One of the great parts about living in Florida is that we can be outdoors and active most of the year. In fact, some argue that we have our “winter” during the summer, since that’s when we are more inclined to stay inside, out of the extreme heat.
Regardless, there is no doubt that Florida is home to many active adults… especially runners! The questions is, is there any special skin care advice for these individuals? Check out these 6 tips for taking care of your skin during the long days of summer!
- Wear sunscreen.
Wear sunscreen on both sunny and cloudy days… and not just any sunscreen, either! Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen that’s water resistant since you’re guaranteed to sweat out in the Florida heat and humidity. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you walk out the door and, if you’re going to be out more than two hours, take some with you to re-apply. We recommend the Colorescience Sunforgettable Sunscreen since it’s water resistant and easy to apply and re-apply to your face.
- Dress to protect yourself.
While it may be tempting to peel off your shirt and run without one, try to resist the temptation. Your clothing offers great protection against the bright sun. Also keep in mind that while dark colors may feel hotter, they do shield more of the UV rays.
- Cover the spots that are most vulnerable.
Have you ever noticed that many of the spots on your body that are most vulnerable to the sun are the ones we often forget? These spots include the ears, lips, shoulders and top of the head and have a higher likelihood of cancer. Use sunscreen generously in these locations and consider wearing a hat to protect your scalp and your face.
- Avoid peak hours.
I probably don’t have to work too hard to convince you that it’s best to run outside of peak hours! However, you should avoid running outside between 10 AM and 4 PM, even on days when it’s overcast and cooler!
- Get your Vitamin D.
While you can get your Vitamin D by spending time in the sun, it’s better to eat it than absorb it. Vitamin D can be found in a variety of food, including fish and eggs. If you aren’t sure whether or not you’re getting enough you can also take it as a supplement.
Are you a runner? What do you do to protect your skin during the summer?
