Don’t Forget Your Skin During Fall/Winter Training!

Posted on November 2, 2012 Written by 17 Comments

Just because the temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter doesn’t mean you should forget about protecting your skin from the sun! The following are some great tips from Dr. Elizabeth Hale, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine:

  • Shield with shades. UV radiation can damage the eyes and the skin around them, so it is important for runners to wear their sunglasses. To provide the best protection for your eyes, your shades should block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Choose wrap-around frames, which stay on better while you train.
  • Replenish yourself. Drinking water can help keep your body and skin hydrated, especially if you are sweating. It is essential for runners to pay attention to how much water they are drinking before, during and after outdoor exercise. “I like to apply Coppertone Sport Pro Series with DuraFlex before stepping outside for training. This lightweight formula sprays on easily and helps keep my skin hydrated,” says Dr. Hale.
  • Protect every inch. Runners and other outdoor athletes tend to forget to apply sunscreen on all areas of their face and body. The most commonly overlooked areas when applying sunscreen are the scalp, ears and backs of hands. Just remember to bring your sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
  • Timing is everything. Schedule your outdoor training when the sun is less intense; avoid exposure between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you do run during that time, choose a route that offers plenty of shade.
  • Go safe with your style. Make sure to protect your skin during your run with the appropriate attire. Try wearing lightweight, sun-protective clothing. Also, stay cool with a baseball hat to help shield your face from the sun.

I got a chance to try out the Coppertone Sport Pro on my outdoor training runs. I loved it! It was lightweight, so I didn’t interfere at all with my ability to sweat which is a big plus for me. I also love the top on the bottle (see picture).

One of the things I have disliked about lotions and sprays in the past is the fact that they can sometimes leak in your gym bag. Coppertone Sport Pro with Duraflex has a rotating top that allows you to easily cover the spray opening.

Love this top that easily twists open or closed!

Enter below to win two bottles of the Coppertone Sport Pro to test out for yourself!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coppertone provided 30 Something Mother Runner with two bottles of Coppertone Sport Pro with Duraflex for this review and giveaway, in addition to the tips from Dr. Hale. As you know, sun protection is a cause that is very close to my heart! :-)

Filed Under: Health, Reviews Tagged:

Running in the Sun

Posted on July 10, 2012 Written by 4 Comments

Most of us probably experienced running in the sweltering sun this past weekend, and for some parts of the country, for more than a week! Because melanoma has personally affected my life, I am now very careful about running in the sun.

I am in no way saying not to run in the sun, rather I would like everyone to run “safely” in the sun. Smile So how DO you running safely in the sun? Here are a few tips:

    • Cover up when possible. I know this is hard in the summer months, but if you can wear a light weight t-shirt or tank made of a performance fabric, it is a lot easier to keep the skin protected.
    • Wear sunscreen! I know many runners are hesitant to wear sunscreen for fear of it running into your eyes and burning. Trust me, I feel your pain. I had this happen to me in a race and it was very annoying and painful. There are a number of sunscreens now that are sweat proof and do work. You can also try wearing a visor or hat to prevent some of the sweat from dripping down into your eyes.
    • Run in the early morning or evening hours when the UV index is lower. Although you can still get sun exposure, the sun’s rays are not as strong as these times.
    • Don’t forget your ears and lips! It is not uncommon to get skin cancer on your ear lobes or lips, as many people forget these areas of the body! Make sure you use sunscreen on your ears and a good lip product for your lips. I was recently sent some Aquaphor Lip Repair and Protect to try out. I love that it has an SPF of 30—it’s so hard to find lip products that have a higher SPF! It also stays on well and keeps your lips nice and hydrated! Winking smile During the day, I usually just wear sheer lip gloss, and I am more than happy to replace it with this and keep my lips sun safe at the same time!
    • Don’t forget the sunglasses! Your eyes can be damaged by too much sun too—don’t forget to wear glasses that have UV protection and are polarized if possible. If you don’t wear sun glasses or a visor, you will end up squinting. When you squint, you can develop tension in your upper back. Stay sun safe and comfortable and wear sun glasses. You don’t have to wear special running sun glasses, though I do find them to be much more comfortable and lightweight.

 

What are your favorite products to stay safe in the sun?

30 Something Mother Runner was provided with a complimentary tube of Aquaphor Lip Repair and Protect and a gift card in exchange for providing my unbiased opinion on the product. Please be assured that all opinions and writing are my own unless indicated (by quotation marks).

Filed Under: Health, Reviews Tagged: ,