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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Fighting Runner's Face

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Today's Workout: Legs and core: walking lunges, squats, dead lifts, squat jumps, plank hold, reverse crunchw ith stability ball.

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The benefits of running are to numerous too name, but before we go patting ourselves on our backs, we better make sure we are taking the necessary precautions to make sure we look as good on the outside as we feel on the inside.

Whether it is soaking up sun on summer day long runs, or fighting harsh wind and cold through through winter months, we runners are battling to keep our skin happy. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind before it becomes a losing battle.

1. Sun Protection - ALL YEAR LONG. This is a must. Over 30 SPF is ideal, but anything is good. You should also opt for one with broad spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays). Additionally, you want one that is "water-resistant" or "sweat-resistant." Bonus points if the sunscreen has the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. Some good options are Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweatproof, Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Sport Sunblock, or Banana Boat UltraMist Sport Performance Continuous Spray. Make sure it is easy to use, as you have many options - lotions, creams, sticks, and spray. Don't forget that you need SPF protection for your lips (ChapStick Ultra SPF 30 and Hawaiian Tropic Aloe Vera Suncreen Lip Balm 45+ are both options). Also, don't put your sunscreen away for winter runs. Although it may not feel like it, the sun is indeed out, and your skin still needs to be protected. (Wearing a hat never hurts either).

 What I'm putting on...

2. Revitalizing Formula during the day. Whether you are a first-thing-in-the-morning runner, or you fit it in some other time, immediately after you wash your face is the ideal time to apply a revitalizing skin moisturizer. This will help replenish moisture lost on the run, and help protect your skin from drying during the remainder of the day. Consult with a specialist about what is best for your skin type.  I use Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief.



Other options (recommended by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig - Beauty Editor):
High-end for normal to dry skin: Murad Sheer Lustre Day Moisture SPF 15 - $68

3. Reparative Serum. I am not THAT old, yet, but at 25 years it is never too early to start fighting off the signs of aging. We all now how quickly the nights of being able to fall asleep without really washing our face and moisturizing are disappearing. One with retinol is best as it is the most effective of correcting/fighting wrinkles. It is ideal to only use this at night as it may cause some redness and, if you are like me with normal-dry skin, only two or three times a week. I use the below recommended, RoC Multi Correxion Skin Renewing Serum.

Other options (also recommended by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig):

4. Hydrate. Most runners are cued in to the importance of hydrating for peak performance, but it is imperative that we do that for our skin as well. While applying the aforementioned moisturizer will help with external skin hydration, drinking a lot of water will help hydrate the skin from the inside. When dehydrated, the body preserves the water supply to critical organs, such as the brain and the heart, but “cuts off water” to peripheral organs such as skin. Therefore, keeping the body well hydrated is an important part of keeping your skin well moisturized. Adequate fluid intake is key. However, just as important is to avoid foods and beverages that cause excess water loss.

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