Save Your Skin

Whenever you’re outside you’re exposed to the sun. This means even on winter and cloudy days. You've got three choices when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun and avoiding painful burns. One in five Americans will ultimately develop skin cancer, and it’s one of the most preventable diseases.

Stay indoors – hard to do if you want to ride.
Keep fully covered in clothing – might work better in the cooler months
Apply sunscreen from head to toe

Don't bother buying a sunblock or sunscreen with less than an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15. Each level of SPF increases the time you can stay in the sun without burning. The lighter-skinned you are, the higher the SPF you should use. Reapply it every two hours or so.

Sunblock or sunscreen? Both work well but in different ways. Sunscreens chemically absorb UV rays so not as many reach your skin; sunblocks physically deflect them. Creams, gels, lotions, wax sticks, or ointments? None have been proven more effective than any other, so use whatever you're most comfortable with on your skin.

Expensive doesn't mean better. You may prefer the smell or feel of more expensive products, but you won't get better protection.

Apply early. Put on your chosen product 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, and use an ounce or more, about the quantity of a shot glass -- to cover your body. Being stingy is a big mistake when it comes to sun protection.

Apply often. Over and over again. All sunscreens and sunblocks need to be reapplied, no matter what the label says. Slather it on every 2 hours (even with water-resistant products). Think of your skin the way you think of a parking meter: If you don't pay attention every couple of hours, you're going to get burned.

A long sleeve shirt comes in handy for the ride home.

What if you burn anyway?

Treat yourself with cool baths, moisturizers with only mild ingredients, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams.

Avoid "-caine" products (like benzocaine), as they may cause allergic reactions.

Take a pain reliever, such as aspirin as recommended on the package, unless you have a sensitivity to it, a history of stomach ulcers, or your doctor has told you not to take it. Studies show aspirin may help slow the early development of sunburn.

The wind is a factor too. On A long ride home a long sleeve shirt comes in handy. Don’t forget about the chap stick for the lips, they can be burned too.