HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN ON AND OFF THE BIKE: THE ESSENTIAL LifeJacket GUIDE
This year, we’re teaming up with skin protection experts, LifeJacket, to help Hub Velo CC members become more aware of the dangers of skin cancer, and to learn about how they can take extra care of their skin, on and off the bike.
Used by Olympians, professional athletes and everyday cyclists, LifeJacket was created with a single-minded vision of combatting increasing levels of skin cancer.
The company’s story began with personal setback. Set up by three healthy young men, who thought they were indestructible, the trio were hit by news that several of their friends – all healthy and in their thirties - were diagnosed with cancer. One of them was Jono, LifeJacket’s co-founder.
Through the experience of launching the company, they learnt that skin cancer – one of the world’s most common cancers – is not only on the rise, but also that most people don’t think about the need for year-round skin protection. This is especially true of men, who are almost twice as likely as women to die of skin cancer.
We asked, Billy, one of LifeJacket’s co-founders to share six top tips on how to protect our skin, on and off the bike.
THE PIECE OF CYCLING GEAR YOU REALLY NEED
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its first line of defence against external aggressors.
As a cyclist, your skin is constantly under attack from UV (even during winter), pollution, cold wind and dry/hot air. This culminates in skin damage and could amount to anything from premature ageing, dryness, itchiness or sensitivity, all the way to skin cancer.
Cycling is the ultimate sport for gear and kit. But not enough people realise the importance of everyday skin protection and what it can do for your overall and long-term skin health. That’s why our advice applies any time of year and whenever you head outdoors on the bike.
Making skin protection part of your kit might not reduce weight or make you go as fast as your brand new aero helmet, but it could be a life-saver.
APPLY SUNSCREEN BEFORE YOU SET OFF AND AGAIN DURING COFFEE BREAKS
Chances are, you’re probably out on your ride for an hour or more. During that time, the cool air breeze and any sweating might not make you realise how intense the sun is.
Temperature isn’t an indicator for sun strength so err on the side of caution and apply sunscreen before you set-off and at every break. Even in the UK. And even during winter.
Ignore Velominati rules insisting that tan lines should be kept razor sharp at all times. A tan is a sign of skin damage and should be avoided. Sorry.
WEAR UPF 50+ CYCLE KIT
Not all fabrics are created equal.
For example, a white cotton t-shirt is the equivalent of SPF 5 and you could feasibly burn through it.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is to fabrics what SPF is to sunscreen. It’s a measure of how much UV protection the fabric provides.
Presumably you’ve seen the picture Chris Froome’s partner posted of the skin damage caused by his mesh jersey? We’d say that’s a marginal loss. So, look out for UPF 50+ cycle kit and avoid mesh at all costs.
FIND A UPF HAT TO WEAR UNDER YOUR HELMET
It might get hot under your helmet, but your head’s a sitting duck under strong sun on a long ride. That’s even more true if you’re bald or have a close cut on top.
Wear a beanie or a hat with a visor (ideally) under your helmet. There are breathable, lightweight, UPF 50+ variants out there. It’s a whole lot better than a sunburnt head or sun stroke.
Is helmet tan a thing…? It shouldn’t be.
DON’T FORGET YOUR EYES
Pretty sure you already do this, but protect your eyes on long rides.
UV levels can be high even on a cloudy day and overexposure can lead to painful inflammation. Sunglasses with UV400 protection (or which have the CE kite mark) are a critical piece of kit.
Low quality lenses can cause more harm than good as you can read more in this Life Jacket blog post devoted to eye protection.
REPAIR AND RECOVERY
Help your skin repair and recover after a long day outside. Slap on a good moisturiser to re-seal the outer barrier. This one is more about looking and feeling better but that doesn’t make it any less important.
Taking better care is about more than preventing skin cancer. LifeJacket believe year-round protected skin is healthy skin and healthy skin makes you happier and more confident.
Thanks to LifeJacket, Hub Velo CC members receive 10% off their first purchase at the LifeJacket store when they use the special code CLUBVELOCC at checkout.
