Sun protection routine for those who practise outdoor sports

Practising outdoor sports is an excellent way to take care of your body, release energy and maintain an active routine. Walking, running, cycling, tennis, padel, surfing, outdoor functional training or simply spending longer periods in the sun all have many benefits, but they also require one essential step: good sun protection.

When you exercise outdoors, your skin is more exposed to UV radiation, heat, sweat, wind and, often, water. This means that using just any sunscreen may not be enough. Texture, water and sweat resistance, sun protection factor and reapplication all make a difference when it comes to keeping your skin protected during physical activity.

In this article, we explain how to create an effective sun protection routine for those who practise outdoor sports, what type of SPF50 sunscreen to choose and which products are most suitable.

Why is sun protection so important in outdoor sports?

During outdoor sports activities, sun exposure tends to be more intense and prolonged. Even when the sky is cloudy or the temperature feels mild, UV radiation is still present and can damage the skin.

In addition, sweat, friction from clothing, contact with water and wiping the skin with a towel can reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen throughout your workout. That is why anyone who exercises outdoors should choose a more resistant, practical routine that is adapted to movement.

A good facial sun protection routine helps prevent sunburn, dark spots, premature ageing, skin dehydration and sensitivity. For those who train regularly, this step should be as essential as choosing the right equipment or staying well hydrated.

Which sunscreen should you choose for sport?

When exercising outdoors, it is best to choose an SPF50 sunscreen, especially during periods of greater sun exposure. This sun protection factor is recommended to ensure high protection against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn, and should also be combined with UVA protection.

It is also important to prioritise formulas with a lightweight texture, fast absorption and good water and sweat resistance.

A water-resistant sunscreen is particularly useful for intense training, hot days or water sports, but it still requires regular reapplication.

For the face, you can choose a fluid sunscreen, an untinted sunscreen or a tinted sunscreen to help even out your skin tone, depending on your preference and skin type. For the body, gel, fluid or lotion textures are practical for applying to larger areas, such as the arms, legs, shoulders, décolleté and neck.

Sun protection routine before, during and after training

Before training: prepare your skin

Before leaving home, apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas. Do not limit it to your face. The neck, ears, nape of the neck, hands, arms, legs and scalp, especially areas with less hair, also need protection.

Ideally, apply sunscreen around 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure even coverage. If you are going to practise sport for a longer period, take the product with you so you can reapply it.

During training: reapply whenever necessary

Reapplication is one of the most important steps in the routine. Even when using a water-resistant or sweat-resistant sunscreen, you should reapply it frequently, especially after sweating heavily, showering, swimming or drying your skin with a towel.

In activities such as running, long walks, cycling or water sports, reapplication should be seen as part of the workout. Just as you take water, a towel or the right equipment, you should also take your sports sunscreen with you.

After training: cleanse and moisturise the skin

After exercising, wash your skin to remove sweat, sunscreen residue and impurities. Then apply a moisturising product suitable for your skin type. This step helps restore comfort, softness and hydration, especially after exposure to sun, wind or heat.

The 5 best sunscreens for outdoor sports

Choosing the best sunscreen depends on the type of activity, the area of application and your skin’s needs. To help, we have selected some options available at Fahma that suit different outdoor sports routines.

Isdin Fotoprotetor Fusion Gel Sport SPF50+ 100ml

Isdin Fotoprotetor Fusion Gel Sport SPF50+ is an option specially designed for those who practise physical activity outdoors.

Its refreshing gel formula is suitable for athletes, has an ultra-lightweight, breathable texture and offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is water- and sweat-resistant, effective even on wet skin thanks to Wet Skin technology, and is also suitable for hairy areas such as the arms, legs and scalp.

It is an excellent choice for running, cycling, walking, padel, football, surfing or intense training, especially if you are looking for a practical, lightweight and comfortable sunscreen for sportspeople. The refreshing sensation is another interesting advantage for hot days or more demanding workouts.

Avene Sport Fluid SPF 50

Avène Fluido Sport SPF50+ is a practical option for those looking for an Avène sunscreen adapted to sports practice.

Its fluid format makes it easy to apply to the face and body, making it a good choice for those who prefer lightweight textures that are easy to spread.

It is suitable for generous application before sun exposure on the face and/or body and can be integrated into a body and facial sun protection routine before walks, runs, outdoor workouts or prolonged outdoor activities.

La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune SPF50+ Sunscreen

La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune SPF50+ Sunscreen is an interesting option for those looking for a facial sunscreen with high protection and comfort, especially if they have dry, very dry or sensitive skin.

We highlight its high protection for dry, extremely dry and sensitive skin, as well as the presence of Mexoryl sunscreen filter, Netlock technology and glycerine for intense hydration.

For those who practise outdoor sports, it can be a good choice to apply to the face before walks, moderate workouts or activities where the skin needs protection and comfort. The recommendation to reapply regularly, especially after sweating, showering or towel-drying, is particularly relevant in this context.

Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluid SPF50+ Untinted

Photoderm 50+ Aquafluid is an excellent option for those looking for an untinted sunscreen with an ultra-fluid texture and lighter finish. It is a mattifying moisturising sunscreen with an ultra-fluid texture, ideal for protecting the skin from the sun’s rays.

It is a good choice for the face, especially for those who prefer a more discreet feel on the skin during the day or before a walk, light run or outdoor workout.

Its own usage recommendation refers to frequent reapplication before and after bathing, after drying or during sports activities, which makes it relevant in a sun protection routine for sport.

Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily Tinted Photoprotector Fluid Light SPF50+

Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Photoprotector Fluid is an option for those looking for a tinted sunscreen designed for daily use with an additional cosmetic benefit. It helps hydrate the skin and prevent ageing caused by the sun’s rays.

It can be a good choice for those who practise light to moderate outdoor activities and want to even out the skin tone without applying make-up.

It is especially interesting for walks, daily commutes, gentle workouts or days when you are looking for facial sun protection with a more perfected finish.

Tinted or untinted sunscreen: which should you choose for training?

The choice between tinted sunscreen and untinted sunscreen depends mainly on your preference and the context of use.

Untinted sunscreen tends to be more versatile for intense workouts, activities involving a lot of sweating or application to different areas of the face and body. Tinted sunscreen, on the other hand, can be a good option for those who want to protect the skin while slightly evening out the complexion, especially during more moderate activities or daily use.

For very intense workouts, the most important thing is to ensure that the formula is comfortable, does not easily run into the eyes, has good resistance and is reapplied throughout exposure.

Common sun protection mistakes during sport

One of the most common mistakes is applying too little product.

When the amount is insufficient, the level of protection achieved may be lower than expected. Another common mistake is applying sunscreen only to the face and forgetting areas such as the ears, neck, nape of the neck, hands and shoulders.

It is also common to rely too much on the first application. During sport, perspiration and friction reduce how long the product stays on the skin, which is why reapplication is essential. Even the best sports sunscreen needs to be reapplied to maintain adequate protection.

Finally, many people only use sunscreen on beach days or when it is very hot. In reality, those who practise outdoor sports activities should use sun protection all year round, especially during prolonged training sessions or at times of higher radiation.

Extra tips to protect your skin during training

In addition to SPF50 sunscreen, there are other steps that help reinforce skin protection.

• Whenever possible, avoid training during the hottest hours

• Look for shaded áreas

• Wear a cap or hat

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection

• Choose suitable technical clothing

Hydration is also essential. Drinking water before, during and after training helps the body cope better with heat and contributes to the skin’s overall wellbeing.

And remember: sunscreen should not only be used when the sun is visible. On cloudy days, UV radiation still reaches the skin, so your protection routine should be maintained.

The best workout starts with protected skin

A good sun protection routine for those who practise outdoor sports should be simple but consistent: apply before leaving home, choose an SPF50 sunscreen suited to your skin type and activity, reapply during exercise and care for your skin after training.

If you are looking for a more technical product for intense exercise, options such as Isdin Fusion Gel Sport SPF50+ or Avène Fluido Sport SPF50+ are especially relevant.

For the face, alternatives such as La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune SPF50+, Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluid SPF50+ or Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Tinted SPF50+ allow you to adapt sun protection to your skin’s needs and lifestyle.

At Fahma, you will find a selection of face and body sunscreens, ideal for keeping your skin protected at all times, both in and out of training.