TromboneAl

Yesterday was the first day warm enough to ride with shorts and a short-sleeved shirt.

It seems I must relearn these lessons each year around this time:

1. The shorts will ride up two inches, so you have to put the sunscreen higher on your legs than you realize.

2. No, you can't just put the sunscreen on the top of your thighs, thinking your calves will be in shadow.

3. Even though it's only April, and you live in a high latitude, you will still get sunburned.

4. You have to be thorough and not miss any spots.

KenshiBiker

5. You have to put the sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes (read the directions) before you go out.

jim p

Sun screen burns when your sweat washes it into your eyes.

Shamrock

last years sun screen expired toss it and buy a fresh one

rm -rf

This spray sunscreen doesn't wash off with sweat, so there's no burning. It's not greasy, and lasts for a 4 hour ride. I've used similar Kroger house brands, too.

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Spray I spray it onto my hand to apply to my face.

Yeah, it's automatic to get out the sunscreen in the summer, but I forgot it on last weekend's ride. But it was hazy, and I didn't get burned.

That's right, roll up the shorts before applying!

Bikey Mikey

I use the sport sunscreen, SPF 50, that is waterproof and sweat-proof.

InTheRain

Nothing mentioned above applies in Seattle until after July 4th.

John E

With my Celtic hide, I need either shade, sunscreen, or sun avoidance. I don't worry much about burning the lower legs when walking, but they are indeed at least somewhat vulnerable while cycling. My worst precancerous skin damage is on the forearms.

Biker395 

I'm fortunate to have olive skin, but even so ... we spend a LOT of time in the Sun, so the risk remains.

I generally use a Ti or Zn based sunblock. What sunscreen/block do you all use?

Dunbar

Blue Lizard and a few other zinc oxide based sunscreens I've tried do not do this.

Ekdog

Garnier "Delial" Ambre Solaire, 30, with Mexoryl, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Looigi

The upside is you're synthesizing more vitamin D, which is arguably why we've become light-skinned in the first place.

qcpmsame 

For us in the deep south it is a year round thing, so the lessons stick, usually. Skin Cancer isn't worth the risk to me, I use something regardless since I work as a field civil engineer in construction. Looking for a new, good brand of sunscreen as the current isn't very pleasant smelling and does sting the eyes. Reading for recommendations.

Bill

Shp4man

Skin cancer isn't fun. I know from experience.

Biker395 

I'm in the same boat. I've got a schnoz that pokes out further than most, and no matter how much I coat it with the slimy stuff, I end up looking like WC Fields' long lost brother. I'm thinking of going to straight zinc oxide, as scary as that sounds.

The information on sunscreens/blocks is anything but clear. The FDA eliminated the distinction some time ago, making it even harder to ferret them out. Based on what I've seen so far, what used to be called sunblocks (typically using Ti or Zn) effectively block both UVB and UVA (with Zn being the more effective of the two) operate without chemically altering the skin. There is some evidence that they are superior in avoiding skin cancers, but from what I've seen it's anything but conclusive.

Let us know what you come up with!

Daspydyr 

A couple weeks ago I enjoyed a really sunny and warm day to ride. When I go home I realized I had (BHHVB) Bald Head Helmet Vent Burn. That really looks silly for about a week.

All the follically challenged, remember, sunscreen for the BALD SPOTS!

rubic

About 20 years ago on one of my annual runs up Mount Whitney (yes, I was a runner before cycling), I wore a visor instead of a hat. The next day, with my scalp screaming, I realized that I had a horrible sun burn up there. Lesson learned. Now I always slather on sun screen and wear a skull cap under my helmet.

billydonn

Sun? I hardly remember it.

Knickers, winter base, LS jersey, arm warmers and skull cap for me today.

Biker395 

I always do. Just say no to watermelon head.

bikepro

Riding in Texas, I use sunscreen year round. At a minimum, face and neck when everything else is covered.

DX-MAN

I guess it must be NE Indiana's sun, 'cause I've not needed sunscreen in a couple decades, nor have my kids. Sunburn? What's that, seriously? My last sunburn was probably 1993!



This pic is from 3 summers ago, when I took my 2 kids on a ride...that ended up being 6 hours long! None of us used sunscreen, and none of us burned even slightly.

MetalPedaler

If your outdoors a lot from early in the spring, you do not need sunscreen. Nix the sunscreen, and your exposed skin will naturally build up a light tan which will give you a natural resistance to sunburn.

I believe that sunscreen used frequently over time is more of a health hazard than the UV rays!

Lots of people these days have Vvitamin-D deficiencies, due to blocking out the sun's natural rays through which we absord vitamin D.

I'm 51 and worked outdoors when I was younger.....and spend a lot of time in my pool; on an open tractor; riding the bike; etc. and my skin is in better shape than many guys who are 20 years younger. I never use sunscreen. I'm light-skinned and I don't get one of tyhose super-dark tans either.

This time of year is the BEST time to build that natural resistance! You don't want to just go out in June with no tan/resistance....or you'll get burnt/damaged. But going out now without sunscreen, regardless of the temperature....will do the trick. I don't know the theory behind it, but there is something about the quality of the sun's rays at this time of year that will allow you to build a good resistance so you won't burn when it gets hotter.

dendawg

I prefer anything with zinc oxide. It doesn't sweat off or sting my eyes. also keep a dew rag or cap on under my helmet.

https://youtu.be/oAJ4XVmI4dc

Tandem427

I have to put on sunscreen year round. The combination of clear skies, high altitude, and low humidity leads to a high UV index. Snow on the ground makes it even worse. I've seen a lot of skiers with bright, red faces and white circles around the eyes - the negative raccoon look.

Which brings me to my question - what to do about my helmet head? After riding throughout the winter, I have a sharp line halfway up my forehead between my nicely tanned face and my lily-white top. Not to mention the strap lines around my ears and under my chin.

I guess I need to get out more... without the helmet.

Biker395 

Just noticed this ... you RAN up Mount Whitney?

Been up there myself, and for me, the last 1000 feet was like a gasping death march. Hats off to you!