Sun protection/skin cancer prevention while cycling

I took today off work ill so jotted down my thoughts and experience vis a vis sunscreen, sunburn etc and how to prevent it with regards to cycling. I often find I'm the person on the ride shaking the bottle at people trying to get them to put it on.

If anyone has any recommendations of other suncreams to try that don't go all sweaty/greasy that I haven't covered in my blog then let me know.

https://calumonwheels.com/2024/06/19/protecting-yourself-from-skin-cancer-while-cycling/

For me smell is also a big factor! I found the aptly named Cyclax good but has mysteriously been discontinued.

I’ve just bought some Aesop which is SPF50 I think and smells to me at least pleasantly of mint.

That's a new one to me - one thing I'm unsure about is how well these products play with others. I only use SPF on my skin (except deoderant) anyway so it's no great matter for me, but for someone who also wants to carry a scent that's another matter.

This may be worth listening to
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p089k7js?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Its about application time and shelf life .
Personally i use it all year round even though we only get the sun up here in the north for two weeks . This week is the first.

I've been using Premax lately and like it. Blends well and not all that greasy or sticky.

https://www.uk.premax.co/products/sunscreen-for-sport-spf-50-100ml

This may be worth listening to
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p089k7­js?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile­

Listening now!

I've been using Premax lately and like it. Blends well and not all that greasy or sticky.

Interesting, that looks quite different to the 3 I've tried. Much more like a cream. I'd be interested to try it. Quite spendy looking but obviously if it's especially waterproof then that's ideal for surfers and stuff

*Slightly off-topic but relevant enough to mention.

I would really recommend wearing a UV protectant jersey, at first I thought a long sleeved top would be uncomfortable in 30 plus, but it's much easier than having to re-apply sunscreen. And saves that for exposed areas, face, hands etc.

Heliocare do a great face and body factor it’s the only thing I use for skin protection

I use Ambre Solaire SPF50* just about all year round, especially if I’m out all day. Obviously this time of year, it needs more reapplications.

Additionally, I wear long sleeve summer weight jerseys** and a light buff to protect the back of my neck a bit more.

Don’t forget ears, face and hands!

*buy big bottles and decant into a travel size one to keep in a bar bag or similar.

**a bit less to worry about without overheating. Assos and Godandfamous do nice ones.

I would really recommend wearing a UV protectant jersey, at first I thought a long sleeved top would be uncomfortable in 30 plus, but it's much easier than having to re-apply sunscreen. And saves that for exposed areas, face, hands etc.

I'd definitely be keen to do this more. What holds me back a bit is that I do a lot of (indeed, basically exclusively) off road riding, which does get stuff scratched up quite badly. Though on the plus side it does often mean I'm in the shade. But I will be keeping a lookout for stuff that could work.

Looks like decathlon do a few but both models are out of stock. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/search?Ntt=Men%27s+Anti-UV+Long-Sleeved+Road

Yes, I have the cheaper, quarter zip one and wish I'd bought more than one! Hopefully they'll bring them back.

They also make them for running and surfing, you lose the back pocket, but still well worth it.

I learned the hard way recently that UV protective clothing doesn’t work for the lifetime of the fabric, and it isnt always possible to recondition the fabric to resist uv rays. So, even though it is cheaper and easier than buying sunscreen, it’s still a consumable item.

I still apply to my arms a bit when wearing long sleeves.

Articles a bit old now but not all SPF are equal.

https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/popular-adults-and-kids-sun-creams-fail-which-sun-protection-tests-aodOV0w1Ml7V

What was the clothing in question?

A long sleeve 50 UPF surfing shirt. I did get it 5 or 6 years ago, so it’s done it’s time. I took it to Greece recently, got burnt, looked online and saw that they don’t last forever. Putting 2 + 2 together I think that the sun marks on my shoulders have probably been caused by the last few times I’ve been in full blown tropical sun erroneously thinking I was protected.

I find this is very good, although I would often reapply if out for extended period:

https://www.boots.com/soltan-once-advanced-8hr-protect-spray-spf50-200ml-10245666

Also, would definitely recommend using an spf lip balm when out riding - did a multi day tour a few years back in France without it and can safely say I won’t be making that mistake again

Riemann p20 50spf is the answer. One generous application will last 4-5 hours of heavy sweating, 6-7 normal use.

I'm very fair skinned and it's worked for me in tropical sun. It's amazing.

They recently bought out a cream for sensitive skin which is much nicer to put on than the oil based spray.

Still stains white clothes yellow though, so don't wear with white

Recently got one of these with a hood, big fan