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Discover the must-have skin care products tailored specifically for runners to prepare your skin for sweat, sun, and friction.
Last week I posted a poll on my Instagram asking my followers to vote for the next topic on this blog. I included four very different topics including Post-Run Skin Care Routines (which won by a very small margin). After writing the post-run care items, I thought I should also include details on the importance of pre-run skin care. I’m looking forward to writing about the other three topics very soon.
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Table of Contents
Why Runner Skin Care is Important
Pre-run skin care for me has always been a part of the process but I never actually thought of it as “skin care.” The reality is we worry about our heart, lungs and muscles, yet your skin is your largest organ. There are a quite few options and steps for protecting our skin ranging from sunscreen to anti-chafing products.
If you’re curious about any of the products mentioned below, I’ve linked each product if you’d like additional details and to purchase on Amazon. I’ve also pulled all items tagged below in a complete shopping list.
Related Post: Want to know how to care for your skin post-run, check out last week’s post.
Runners Skincare: The Full List
Whether you’re focused on your skincare before or after your run, here is a list for how to best care for your skin as a runner.
Skin Care for Before Your Run
Prepping your skin for the run is crucial to a healthy skin care routine. Even though we’re sweating and the outdoor elements, you’ll want to ensure you’re cleansing and prepping your skin. Here are a few key items to remember before heading out for your run.
Best Face Wash Products for Runners
This one might be the most obvious but it’s really important to wash your face before your run. Even though you’re going to be getting sweaty and dirty during the run itself, it’s important to clean the impurities off your skin since your pores are most vulnerable during exercise. Use a simple facewash, I like the skin care line from CeraVe, to clean your skin before your run. I use the hydrating face wash. They also have a version with Salicylic Acid for acne-prone skin.
How to Care For Sensitive Areas
Chafing happens to all of us. It’s caused by repetitive friction between skin-to-skin contact (or as some runners refer to as “the rubbing”) or skin-to-clothing contact. Chafing generally pops up in areas like inner thighs, underarms, nipples and elastic bands, where contact and moisture are the greatest. Factors such as temperature, humidity, how much you sweat and your clothing can all play a role in chafing.
In a perfect world, wearing moisture-wicking and well-fitted clothing would prevent chafing. The reality is sometimes it just happens. Here are a few products I’ve come to rely on to minimize chafing.
Products to Help Minimize Chafing and Blisters
If you’re looking for tips for how to minimize chafing during the run, this section is for you! This section has tips for questions like, “What do runners rub on their legs before running?” or “How do I avoid sports bra chafing?” to help take care of the painful aspect of friction when running.
Megababe Powder
This product has been life-changing. I originally purchased the Megababe Powder for going out in the summer to absorb sweat in my bra (also lovingly referred to as “swamp boobies”). I curiously tried adding it on a long run a few years ago and I was surprised how much it helped. The product comes in a nice pump to distribute the powder evenly and I generously add it inside my sports bra in my cleavage, under my boobs and underarms.
Related Post: If you want tips for healing chafed areas, check out last week’s post-run skin care post!
KT Tape
I have never tried this method but I have friends who swear by it! Adding KT Tape (the tape people normally use on knees or tender muscle areas) on your skin where elastic contacts the skin adds an extra barrier between your skin and elastic bands.
If you are a fan of this, let me know in the comments!
Products for Runner Chafing
Keeping your skin moisturized is important for minimizing chafing. Products like Body Glide, Happy Curves Anti-Chafing Stick or Megababe Thigh Rescue come in a stick and apply to your skin like a deodorant. Sport Shield has individual wipes you can include in your pocket if you want to bring protection with you.
These products are also great for blister prevention! I also like to apply petroleum jelly on my feet (sides and between my toes) to prevent blisters. And if you haven’t been fitted for a pair of running shoes and you’re getting blisters regularly, I’d recommend getting a proper fitting to see if there are better options.
Related Post: Traveling soon? Check out this post on travel skin care for your next adventure!
The Best Skincare for Runners: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the number one item you should always include for your run. It may take a few runs to find what works best for you since sweat can impact sunscreens running into your eyes or on your clothes. And if you have a Flex Spend Account (FSA), sunscreens are usually covered as part of your plan (depending on the SPF level).
When selecting a sunscreen, consider the following:
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: Choose a sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum,” which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- UVA rays can prematurely age your skin.
- UVB rays are the rays that can burn your skin.
- Both types contribute to skin cancer so you should prepare for both.
- SPF 30 or Higher: Select a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while higher SPFs offer slightly more protection. If you’re using a Retinol product, your skin may be more sensitive to the sun.
- Consider your skin type: For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t clog your pores. If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free formulas with physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Ease of Application: Consider the form of sunscreen that suits your lifestyle—lotions, sprays, sticks, and gels all have their advantages. Sprays are convenient but should be applied generously, while lotions provide thorough coverage. Also as a reminder, you have to rub all sunscreens for effective coverage.
- Reapplication Needs: No matter the SPF, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after sweating.
Related Post: Need how to care for your skin when running through winter? Read this post for winter running skincare.
Favorite Sunscreens
- Sun Bum Body Spray or lotion for your body. I’m obsessed with Sun Bum in general. Their products smell incredible! And they’re vegan and reef-friendly.
- Unicorn Snot is the sunscreen I’ve used the most this summer with its glittery options. It comes in both a pump spray and lotion.
- Sun Bum Scalp and Hair Mist if you want to protect the top of your head. If your scalp is prone to burns, add a hat to your outfit.
- Coola Organic Sunscreen is my favorite face sunscreen. I love this one since it doesn’t melt in my eyes.
Related Post: Want a tan without the sun? Check out these spray tan prep tips!
Wrapping Up Runner Skin Care
As runners, we’re hyper-focused on taking care of our legs! Hoping this article helps spark the reminder it’s a full-body activity (including your skin). (Also, if you haven’t had a mole screen from a dermatologist in the last year, it’s time to make an appointment).
Related Post: Here are the products I use from start to finish everytime!
Have a runner skin care tip I missed? Leave a note in the comments and share your secrets!
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