Find yourself spending a lot of time outside lately? The start of the warm-weather cycling season can be exciting, but also dangerous if, in your rush to enjoy the sun on your Lycra-clad back, you don’t take proper sun-care precautions. We talked to Roger Ho, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center; and Tsippora Shainhouse MD, FAAD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles, to see what the best practices are for keeping your skin burn-free. Enter your email address You may unsubscribe at any time. RELATED: The Best Sunscreens for Cyclists Don’t Be Dumb: Wear Sunscreen Ho says that the most important thing is to always wear sunscreen, with at least SPF 30 or above (we like Mayron’s Sun Stuff SPF 30, which we sell in our online store, for your face and neck). Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the most effective for blocking and reflecting UV rays, Ho adds. , SPF 30 blocks nearly 97 percent of UVB rays. The efficacy of the sunscreen tapers off around SPF 50, so it is not necessary to apply sunscreen with a SPF higher than 50.

But figuring out which sunscreen works best for you is a process of trial and error, Ho says. Broad-spectrum coverage sunscreens are ideal, as they cover both UVA rays (which cause aging) and UVB rays (which cause burns). Once you’ve found the one that works for you, apply it consistently when cycling outdoors. Ho recommends that sunscreen be reapplied at least every two hours. Trying a quick-absorbing gel formula or a waxy stick sunscreen that will stay put and not run into your eyes and mouth while you ride may be a good option, Shainhouse said. The FDA does not allow manufacturers to claim that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” Sunscreens are labeled as water-resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes. It doesn’t hurt to try these out, but still apply at least every two hours. Ride with the Sun’s Schedule in Mind Shainhouse recommends looking for shaded routes on tree-lined streets or trails. If you can, avoid cycling during the peak hours of sun: usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“If you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time, that morning [sunscreen] application is not going to last,” he says. Ho mentions that the two-hour rule becomes even shorter for cyclists, due to sweating and the potential for sunscreen rubbing off. So even more frequent application is encouraged for heavily exposed skin, like forearms, necks, and thighs.motorcycle boots norwich Wear the Right Cycling Kitktm motorcycle dealers washington state Tightly woven fabrics have a higher sun-protective factor, Shainhouse says. motorcycle clothing company swanseaLook for the ultraviolet-protection factor rating on your gear: The UPD refers to the fraction of UV rays that can pass though fabric. axo motocross boots parts

A UPF 50 rating means that only 1/50 of the sun’s rays can pass through the material to reach your skin. Darker clothing helps boost the sun-protective factor on skin that isn’t directly exposed to the sun, Ho says, because darker colors shield UV rays better than lighter ones. While darker colors tend to retain heat, which isn’t so great when you’re cycling in 90-degree weather, materials like cotton and spandex can be more protective against burns when they are darker, so find tight-knit, dark clothing with some ventilation options. Hit Two Birds with One Helmet While it’s a good tip for safety, wearing a helmet can also be helpful in protecting exposed scalps against sunburn. This is especially true for men with thinning hair; even simply wearing a cap can help protect from burns, Ho says. Shainhouse suggests tucking a bandana under the back of your helmet to cover the back of your neck, and wearing a higher-necked shirt. Putting on sunglasses doesn’t hurt either, she says.

Lastly, Stop Bragging About Your Tan Lines “There’s no such thing as a healthy tan,” Ho says. Any time you get a tan, it means there has been some sort of damage done to your skin. If you see anything on your skin that is changing or doesn’t heal, consult a dermatologist—Ho says outdoor athletes can be at a greater risk for skin cancer. RELATED: Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer Choosing the Right Helmet Trying on Your Helmet for motorcycle insurance rates: Please Enter Your Zip: For decades, motorcycles have been a symbol of a rebellious or free-spirited lifestyle. And while many riders love that aspect of their bikes, safety and responsibility are critical in order to continue to enjoy your time out on the roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are much more likely to experience a deadly accident while riding than those driving a car. A helmet can be an important aspect of motorcycle riding.

Read on to see when and where you will be required to have one and how to choose the best type of head protection for you. Helmets come in several shapes, many sizes, and nearly infinite colors. Choosing the best option can seem like a daunting task, but there are a few ways to break down the process of purchasing the best helmet possible. All helmets should include four basic components that make up their protection features, including: The outer-most layer of the helmet, this is usually made of fiber-reinforced composites, which will allow the material to contract during a hard impact. That will help lessen the blow of the force before it reaches your head. Usually made of Styrofoam or similar material, this layer continues to absorb shock and deflect the power of a hard hit away from your head. This is the layer that touches your head. It helps for comfort, but also ensures the helmet fits snuggly on your head. Also known as a chin strap. This piece will ensure the helmet stays on your head in the event of a crash.

When selecting a helmet, make sure it meets minimum safety standards by looking for a DOT sticker or a Snell sticker, which represent the seals of approval from the United States Department of Transportation and the Snell Memorial Foundation, respectively. Both organizations will run thorough tests for: Impact—The helmet's shock absorbing capacity. Penetration—How well the helmet withstands hitting a sharp object. Retention—How well the chin strap can stay fastened without breaking. Peripheral vision—To pass, a helmet must allow minimum side vision of 105 degrees on each side. Helmets come in several different general designs, including: This design does what the name suggests, covering the full face and head. It typically includes a movable face shield to protect the eyes, as well as a chin strap. Similar to the full-face type, but does NOT include a movable face shield. It's recommended to buy a snap-on face shield or goggles that can withstand hard impact if you purchase this helmet type.

Simply protects the top of your head. This type of helmet is not typically recommended for motorcycle riders. To ensure comfort, try your helmet on before buying it. Getting the right fit will not only help with your comfort level, but also with your safety. Getting a properly sized motorcycle helmet is more involved than guessing “Small," “Medium," or “Large." In general, a brand new helmet should feel slightly tight, coming into contact with most of your head and the sides of your face, but not putting too much pressure on any specific area. Once you've worn it for a while, your helmet should be “broken in" and adjust to the specific shape of your head, but it should never become loose. To find which size of helmet to start with, grab a tape measure and get the measurements for the largest circumference of your head, which should be just above your eyebrows and above your ears. Consult a sizing chart (you can find several online or through your motorcycle equipment retailer) to see which size helmets you should be trying on.

To further ensure your helmet is the best fit possible, look for these things after trying it on: Cheek pads—They should touch your face without pressing too hard. Gaps—Make sure there aren't any between your temples and the brow pads. Neck roll—If the helmet has one, it should not push the helmet away from the back of your head. Chin piece—When pressing on this with full-face helmets, your face shield should not touch your nose or chin. While wearing your helmet, you can also perform some simple preliminary tests to ensure your helmet will protect you, such as: Moving your helmet from side to side. Do this while it is securely fastened. Your skin should move as the helmet is moved, with an even amount of pressure being placed on your entire head. Try rolling the helmet forward off your head. Do this with your chin strap securely fastened. You should not be able to pull the helmet off. Take your helmet off. See if your head feels sore anywhere and check for red spots on your forehead.