As a cyclist, you know the importance of taking care of your body. From staying hydrated to stretching before and after rides, there are many things you do to ensure that you’re in top shape for your next ride. But have you ever thought about how your cycling routine might be impacting your skin?
Riding a bike exposes your skin to a lot of different elements, from the sun’s harmful UV rays to wind and pollution. And if you’re not taking steps to protect your skin, you could be putting yourself at risk for damage and premature aging. But don’t worry, taking care of your skin while cycling is easy. Here are five skincare tips for cyclists to help you protect your skin on the bike:
Wear Sunscreen
This is probably the most important skin care tip for cyclists. The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes, and if you’re out on the bike for hours at a time, that adds up quickly. Plus, the sun’s rays can be especially intense when they’re reflected off of surfaces like water or pavement.
To protect your skin, make sure you’re applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before you head out for a ride. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming. It’s important to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant and broad-spectrum, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Protect Your Lips
Your lips are another area of your skin that can be easily damaged by the sun. And because they’re so sensitive, they can also be prone to chapping and cracking.
To protect your lips, make sure you’re using a lip balm with sunscreen. And if you’re going to be out for a long ride, consider bringing a tube of lip balm with you so you can reapply as needed. It’s also a good idea to choose a lip balm that contains natural moisturizing ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil or shea butter, as they will help keep your lips hydrated and healthy.
Clean Your Face
Riding a bike can expose your skin to a lot of pollution, dirt, and sweat. And if you’re not cleaning your face regularly, all of that grime can build up and lead to acne and other skin problems.
To keep your skin looking its best, make sure you’re cleaning your face every night before bed. And if you’re going to be out for a long ride, consider bringing some face wipes or a travel-size cleanser with you so you can clean your face on the go. It’s important to use a gentle cleanser that will remove dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Moisturize
Riding a bike can also dry out your skin, especially if you’re out in the wind. And if your skin is dry, it’s more prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
To keep your skin hydrated, make sure you’re moisturizing every day after cleansing your face. And if you’re going to be out for a long ride, consider bringing a travel-size moisturizer with you so you can reapply as needed. It’s important to choose a moisturizer that is formulated for your specific skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive or combination.
Take Care of Your Eyes
Riding a bike can also be hard on your eyes, especially if you’re out in bright sunlight. And if you’re not taking care of your eyes, you could be putting yourself at risk for eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.
To protect your eyes, make sure you’re wearing sunglasses with UV protection whenever you’re out riding. And if you’re going to be out for a long ride, consider bringing a pair of clear glasses with you so you can change into them when the sun goes down. It’s important to choose sunglasses that fit well, provide complete coverage and block out at least 99% of UV rays.
Additional Skincare Tips
Wear protective clothing: Wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves can help protect your skin from sun damage and windburn. It’s also a good idea to choose clothing made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that will help keep you cool and dry.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for overall health and wellness, and it’s especially important when you’re cycling. Staying hydrated will help keep your skin looking plump and hydrated, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Exfoliate: Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can help prevent breakouts and improve the overall appearance of your skin. It’s a good idea to exfoliate once or twice a week, but be gentle, as over-exfoliating can dry out your skin.
Take care of your diet: Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can help improve your overall health and wellness, including your skin. Make sure you’re getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats to help keep your skin looking its best.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and wellness, and it’s especially important for your skin. When you’re well-rested, your skin will look and feel better, and you’ll be less likely to develop wrinkles and fine lines.
In conclusion, cycling is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy the outdoors. But it’s important to remember that your skin is also exposed to a lot of elements while you’re on the bike. By following these five skincare tips for cyclists, you can protect your skin from damage and keep it looking great, no matter how long your ride is. Remember to take care of your skin as it is the largest organ in your body. Happy cycling!