Sun Protection for Runners

Running is a passion for so many members of our KINeSYS community. There is a freedom that comes from each venture down the road, or forest trail; when the rest of the world falls away. It’s time to head out the door, shoes laced up, strava logged on, but there is a vital step in this routine that many runners are neglecting. 

With every run we are exposing our skin to harmful ultraviolet rays, and studies have shown that individuals who regularly exercise outdoors often exceed recommended UV limits. During the summer and Autumn months this can increase up to 8 times the suggested daily exposure.

In this SPF blog we look at the facts behind sun exposure, and share some easy tips for runners to stay protected every time they lace up. 

Sun Damage is No Run in the Park

According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, with more than 750,000 people treated for skin cancers in Australia each year.

“Sun protection in athletes is especially important as multiple studies demonstrate an elevated risk of skin cancer for those who regularly participate in outdoor sports or exercise. Surprisingly, fewer than 25% of surveyed athletes reported regular use of sunscreen, so there is clearly more awareness-raising that needs to be done.” The Physiological Society, 30 August 2019

Busting Sun Protection Myths

Cloudy days are not safer; While overcast conditions may cool temperatures, they only reduce UV radiation by 20 to 40 percent. Clouds can filter UVB rays, which cause sunburns, but won’t block out UVA rays, which are responsible for causing lasting damage and premature aging.

Base tans do not offer protection; Any degree of tanning is your skin's defensive response to sun damage or excessive UV exposure. The body will naturally produce more color to shield your genetic material from having UV absorption, and a tan is a sign you've been exposed to harmful rays.

Sunscreen is Your Last Line of Defence

Including sunscreen application into your running routine will greatly decrease sun damage to your skin, reducing the chance of skin cancer and signs of ageing. No runner wants to deal with stinging eyes, and they need a product that doesn't affect sweating, so there is less concern about overheating. KINeSYS products have been specifically created with athletes in mind, providing the highest sun protection, but also being fast drying and non greasy.

Four More Tips for Staying Sun Protected

Wear a Cap or Visor 

The KINeSYS Running Trucker Cap, by BOCO Gear, helps you stay sun-safe, cool, and stylish; with wicking fabric, comfortable fit and dark underbrim to reduce glare. We also have the KINeSYS-designed high-quality running visor with UPF50+ fabric and sweat absorbing lining that will wick the moisture away. For those with thinning hair, make sure to spray KINeSYS Sunscreen on the scalp or hair part.

Cover Up What You Can

While it is tempting to dress minimally in the heat, doing so will only increase the surface area of skin exposed to the sun. Swap your singlet for a cap-sleeved shirt with breathable UPF50+ fabric, that not only protects your upper torso and shoulders from the sun's harmful rays, but also wicks away moisture for maximum comfort and protection.

Wear Sunglasses

Slide on a pair of close-fitting sunglasses, rated category 2 or EPF 9+ to reduce eye damage which can result in cataracts and other eye conditions that block your vision. Wearing sunglasses that wrap completely around your eyes and a hat can reduce up to 98% of UV rays.

Plan Your Runs Around the UV Index

Before heading out for a run check your local UV index. If possible run during the low UV times, or stick to the shade when available and take extra precautions to protect yourself, including those above.

Runners LOVE KINeSYS

KINeSYS SPF 50 Fragrance Free Spray Sunscreen has been recognised as an Editors’ Choice by Runner's World magazine 5 years in a row. It’s an accolade that aligns with the incredible support and response we have received from the wider running community.

KINeSYS Spray Sunscreen is not currently available in Australia. Contact us for options on how to purchase this product. 

“With its fine-mist pump (no aerosols here), KINeSYS sprays on as a thin layer you can rub in, and a bottle seems to last forever. It’s been a favorite of ours for many years because it dries quickly and is completely unnoticeable when you’re on a run.”

- Runner’s World Editors

Worldwide community group, Another Runner Mother, named KINeSYS SPF 30 Clear Zinc as one of their favourite skincare and beauty products. ‘AMR Gears Up’ features products that are used and loved by AMR ambassadors, tried and tested as go to options by women within the community.

“This natural zinc sunscreen, with 25% zinc oxide, goes on white so you can see where you put it, but then rubs in clear so it doesn’t make you look like you leaned against a freshly painted white wall by getting white marks all over your running gear! It even smells good.

– Recommendation by Sarah from Portland, OR

What Our Running Community Has to Say

“This is THE BEST running sunscreen. So much so that it’s now just my everyday summer sunscreen!”

-@runbecsrun

“Best sunscreen EVER”

- Keith Hong, Avid Runner & Founder RunNation Film Festival

As a small, family owned brand, we are grateful to be a part of the running community, and proud that our products can positively affect the journey of active individuals who love the outdoors.