The impending "official" arrival of summer serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting your skin when you run (or simply go) outside.

Researchers at the Medical University of Graz in Austria, found in a study of long-distance runners that athletes training for and taking part in marathons are more likely to develop skin cancer than others; and the risk increased along with the level of the intensity of the runner's training schedule.

Hey, I grew up in Southern California. OK?  Our idea of a great afternoon was slathering on Johnson's Baby Oil and baking at the beach for 10 hours.  Some (ahem) 30 years later, I now suffer the consequences in the form of brown spots, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.  I've actually been lucky.  They say that just two sunburns a year can actually increase the risk of skin cancer by 50%!  

Truth is, that the skin should be protected by a good sunscreen throughout the year. Truth also is that most sunscreens just aren't that "sweat friendly," and there's nothing worse than stinging eyes when you're 10 miles out.  And if your skin is sensitive and breaks out from anything as mine does, you've really got a challenge on your hands!  Here are some sunscreens I've tried that seem to do the job without turning me into a giant zit:

Clinique City Block 
This sunscreen product for the face comes in 25 and 40 SPF.  Although it isn't really made for active sports, I have never had a problem with it running off into my face, plus it's oil-free formula is kind to my skin.  (16.50)

Clinique Sun Block 
Ditto on all above, 'cept this baby is sweat proof.  I use the SPF 30 when I run, and it has a very light, unobtrusive scent.  They say you can use this on your face - which I have done occasionally, but I do tend to breakout when I do.  One cool thing - you can spray the bottle upside down to reach your back and other hard to get to places. (18.50)

Protech Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+ 
You can use this product on your body and your face without worry.  It's oil-free and doesn't creep into your eyes when you sweat.  This product also comes in handy little single-use packages for travel or race day. (32.50 / 9.50 pack of 24)

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock
Available in SPF up to 85, I know tons of runners who swear by this stuff.  It's ultra dry to the touch, not greasy at all and they say it doesn't run into your eyes or make you break out.  Netrogena sun products utilize what they call Helioplex technology - supposedly a breakthrough in sun protection.  Friends say their skin looks younger after using it.  Worth trying, I'd say.  (9.50)

Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion
I've been using  this Aveeno product  with great success. I use the SPF 45, but you can get it in SPFs up to 70.  It's not greasy and doesn't run.  The only thing is, its water resistant, meaning you really do need to reapply it after a heavy sweat.  Aveeno also make this product in a formula for the face.  Though I haven't tried it yet, it has received pretty high marks from other runners. Aveeno utilizes their "Active Photobarrier Complex" in their sun care products  which they claim, maintains active protection over time.   Ironically, Aveeno is made by Johnston and Johnston - the makers of that baby oil we used so many years ago! (12.00)

Ayur-Medic Broad Spectrum Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30
I LOVE this product!  If it weren't so gosh darn expensive I would use it all the time!  The best facialist I ever had turned me on to this line of products and this facial sunscreen in particular.  Doesn't run, is waterproof and is so incredible light you never know you have it on.  I have never burned when using this and it is super great for sensitive eye areas - even with contacts.  If you're in the mood - treat yourself! (34.00)

Other interesting brands to check out:

Anthelios
Elta MD UV Sport Creme
Derma Doctor Body Guard 

There are a lot of products out there - these are only a few across a price range.  My advice is to try a few - get sample sizes if you can and see what works best with your skin. But whatever you do...always, always use sunscreen and consider wearing a baseball cap or visor when you run as well.  It's so worth it.

• Currently 4.0/5 Stars.

Tags: sunscreen, sun protection, aveeno, clinique, ayur-medic, acne and sunscreen, neutrogena, anthelios, elta md, derma doctor

Good to have options...It seems like the older i get the more prone I am to sunburns...our skin, as it becomes thinner with age, must be more likely to burn??? Posted by: KDface on Jun 18, 2008 at 04:35 PM

Yes. And the fact is that despite all the warnings and everything I know and have experienced personally about sun exposure, I STILL love to lay out in the sun. It feels so good and I feel so much beter with a tan. The only difference is that now I always wear sun screen and I limit the exposure time. Posted by: bmoore on Jun 18, 2008 at 08:41 AM

Great advice and thank you sO MUCH for the suggestions...It sounds like we have similar sensitivities. My first time to get a sunburn was here in southern California and I I am a sun worshiper, so sunscreen has a new place in my heart! Thanks. B. Posted by: Betty on Jun 17, 2008 at 02:09 PM