Need to know: Cycling and your skin

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Permalink Reply by SlowCoachOnTheRoad on August 5, 2013 at 2:07pm

The first 20 minutes (all I saw) discussed sunscreen, which I just read protects us not just from future cancers but also reduces wrinkles in old age (even if we don't start until our 50s when we are not yet too wrinkled).  Whenever I do my duty and put on the sunscreen my wife complains that I look white like Santa Claus (she must have it wrong - it is the beard that is white, I think he is actually of red complexion, but anyway I digress).  I, a European-American, just can't seem to apply it without looking excessively white or silvery.  I don't know if I am missing a major tip on application here.  But I do think we should watch it in the sun on our bikes - like pick our course for maximum shade.  

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Permalink Reply by Heather on August 5, 2013 at 2:23pm

What kind are you using? Maybe buy one that is specially formulated for the face if you haven't done so. I find some kinds don't blend in very well, giving me "white stripes."

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Permalink Reply by SlowCoachOnTheRoad on August 5, 2013 at 10:37pm

My skin is sensitive to excessive wind, which is hard to avoid sometimes on the bike.  I fantasize of sometimes having some sort of plastic guard that could hang from the helmet to block strong wind.  I know that kids on BMX bikes sometimes wear helmets that totally surround the head so they can pretend to be on a motorbike but they are not available for adults - and I would look really dorky wearing a real motorbike helmet on a bicycle.  A balaclava wouldn't be right for the summer either.  Wondered if you had any ideas?

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on August 5, 2013 at 10:46pm

Try a Buff.

SlowCoachOnTheRoad said:

My skin is sensitive to excessive wind, which is hard to avoid sometimes on the bike.  I fantasize of sometimes having some sort of plastic guard that could hang from the helmet to block strong wind.  I know that kids on BMX bikes sometimes wear helmets that totally surround the head so they can pretend to be on a motorbike but they are not available for adults - and I would look really dorky wearing a real motorbike helmet on a bicycle.  A balaclava wouldn't be right for the summer either.  Wondered if you had any ideas?

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