Mineral Sunscreen
While it can be hard to find time between working, being with loved ones, and juggling your other hobbies and interests, there are few things greater in life than spending a day indulging in a favourite pastime.
As you’ve hopefully gathered, we love the great outdoors at Ready Sweat Go and lead an active lifestyle. This year, the Coast To Coast Rat Race is my challenge, and participants need to clock up 100 miles in a single day. The thought of it all is daunting but exciting. Preparations and training are already underway, but with such a major event, there are many things to weigh up and prepare for.
Taking care of my skin is one thing, and that’s even if the sun doesn’t make an appearance. The event spans 21 miles on foot, 78 miles by bike, and 1 mile in a kayak. The Rat Race website states the average finishing time for one-day participants is 12 hours. That’s a long time to be exposed to the elements, especially when sweating.
And it’s the same for marathons. Strava statistics for UK marathons in 2022 returned the following average times:
Bear in mind these events welcome participants of all ages and fitness levels. If you’re an experienced marathon runner, you might consider the average time stated for the 2022 Boston Marathon, 3:27:58, to be more in line with what you expect to take.
Of course, NHS guidance suggests reapplying sunscreen every two hours, so even if you apply just before you set off, by minimal guidelines, you should reapply at least once during your run. You also need to consider you’ll likely sweat during this activity, which will leave you exposed to UV rays if you don’t reapply.
Mineral sunscreen sticks containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are an organic option that is great for the skin. This product is a great option for children and people who suffer from problematic skin conditions.
However, a mineral based sunscreen also offers longevity benefits, ideal for long days in the sunshine. I’m not saying saving myself a minute or two here will transform my finishing time, but the peace of mind that comes with longer-lasting results is great. As much as you try to remember to reapply sunscreen, when you’re focused on the race or the next checkpoint, you might forget.
With a reliable mineral sunblock stick, you give yourself more leeway, minimising your exposure risk.
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This means any sort of sunscreen is important, but in a race environment, where every tiny factor can be a benefit or hindrance, not all sunscreens are equal.
You’ll want a light sunscreen that can fit in a small rucksack or pocket. It needs to be easy to apply so you can take it out and use it while on the move. Staying safe in the sun is vital, but who would be happy stopping to top up their sunscreen? Exactly. This means you need an option that is easy to open, apply, and close without pausing or halting.
You also need to think about how you apply it and how it impacts your performance. If you rub sunscreen in, there’s a chance your hands will become greasy. If you’re rowing, climbing rocks or need to grip in any way, this might compromise your finish time, perhaps even your safety.
You require a sunscreen option that is non-greasy and which can be largely applied without having to rub in.
When you have crucial criteria like this, your options are limited, but not completely redundant. A sunscreen stick with a SPF of 50+ provides you with the protection you require without compromising your performance. After you’ve put in the hours and hard graft training, you don’t want to let yourself down on the day, or place yourself in danger in the aftermath, by taking silly risks.
A 15-gram sunscreen stick won’t slow you down, and it should add a little touch of confidence that you’re in a good place…even when there are many miles to go, and plenty of hours left on the clock.
It’s not as if sunscreen protection is my biggest concern when training and preparing for a 100-mile, 12-hour activity, but that’s the point, it shouldn’t be on your mind. Investing in a small, light and easy-to-apply sunscreen takes it out of the equation, allowing you to focus on more pressing activities.
Whether you’re on the road, a dusty trail or in the water, avoiding obstacles makes sense, which is why having suitable sunscreen put aside for when you need it is invaluable for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Links:
Rat Race Coast To Coast: https://www.ratrace.com/coast-to-coast
Strava average times for marathons: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/tech/stats-london-marathon-runners-slower-speeds-average-b1075521.html
NHS Sunscreen advice: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety
Yes, mineral sunscreens provide targeted protection, are easy to apply, and are ideal for on-the-go use.
To apply a sunscreen stick to your face, glide the stick
directly onto your skin, covering all exposed areas including your nose,
cheeks, forehead, and chin. Blend the sunscreen in using your fingers, ensuring
even coverage. Don't forget to apply to your ears and neck.
Even when using a water-resistant sunscreen stick, it's
recommended to reapply every 2 hours, or more frequently if you're swimming,
sweating heavily, or towel drying. This ensures continuous protection
throughout the day. For the longest lasting protection, you may want to try a Mineral SunStick, like this one.
Apply sunscreen stick after your moisturiser. Allow your
moisturiser to fully absorb into your skin before applying the sunscreen stick.
This ensures the sunscreen can form a protective layer on the surface of your
skin.
Sunscreen stick should be reapplied every 2 hours for optimal protection. If you're
swimming, sweating heavily, or towel drying, reapply more frequently to
maintain the protective layer on your skin
Stick sunscreens are generally not considered liquids for
travel regulations. They are solid and can be packed in your carry-on or checked luggage without restriction. However, it's always best to check with your airline for their specific guidelines.
A sunscreen stick with a non-greasy formulation sits well
under makeup without causing smudging. Apply the sunscreen stick before your makeup, allowing it to set before applying foundation or other products.
Some potential downsides to using sunscreen sticks include:
1. They may not provide as even coverage as sprays.
2. They can be less economical as they run out more quickly.
3. Some formulations may leave a white cast on the skin.
4. If left out in hot sunshine, they can and will melt.
