Summer Sun can cause severe damage to your skin; sunlight is the primary source of Ultraviolet radiation. It’s quite relieving—in the US, the National Weather Service issues a UV index with the scale from 1 to 11+, which helps to measure the intensity of UV light in a particular area.
The scale measurement expresses the higher the number is, the risk of UV rays is stern, so is the risk of skin damage and sunburn.
If you are a passionate cyclist and don’t want to relinquish riding in the summer, try to plan your ride around the best time and days with a lower UV index. Beside these always search out ways to protect your skin.
To be hydrated is a must while riding, keep yourself hydrated during and after your ride, don’t wait till you feel thirsty. Try to sip water, juice or sports drinks during summer ride at a frequent interval.
Now, when you’ve been researching beach cruiser bikes for weeks, and you finally found the right two-wheeler just as summer rolls around.
Before you take that new beauty for a spin, though, make sure you take steps to shield yourself from the sun’s rays. Exposure to UV radiation in sunlight leads to the development of skin cancer, so try these tips to reduce your risk even when you love spending time outdoors.
1. Always Wear Sunscreen
Even when you’re just hopping on your bike for a short neighbourhood ride, your skin is still susceptible. Make sure to wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on your body and at least SPF 50 on your face at least 30 minutes before you go outside.
If you tend to wear layers, apply sunblock before dressing for your ride. Choose a broad-spectrum formula, which means it wards off both UVA and UVB rays.
Although water-resistant sunscreens are available, the Food and Drug Administration prohibits manufacturers from advertising sunscreen as waterproof. After about 80 minutes, these formulas lose effectiveness when exposed to sweat and moisture.
A spray typically provides better coverage than a gel or lotion, but make sure to cover your face when you spray. Don’t forget to spray on the target areas where the skin is exposed to the sun while cycling, including the back of the neck, the backs of the ears and the backs of the legs.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen every two hours; set your phone alarm if you have trouble remembering. You can also add a second coat of SPF when you stop to rehydrate and fuel up.
2. Choose Clothing with Sun Protection
To choose and wear sun-protected clothing is as essential as the sunscreen. In winters or when it is cold, you wear arm warmers, similarly consider wearing leg and arm coolers during hot and sunny days.
Nowadays, varieties of clothing options are available, which help to protect your skin while cycling in the summer month.
These clothing have sun protection or Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)—UPF rates the fabric’s quality and capacity to stop the UV rays from reaching our skin.
Also, they are lightweight and comfortable clothes and have an SPF rating from 15-50 blocks.
Many cycling fabrics have integrated sun-blocking technology, rated by the material’s ultraviolet protection factor—a garment with UPF 50 blocks 98% of the sun’s radiation.
Long gloves cover the upper arms and hands, which are vulnerable when in the cycling position. Look for cooling fabrics to wear during warmer months.
Although mesh shirts might keep you cool, they also provide less sun protection. To check hold the fabric up to the light and make sure it is tightly woven and opaque.
In addition to shirts and pants with UPF, you may want to invest covers for your neck and arms if you live in a warm climate and cycle regularly.
Do select a bike helmet with a visor, which can partially shield your face (though it’s not a substitute for sunscreen). Sunglasses with UV protective lenses keep the damaging rays out of your eyes. Make sure to cover yourself from top to tip with comfortable leg and arm coolers to protect yourself from sunburn.
3. Time Your Rides
The sun is mightiest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—so, strive to ride either go early in the morning or closer to dusk. When you do have a ride planned for the middle of the day, try to select a shady route so you’ll be protected for at least part of the journey.
Grab one of the best city cruiser bikes and explore the streets as an early bird or as dusk approaches (with lights and reflective clothing, of course).
Whether you’re newly researching bikes for men and women or you’ve been cycling for years, adding sun protection to your regimen will lower your chances of developing skin cancer. If you do notice any growth or lesion on your skin, see a dermatologist right away.
