What’s the Worst Athletic Sport for Your Skin?

Skin Care Tip of the Day: In my 20 plus years of working with clients in my skin care spas (and many include professional athletes), I find that the worst athletic sport for your skin is marathon running. Why? The combination of direct sun exposure and the free radicals created both from the UV rays and the constant physical wear and tear on the body will age the skin tremendously.

What can a runner do to keep their skin from showing the signs of aging prematurely? 

-Sunscreen, of course. But the key is NOT how high of an SPF number you wear, but how often and how generously you apply it. Reapply every two hours when in direct sunlight.

-Mineral makeup powder. Apply over the sunscreen to a give additional sun protection.

-Take Vitamin C internally 30 minutes before you go out running to help prevent free radical activity.

-Wear a hat or visor and large UV protecting sunglasses.

-Try to run in shady areas whenever possible.

-Try not to run from 10am – 2pm. These are the peak hours when the sun is the strongest.

-Use an antioxidant serum like Renée Rouleau Vitamin C & E Complex under sunscreen daily.

-Make sure to get your moles checked regularly from a dermatologist for skin cancer prevention.

The second athletic sport that causes the worst skin aging? Pro beach volleyball.