All day cycling/sun burn?

Question

I love nothing more than to spend all day on a bike during nice, sunshining weather. I use copertone sport spf 30 when riding, and put on spf 50 about an hour before I start. I reapply this stuff at least once an hour. Yet no matter what I end rides with red cheeks and that hideous knee sunburn bike shorts tan line. And I don't tan, I peel and repeat the process. Any suggestions?? I'd like to wear a hat but that just seems dangerous and I can't imagine wearing my tights in 90-100 degree weather...but I hate that knee tan thing.

Answer 1

I'm very fair skinned and burn rather then tan.

Recently I found Coppertone Sport SPF 30 SPRAY and it has been awesome. I take the spray bottle in my CamelBak and re-apply every few hours to my legs, arms, and neck. The spray seems to stay on my skin, whereas when I used the lotion it would just combine with sweat and become a white mess.

For my face I use Coppertone Oil Free SPF 45 and apply in the morning. I make sure not to put any on my forehead because then it ends up in my eyes. My helmet, sweat band, and sunglasses cover my forehead.

It is rare now that I end up with a sunburn, but there's nothing that can be done about the tan lines.

Answer 2

First - to be safe, you can't wear a hat when riding (it interferes with your helmet fit).

Sounds like you need to be using SPF 50 at all times, not just once to begin with. Does the stuff you're using "wash off" with sweat? Or is it waterproof? If the former, you probably need to look for something a little more water-resistant.

To lessen the effect of the infamous "biker" tan line, you need to spend as much time soaking up sun (without the bike shorts ... so maybe a swimsuit or something similar) to allow the tan line to move further up your leg. Otherwise, you'll just have to live with it. The tanning occurs because the skin is exposed to the sunlight for an extended period.

Some of the discoloration (of both face and legs) is due to wind effect; this is often less 'permanent' than the sun effect, but repeated exposure over a prolonged period will make you appear darker - and probably a little more wrinkly - than a simple tan would.

Answer 3

I use the Banana Boat spray as well. Works fantastic. But, unfortunately, tanning will always occur. There is nothing out there that can block the sun completely. And when you spend all day out in the sun with the road reflecting back at you, you are going to get color. All you can do is prevent burning as much as possible.

My only advice to you is to try many different types of block made specifically for your face. You can usually get travel sized trials in wal marts or k marts. Try a few until you find one that works. Like I said, I use the Banana Boat spray on my body, but I use Coppertone baby sunburn block, of all things, on my face. It was the only one that didn't sting my eyes and stayed relatively put.

Answer 4

I use Banana Boat quick dry spray Sport (SPF 30), and reapply after a couple of hours
always wear your helmet, and I usually also wear a headsweats under the helmet

you may want to check with your doctor or dermatologist if you need something better/stronger by prescription

Answer 5

Tan lines are just an unfortunate fact of life in cycling. If you look at the pros, they all have extreme tan lines. It sounds like you have skin that in pigmented to be ultra sensitive to sun light. There is not much you can do other than constantly apply sunblock. I would try a higher grade sports sunblock if you can. Perhaps the SPF50 is interfering with the waterproof capabilities of the Coppertone.

Answer 6

You didn't mention your arms but in the south / desert states it's common to see people wear white long-sleeve shirts in the summer sun. Partly for SPF but mainly just to reflect some heat, the long sleeves are actually cooler than short sleeves when the sun's beating down. Same idea the Arabs in the desert have with their long white robes.

Answer 7

I use Bullfrog quick gel. I put it on before the ride and I do not burn where I apply it. I was on my bike for 8hrs in the past 2 days, only burnt where I did not apply