How to Avoid Sunburn While Exercising

Contributor

By Elizabeth McGuire
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (5 Ratings)

If you prefer exercising outdoors instead of a gym, remember to take precautions against sunburn. Some fair-skinned people can become sunburned after 15 minutes of sun exposure.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Seek shade and avoid the midday sun, which does the most damage between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Step 2

Apply sweat-resistant sunscreen 15 minutes before you head out. Don’t forget your ears and scalp. If lotions make you feel slimy try an aerosol spray sunscreen.
Step 3

Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Step 4

Use a stick sunscreen on your face. Apply liberally above your eyebrows to keep the sweat out of your eyes. (In a pinch, lip balm also works above your eyes.)
Step 5

Wear a hat or visor to keep the sun off your face.
Step 6

Apply sunscreen even underneath your shirt. A white cotton T-shirt provides an approximate SPF 7.
Step 7

Wear clothes made with sun-protective fabrics. The level of protection is denoted by the clothing’s UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Look for them at athletic stores.
Step 8

Wash your clothes in a sun-protective laundry soap. The colorless dye can give your clothing an SPF 30.

Tips & Warnings

Check your skin regularly for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Call your doctor if you find changes in birthmarks or moles, or if you have a sore that does not heal.
Some people are sensitive to PABA, an ingredient often used in sunscreens. PABA-free varieties are available.

Resources

Mayo Clinic

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Comments

Jimmyclark said

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on 1/26/2008 Does anyone recommend a good body fat scale that is accurate? I saw a post on thedailyskinny.com that was comparing body fat scales to calipers and it said they weren't as accurate… is that true?