Taking care of your body comes in all sorts of ways that come together to give us the ultimate combination of health, being fit, and feeling happy. While eating a well-balanced diet and choosing smart life habits, other factors weigh in greatly and are of the utmost importance if we are to be strong, agile, and high in stamina.
Working out is without any doubt the best means to achieve this, and the best of all is that it comes in a wide variety of different types. Working out is a broad term that covers every different way of being active, no matter what your routine is. If you are not doing a certain sport like basketball or tennis or doing only cardio like running, jogging, or cycling, you can describe your exercise as a workout.
Among the most popular ways people work out is in the open outdoors. There is nothing quite like spending time out in nature while doing your favorite activities and exercise. Stretching, running, doing yoga, or street workouts feels so amazing when the weather is nice, from the middle of spring to the middle of autumn. Depending on the place where you reside, it can last even longer.
However, in the middle of summer or whenever the sun is brightest in your area, you have to think about protecting yourself while working out outdoors. With this in mind, we decided to talk about the most important sunscreen rules and tips for your daily outdoor workout session. If you wish to purchase quality sun protection products, do make sure to check out DeListProduct for some of the best recommendations.
Contents
1. Avoid the Hottest Hours
No matter how much sunscreen you use and what type you go for, it will not be able to protect you for the whole duration of your session if you go out during the hottest periods of the day. If you can, always make sure to complete your workout either before 10 AM or after 4 PM. In most places of the world, the sun shines the brightest and strongest during these peak hours. It is the most dangerous for our skin as well, which is why sunscreen will not do much unless you somehow manage to cover yourself in the unbearable heat. A hat is a must in any case.
2. The Right Sunscreen
When it actually comes to using sunscreen, make sure to use broad-spectrum products that protect against both the UVB and UVA sun rays. The sun protective factor (SPF) you aim for should definitely fall between 30 and 50, depending on when you plan to go out and how long you plan to stay. For example, during the peak hours of 12 PM and 2 PM, aim for 50. From 10 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 4 PM you can use 30 to 40. Apply the cream or spray under your workout gear a bit, and especially on areas, you do not mean to cover. Be generous on exposed areas for best and complete coverage.
3. Do Research
Remember that there is a relation between sun exposure with improper sunscreen use and skin cancer. Therefore, make sure to read about the cream you mean to use before you buy it, and especially before you apply it. Read the ingredients list and avoid retinol. Lotions and sticks are better than sprays because they stay longer, are more greasy, and do not disperse in the air before making contact with your skin. Sprays may also contain more fumes that can hurt the lungs.
4. Remember to Reapply
The more you stay outside, the more sunscreen you will need. Therefore, you must remember to reapply the cream multiple times while outside. This is even more true when you sweat. Even though your sunscreen may be (sea)water-resistant and able to handle salt well, all the sweating will ruin its properties. Therefore, reapply it after an hour or so, depending on the cream and the heat that day. Treat the exposed areas like the nose, neck, and shoulders the most.
5. Take Frequent Breaks
A neat trick to stay protected even in the hottest weather and strongest sun is to take frequent breaks and aim for the shade. You should definitely not spend your whole workout routine in the sun. The best place to do it is in a semi-shaded area like under a tree, where some sun will still shine but not nearly enough to give you sunburns. While running or cycling, weave in and out of shade if possible. If not, take breaks in the shade. This will not only prolong your general time outside but prevent you from using too much sun cream and reduce the risk of sun damage.
6. Sun Protective Clothes
Certain clothing is much better equipped for handling sunrays and heat than others. Light clothes that are white, off-white, cream, or beige are the best against the sun. Do not go out in the extreme sun in black or very dark clothes, as they absorb more of the sun’s rays. Light clothes made for exercising are also much better as the skin breaths easier through them.
7. You can Still Burn
Many people think that sunscreen completely blocks away all the effects of the sun. Nothing does, as it is literally the most powerful source of heat and energy in our galaxy. There is no escaping it, only containing it, and despite providing life it is also quite destructive if you neglect how much time you spend in it. Therefore, despite all the measures you take, a sunburn or two are still possible. Think about this constantly, no matter if you are exercising, sunbathing, swimming, or simply going to work or school in the sun. It is healthy to expose yourself but only for a little bit. Therefore, wear hats, aim for shaded areas, and use sunscreen appropriately.
8. Hydrate (both yourself and your skin)
The crucial part of working out outside, and of life in general, is to always drink enough water no matter what you do. Of course, since it can get so hot outside in the sun, particularly when you exercise, you absolutely have to drink an increased amount of water. Hydrate your skin with products as well, especially after prolonged exposure. Aloe Vera products are your friend. This will increase the effects of sunscreen and all the other measures you are using.
