What Types Of Sunscreen Are Best For Outdoor Exercise?

Girl sitting by pool in a sun hat and sunglasses

Have Fun In The Sun And Stay Safe

Read Time: 3 minutes

There’s no need for people to be afraid of working out outdoors in the sun. The trick is to apply sunscreen beforehand and keep applying sunscreen throughout daily activity. This is important to remember because exercise creates sweat, which will gradually lessen the effectiveness of the sunscreen.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

For people who are doing heavy outdoor exercise and sweat a lot, sweat-proof formulas are the way to go. This type of formula prevents the annoying sting of sunscreen in the eyes. Sweat-proof sunscreens are also broad-spectrum formulas, which means users are protected from UVA and UVB rays. Sweat-proof sunscreens can be applied to wet skin and remain sweat-resistant for around 80 minutes.

Sunscreen for sensitive skin

People who have sensitive skin sometimes avoid sunscreen for fear of reacting to the formula. But this only increases the risk of skin cancer. There are sunscreens out there which are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens which contain colloidal oatmeal. This ingredient is designed to soothe the skin and maintain hydration.

Sun protection with acne

Like people with sensitive skin, many acne sufferers avoid sunscreen. In this case, individuals worry that oily sunscreen will lead to a breakout. However, non-oily sunscreens are available. This type of formula is comfortable to wear and won’t cause the skin to look shiny. Look for sunscreens labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free.

Fun facts about sunscreens

Sunscreens have been around for over 100 years. During the early 1900s, sunscreens were developed from extracts from horse chestnuts. In 1930, Ambre Solaire first introduced an oily sunscreen which was much easier to apply than earlier formulations. During the 1940s, the military performed secret research to find out which were the best types of sunscreen for soldiers. After examining several compounds, the researchers concluded that the best type of waterproof sunscreen was red veterinary petroleum.

Sunscreen on the go: quick and easy tips

For people who like to work out outdoors and then go straight to the office, blockers including titanium oxide and zinc oxide are good options. Sunscreens containing these ingredients that have an SPF of 30 will spread more easily. For people on the go, sunscreen sticks are easy to use and to carry and can be applied quickly. For more skincare and skin cancer prevention tips, speak with a dermatologist.

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