Happy Sunday!!
A few weeks ago the RLAG Ambassadors were given some topics and asked to write a little bog post for the site. As someone who suffers from runners acne and has copious amounts of hair I chose Hair and Skin- Naturally!
Below is what I had to say about skin and running on Canada's East Coast.
A few weeks ago the RLAG Ambassadors were given some topics and asked to write a little bog post for the site. As someone who suffers from runners acne and has copious amounts of hair I chose Hair and Skin- Naturally!
Below is what I had to say about skin and running on Canada's East Coast.
"Hi Guys, Erica here to share a little bit of info with you on how you can protect your hair and skin while you blaze the trails and face the harshest of Mother Nature’s elements.
As runners, we can run just about anywhere! We run indoors on a track or treadmill or outdoors on a trail, pavement, the beach etc. Running outdoors is by far one of the best aspects of our chosen sport, however it can sometimes come at a cost, especially when it comes to hair and skin care. While we may not see the dramatic effects that the sun and wind can have on our hair and skin right away, it is important to keep in the back of our minds that their health is important too.
Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and is also the most susceptible to the elements. There are different products and tips that we can use regularly to help protect it.
Sunscreen:
SO IMPORTANT. You will want to use a lotion that is sweat resistant & waterproof and at least have a SPF rating of 30 or higher. Keep in mind that just because the bottle says it is sweat resistant does not mean that you don’t have to reapply after a period of time. For example, Neutrogena Cool-Dry Sport Lotion has a sweat resistance of 80 minutes. Meaning that once those 80 minutes are up, it will not be as effective against sweat and will not protect you from the sun as well. Another thing you may want to consider when choosing the right sunscreen is that they come in two different forms, a lotion or a spray. I personally prefer the lotion because I find the spray is runny.
Some brands that have a sweat resistance are; Kineyse, Neutrogena Cool-Dry Sport, Ombrelle Sport, Banana Boat Sport, NO-AD Sport, Coppertone Sport and Hawaiian Tropic Sport to name a few."
As runners, we can run just about anywhere! We run indoors on a track or treadmill or outdoors on a trail, pavement, the beach etc. Running outdoors is by far one of the best aspects of our chosen sport, however it can sometimes come at a cost, especially when it comes to hair and skin care. While we may not see the dramatic effects that the sun and wind can have on our hair and skin right away, it is important to keep in the back of our minds that their health is important too.
Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and is also the most susceptible to the elements. There are different products and tips that we can use regularly to help protect it.
Sunscreen:
SO IMPORTANT. You will want to use a lotion that is sweat resistant & waterproof and at least have a SPF rating of 30 or higher. Keep in mind that just because the bottle says it is sweat resistant does not mean that you don’t have to reapply after a period of time. For example, Neutrogena Cool-Dry Sport Lotion has a sweat resistance of 80 minutes. Meaning that once those 80 minutes are up, it will not be as effective against sweat and will not protect you from the sun as well. Another thing you may want to consider when choosing the right sunscreen is that they come in two different forms, a lotion or a spray. I personally prefer the lotion because I find the spray is runny.
Some brands that have a sweat resistance are; Kineyse, Neutrogena Cool-Dry Sport, Ombrelle Sport, Banana Boat Sport, NO-AD Sport, Coppertone Sport and Hawaiian Tropic Sport to name a few."
Dress for the Sun/Heat and/or Cold:
There are many different types of fabrics out there, some designed to wick away moisture and have UV protection while others are designed to wick away moisture while keeping you warm and protecting your skin against the elements.
Chafing:
Every runner’s nightmare. Chafing is the result of friction, whether it’s fabric on skin or skin on skin contact. Chafing commonly occurs in the summer but can happen at anytime. To avoid chafing, you want to be sure that your clothing fits properly, is seamless and tag free. Wearing clothing that is too big and soaked with sweat can increase the likelihood and amount of chafing. Some runners are more prone to chafing than others. If you’ve never chafed before, consider yourself lucky because let me tell you first hand IT HURTS. Some areas that are prone to chafing are; underarms, nipples, waistline, bra line, thighs, buttocks, feet and toes. Some products and tips to help avoid chafing are:
Don’t wear cotton, wear a fabric that is moisture wicking;
Put petroleum jelly or anti chafing balm on those areas prone to chafing (such as Body Glide);
Toe caps; Nipple protection such as band-aids or a product called “Nip Guards”; & Moisturize. Skin that is well moisturized is less prone to chafing.
Happy Feet:
We don’t often realize as runners our feet take a beating and we often take for granted that they have carried us on some pretty amazing adventures. Proper foot care, much like skin care, is very important and as runners we know that there are many different types of socks available to us. Wearing the proper sock is crucial. Believe it or not, but your feet can chafe too. You want to wear a sock that will wick away moisture, which in turn will help prevent blisters. Something else we want to keep in mind is choosing the right sock for cold winter temperatures. For example, Icebreaker makes amazing gear out of merino wool that helps to keep you warm and dry. Smartwool is another brand that have socks for all occasions. Do some research, try a few brands and see what works best for you.
Lastly, let’s talk a little bit about Runner’s Acne.
Runner’s acne is something that all runners can get when you run indoors or outdoors. What is runner’s acne? Runner’s acne is the name of a type of acne rash that is caused by blocked skin pores, meaning that not just runners experience it. All athletes have the potential to develop this type of acne. More specifically, runner’s acne is a complex interaction and reaction between the bacteria that is naturally present on our skin, sebum and our bodies sweat levels. Runner’s acne can occur in places of repeated friction, for example, underneath your sports bra straps that lie on your back, across your shoulders if your t-shirt becomes soaked with sweat during a run or even the waistband of your shorts or pants, or in places of mechanical trauma. Both can occur when exercising. Excessive heat and swelling can also contribute to inflammation of the follicles, which can trigger this type of acne.
There are many different types of fabrics out there, some designed to wick away moisture and have UV protection while others are designed to wick away moisture while keeping you warm and protecting your skin against the elements.
Chafing:
Every runner’s nightmare. Chafing is the result of friction, whether it’s fabric on skin or skin on skin contact. Chafing commonly occurs in the summer but can happen at anytime. To avoid chafing, you want to be sure that your clothing fits properly, is seamless and tag free. Wearing clothing that is too big and soaked with sweat can increase the likelihood and amount of chafing. Some runners are more prone to chafing than others. If you’ve never chafed before, consider yourself lucky because let me tell you first hand IT HURTS. Some areas that are prone to chafing are; underarms, nipples, waistline, bra line, thighs, buttocks, feet and toes. Some products and tips to help avoid chafing are:
Don’t wear cotton, wear a fabric that is moisture wicking;
Put petroleum jelly or anti chafing balm on those areas prone to chafing (such as Body Glide);
Toe caps; Nipple protection such as band-aids or a product called “Nip Guards”; & Moisturize. Skin that is well moisturized is less prone to chafing.
Happy Feet:
We don’t often realize as runners our feet take a beating and we often take for granted that they have carried us on some pretty amazing adventures. Proper foot care, much like skin care, is very important and as runners we know that there are many different types of socks available to us. Wearing the proper sock is crucial. Believe it or not, but your feet can chafe too. You want to wear a sock that will wick away moisture, which in turn will help prevent blisters. Something else we want to keep in mind is choosing the right sock for cold winter temperatures. For example, Icebreaker makes amazing gear out of merino wool that helps to keep you warm and dry. Smartwool is another brand that have socks for all occasions. Do some research, try a few brands and see what works best for you.
Lastly, let’s talk a little bit about Runner’s Acne.
Runner’s acne is something that all runners can get when you run indoors or outdoors. What is runner’s acne? Runner’s acne is the name of a type of acne rash that is caused by blocked skin pores, meaning that not just runners experience it. All athletes have the potential to develop this type of acne. More specifically, runner’s acne is a complex interaction and reaction between the bacteria that is naturally present on our skin, sebum and our bodies sweat levels. Runner’s acne can occur in places of repeated friction, for example, underneath your sports bra straps that lie on your back, across your shoulders if your t-shirt becomes soaked with sweat during a run or even the waistband of your shorts or pants, or in places of mechanical trauma. Both can occur when exercising. Excessive heat and swelling can also contribute to inflammation of the follicles, which can trigger this type of acne.
What should you do if you experience runner’s acne?
There are several measures that can be taken to help prevent runner’s acne.
When you have finished exercising, remove all devices, objects or clothing that are soaked with sweat as soon as you have finished your exercise and be sure to wash them before next use.
Avoid wearing clothing that rubs against your skin. While this may not be completely possible, try to minimize the effect as much as possible.
Do not wear makeup, moisturizers, after shave, etc. while exercising as you don’t want to open up those pores to sweat.
Use baby wipes after a run or any form of exercise to help wipe up and clean off excess sweat if you aren’t able to shower right away. An all-natural baby wipes work best.
Dry your skin well; pat DON’T rub.
Hair Care:
Hair care is not something we think of as often when it comes to sports. Many of us throw on a hat, put our hair up in a headband or ponytail and out the door we go. There are SO many little things that we don’t realize are causing damage to our beloved locks.
One thing that as athletes or runners we should try and avoid is washing our hair daily. By washing your hair daily you are stripping your hair of its natural oils, which it needs to keep its shine and health. Instead of washing your hair on a daily basis you could try dry shampoo, a good rinse with warm water, or baby powder. The product that I prefer to use is lavender scented baby powder or your regular baby powder. I have tried many different types of dry shampoo and find that they tend to leave a residue on my scalp and in my hair leaving my hair greasy.
The sun can have very damaging effects on your hair. If possible use a UV protector on your hair if you are going to be outside for long periods of time. The cold winter air and wind can also have damaging effects on your hair. Cold winter temperatures and high winds can dry out your locks leaving them brittle and more prone to breakage. Be sure to use a hydrating shampoo to help lock in moisture. Wearing a hat during your winter runs is also helpful.
Wearing your hair in a braid puts less stress on your hair while running. Most runners wear their hair in a high pony; doing this will increase the amount of breakage you will find in your strands mid shaft.
If you are a triathlete, or swimmer, wear a swim cap to protect your hair from the harsh chemicals in the pool water. Chlorine is known to dry out your hair making it prone to breakage. It can also discolour your hair if you have a light hair colour such a blonde.
There are several measures that can be taken to help prevent runner’s acne.
When you have finished exercising, remove all devices, objects or clothing that are soaked with sweat as soon as you have finished your exercise and be sure to wash them before next use.
Avoid wearing clothing that rubs against your skin. While this may not be completely possible, try to minimize the effect as much as possible.
Do not wear makeup, moisturizers, after shave, etc. while exercising as you don’t want to open up those pores to sweat.
Use baby wipes after a run or any form of exercise to help wipe up and clean off excess sweat if you aren’t able to shower right away. An all-natural baby wipes work best.
Dry your skin well; pat DON’T rub.
Hair Care:
Hair care is not something we think of as often when it comes to sports. Many of us throw on a hat, put our hair up in a headband or ponytail and out the door we go. There are SO many little things that we don’t realize are causing damage to our beloved locks.
One thing that as athletes or runners we should try and avoid is washing our hair daily. By washing your hair daily you are stripping your hair of its natural oils, which it needs to keep its shine and health. Instead of washing your hair on a daily basis you could try dry shampoo, a good rinse with warm water, or baby powder. The product that I prefer to use is lavender scented baby powder or your regular baby powder. I have tried many different types of dry shampoo and find that they tend to leave a residue on my scalp and in my hair leaving my hair greasy.
The sun can have very damaging effects on your hair. If possible use a UV protector on your hair if you are going to be outside for long periods of time. The cold winter air and wind can also have damaging effects on your hair. Cold winter temperatures and high winds can dry out your locks leaving them brittle and more prone to breakage. Be sure to use a hydrating shampoo to help lock in moisture. Wearing a hat during your winter runs is also helpful.
Wearing your hair in a braid puts less stress on your hair while running. Most runners wear their hair in a high pony; doing this will increase the amount of breakage you will find in your strands mid shaft.
If you are a triathlete, or swimmer, wear a swim cap to protect your hair from the harsh chemicals in the pool water. Chlorine is known to dry out your hair making it prone to breakage. It can also discolour your hair if you have a light hair colour such a blonde.
Extra:
When running in warmer temps, be sure to hydrate hydrate hydrate!! This will help reduce the concentration of your sweat. Salt has a sandpaper like effect on skin.
Wear a lip gloss/chap stick with a minimum rating of SPF 15 when running in the sun.
As a runner on the East Coast of Canada we experience ALL kinds of weather, sometimes all four seasons in one day. The summers are HOT and the winters COLD so hair and skin care are Crucial. Some of my favourite products I have purchased here locally on the Rock (Newfoundland) or in stores that are found all across Canada and the US. Buff’s, buffs of all kinds: Merino, UV, original, the list goes on. These are a great multi-purpose items. From headband, to hat, to neck warmer these are great for all seasons, one of my number 1 go to’s. Not only do they make buffs but also hats, scarves and trucker caps.
Ahh Skin:
Let’s talk Sunscreen. Hands down the best product I have tried is Neutrogena Cool Sport. It comes in a smaller bottle which is great for taking on longer runs and trail runs. It is non greasy and have an 80 minute water resistance, highly recommend. I am a huge fan of Tea Tree products from The Body Shop and Dessert Essence, as someone who experiences runners acne I find this product works best for me. Tea tree isn’t for everyone but it helps keep my skin clear and feeling fresh. I use a body wash, moisturizer and face wash. As a runner Recovery is HUGE and one of my go to’s after a hard workout or long run is a warm bath to help soothe those sore muscles, most times of course, after an ice bath. One product that I swear by is locally made here in Newfoundland by Indigena. It is a bath treatment for after your workout, it’s soothing and hydrating and made primarily of sea salt. Little tip, if you are allergic to sulpha and can’t have Epsom salt bathes, this is the product for you!
I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you all with info and that there is something helpful in here for each and every one of you. Hair and skin, of course you care!! See you on the trails."
When running in warmer temps, be sure to hydrate hydrate hydrate!! This will help reduce the concentration of your sweat. Salt has a sandpaper like effect on skin.
Wear a lip gloss/chap stick with a minimum rating of SPF 15 when running in the sun.
As a runner on the East Coast of Canada we experience ALL kinds of weather, sometimes all four seasons in one day. The summers are HOT and the winters COLD so hair and skin care are Crucial. Some of my favourite products I have purchased here locally on the Rock (Newfoundland) or in stores that are found all across Canada and the US. Buff’s, buffs of all kinds: Merino, UV, original, the list goes on. These are a great multi-purpose items. From headband, to hat, to neck warmer these are great for all seasons, one of my number 1 go to’s. Not only do they make buffs but also hats, scarves and trucker caps.
Ahh Skin:
Let’s talk Sunscreen. Hands down the best product I have tried is Neutrogena Cool Sport. It comes in a smaller bottle which is great for taking on longer runs and trail runs. It is non greasy and have an 80 minute water resistance, highly recommend. I am a huge fan of Tea Tree products from The Body Shop and Dessert Essence, as someone who experiences runners acne I find this product works best for me. Tea tree isn’t for everyone but it helps keep my skin clear and feeling fresh. I use a body wash, moisturizer and face wash. As a runner Recovery is HUGE and one of my go to’s after a hard workout or long run is a warm bath to help soothe those sore muscles, most times of course, after an ice bath. One product that I swear by is locally made here in Newfoundland by Indigena. It is a bath treatment for after your workout, it’s soothing and hydrating and made primarily of sea salt. Little tip, if you are allergic to sulpha and can’t have Epsom salt bathes, this is the product for you!
I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you all with info and that there is something helpful in here for each and every one of you. Hair and skin, of course you care!! See you on the trails."
To see the full post, Click the link below!
runlikeagirl.ca/2018/02/24/best-hair-skin/
I hope you Enjoy.
See you all again soon!
-E
runlikeagirl.ca/2018/02/24/best-hair-skin/
I hope you Enjoy.
See you all again soon!
-E