Sun protection and cycling: well protected through the summer
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Do you spend a lot of time on your bike in summer? Then you shouldn't forget the right sun protection. What applies to sunbathing in general should also be taken to heart when cycling: Cycling through the blazing sun at lunchtime is stressful for the whole body and especially for your skin, which you should avoid. If you only have your lunch break for cycling or cannot plan your cycling time in any other way, try to use shadier routes to avoid exposing your skin to high UV radiation for too long.
Tip 1: Avoid blazing sun
Cycling through the Majorcan countryside on a road bike, through the mountains on a mountain bike or simply on a bike tour in the countryside - if you're out and about on your bike in the warmer months, the right sun protection is essential. With our seven tips, you can get through the summer as a cyclist without sunburn.
Tip 2: The right sun cream for cyclists
When choosing a suitable sun cream, you should make sure that the product protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays and has a sufficiently high sun protection factor. How high this should be depends, among other things, on your skin type, but also on where you are travelling: the further into the mountains your route takes you and the closer to the equator you cycle, the stronger the UV radiation and the higher the sun protection factor of your sun cream should be. Also useful for cycling: sun protection that is quickly absorbed and sweat-resistant so that the cream doesn't run into your eyes and you have to reapply after the first climb. Some providers offer special sun protection for athletes, but whether you prefer to use sun gel, sun spray or classic sun cream is a question of taste. It's best to try it out for yourself.
Tip 3: Use sun protection correctly
If you want to optimally protect your skin from the sun, you should apply sun cream at least half an hour before going outside - and with a relatively large amount of sun cream, because even when cycling, even the best product cannot provide sufficient protection if it is applied too sparingly. The rule of thumb is that an adult needs four tablespoons of sun cream to cover themselves completely. If you only need to apply sun cream to your arms and legs, less cream is of course sufficient. Regular reapplication is also important, especially if you sweat a lot when cycling, as even sweat-resistant sun cream does not last all day. Speaking of durability: the sun protection factor of sun gels and the like can decrease over time. If your cream contains the substance octocrylene as a UV filter, carcinogenic substances can even form. It is therefore better not to use sun cream left over from last year.
Tip 4: Don't forget the sun terraces
Sun terraces are parts of the body that are particularly exposed to the sun. When cycling, these are often the ears, nose and lips. Depending on the clothing you are wearing, it may also be your shoulders, neck and décolleté. You should never forget to apply sun cream to these areas and perhaps even use a slightly higher sun protection factor than for the rest of your body. Lip balms with a sun protection factor, for example, offer special protection for the lips. They not only protect against too much sunlight, but also ensure that the skin remains supple.
Tip 5: Clothing, sunglasses & co. as sun protection when cycling
Functional clothing is not only practical when cycling because it wicks away sweat and dries quickly, but also protects the covered areas of skin from dangerous UV radiation. It doesn't always have to be a completely long outfit, even small items such as a scarf or long socks provide sun protection for the exposed neck and lower legs, for example. A cycle helmet also contributes to sun protection. It should be well ventilated so that it doesn't get too hot. It goes without saying that sunglasses should also be part of your cycling outfit in summer to protect your eyes from too much sunlight. In our opinion, it is worth visiting an optician and investing in a pair of sports glasses.
Tip 6: Sun protection even on cloudy days
Even if it is rather cloudy outside, you should not do without sun protection when cycling, as clouds do not necessarily reduce UV radiation, but can even lead to more intense radiation under certain circumstances. The UV index, which is indicated in many weather apps, can give you an indication of whether or not you should apply sun cream in cloudy weather.
Tip 7: Drinking is important
Especially in summer, it is also important to keep your body hydrated when cycling. You can find out what you need to look out for in our article: Drinking properly when cycling.
Go on a summer tour now
Does all this sunshine make you want to go on a tour? Just don't have the right bike yet? Then find out now about Bikeleasing for employees.
