Originally Posted by
Bald Paul
I admit, I often times forget to apply sunscreen while riding. Consequently, I just had a biopsy done on a spot on my forearm that the doctor says is "99% sure" to be basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer.) I'll know for sure in two weeks, and they will probably take a chunk of skin out of me. Luckily, it won't mess up any of my tattoos!
I'm considering getting a pair of sun sleeves but wonder if they really are too hot for summer riding. I have a pair of arm warmers for the cooler months, but I can't imagine using them during the summer.
Questions:
1) has anyone had experience wearing them in hotter (90+ degrees) climates?
2) is one brand better than another regarding SPF factor and blocking UV rays?
3) is white the best color for cooling while still providing protection from the sun?
4) recommendations for a particular brand you've had experience with?
I had a basal cell on my face a couple of years ago, and the doc told me it was the best bad news he could give me, because that type of skin cancer is very easy to deal with if you just get it done and don’t ignore it. Good luck with your surgery - on the arm, it should be a very basic procedure.
Because I am an excessively fair skinned red-head, I usually wear long sleeved shirts when out and about, playing tennis during sunlight hours, etc, but since starting regular road cycling, I’ve been wearing a lot more short sleeved jerseys. Sun screen is not an optional thing for me and my life - it’s just what I do, but I have been interested in trying sun sleeves as well (rather than buying all long sleeved jerseys, as they mostly seem made for cold weather).
When riding, I don’t usually put sunscreen on the backs of my hands because I’m wearing gloves. I apply the sun screen, wash my hands thoroughly, and then put on my gloves. The gloves are what I wipe my eyes with, rather than my fingers.