outdoors? I am very pale and burn easily, so I need it, but I'm worried about it getting in my eyes when I start sweating. What have you found to be the best?

Replies

  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    I increase my sun exposure gradually because our bodies NEED natural sun exposure. I also use clothing to cover up. If I must use a sunscreen, I use only natural products but it's a last resort. I am pale too, but since changing my diet and supplementing with Vitamin D3/K2, I don't burn as easily. (I live in the Arctic, but starting at this time of year, we get even more sun than in southern areas, so we do get sunburned.)

    Do you run with a cap on? I find that helps me to tolerate sun exposure more comfortably.

    (oh, if you are worried about the chemicals from sunscreen in your eyes, skin is also permeable, so health-wise, it's the same imo)
  • RadioactivePirate
    RadioactivePirate Posts: 212
    I'm only really worried about it burning my eyes, not the chemicals. I'm way more concerned with melanoma than I am with whatever minute risks come from wearing sunscreen. I burn in about 10 minutes so not wearing anything is really not an option for me unfortunately.
  • AmberSpamber
    AmberSpamber Posts: 391 Member
    First- I go for anything with a SPF of 50 or higher. You want it lasting the duration of your run. Then I try to avoid anything with oxybenzone in it ( usually the first or second ingredient) I use a sunscreen by neutrogena and it works great. Have never been burnt while using it.
  • dawnemjh
    dawnemjh Posts: 1,465 Member
    I like nutragen asunscreen, but I also usually wear a cap as well. I think it's the sensitive skin brand 70 spf
  • RunnerElizabeth
    RunnerElizabeth Posts: 1,091 Member
    Coppertone waterbabies 50spf. Works for my daughter who is three now and bothers her eyes far less then some other products. Rather than buying a separate product for myself, I use it as well for running and all other sun exposure.
  • Janie_May
    Janie_May Posts: 51 Member
    I use Coppertone Sport 50 SPF lotion for long bike rides. Pretty good luck w/ it not running into my eyes. I've tried a lot of others (including Coppertone spray) but have finally settled on this one. My husband had melanoma (and boy, do I regret the damage I did to my skin as a sun-worshipping teenager), so we're pretty OCD about sun exposure. We ride in the shade when possible and try to go out early in the AM or late in the afternoon to avoid the strongest rays.

    As an operating room nurse, I've seen a lot of skin cancer excisions, some quite disfiguring. And melanomas that would prove fatal...I'll get off my soapbox now! :wink:
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I've never had an issue with sunscreen in my eyes. I always wear a visor when I run and that absorbs a lot of sweat. Check out www.headsweats.com

    I use Mary Kay day solution on my face (SPF 35) or Sheshido on my face chest and arms: http://www.sephora.com/ultimate-sun-protection-lotion-broad-spectrum-spf-50-for-face-body-P173670?skuId=1451970

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