SKIN PROTECTION ON THE TRAILS

Sunshine has many benefits - increased Vitamin D production and mood enhancement, plus it may even prevent certain diseases like IBD.  But too much of a good thing is never a good thing (yes, even when it comes to chocolate and money!). Overexposure to sun without proper protections can lead to skin damage and possibly cancer. This risk may be enhanced for people with IBD who have underlying immune disfunction and/or are on immunosuppressive medications. 

I live and run in Los Angeles. Perpetual sun, air pollution, dust and pollen, poison oak lined trails, and IBD means skin protection is an essential part of my running health. Am I overly cautious? Maybe, but in the end I don't want to look 80 when I'm 50. 

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE SKIN SAVERS:
 
MY SILLY HAT! When I opened the Amazon package and revealed my wide brimmed, neck-caped hat, my teen daughter just about had a heart attack, and so did I as it was my first step in looking seriously uncool on the trails.  

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But I have come to terms with the fact that the higher up you get on the trails, the closer you are to the sun and the fewer people you run into.  It protects my face and my neck and that's good enough for me. (Also I threaten to wear it around my daughter's friends if she rolls her eyes at me or neglects to clean her room, so it's well worth the investment). 

ARM, LEG, and NECK SLEEVES - Multi-hour runs/hikes are likely to be accompanied by multiple climates! Early morning fog gives way to summer sun. I like to keep my options open, adding or removing layers as needed with a variety of sleeves.

• The Buff Coastal Arm sleeves with UV have thumb holes so they protect the top of the hands too.  They are very lightweight and roll up easily to fit in my pack. 
• The Pearl iZumi leg sleeves are a blast from my cycling past.  They are lightweight, roll up and fit in my pack and allow me to wear shorts instead of long pants which has two very big benefits: 1) it means I can modify my layers to be warmer or cooler depending on temperature and conditions and 2) shorts allow me to pee standing up. Yup, I just wrote that.  Frankly, it's really hard to get up from a deep squat after many hours on the trail AND you never quite know what flora and fauna you're squatting down into.  Shorts can be moved discretely to the side (remember getting out of the pool with your one-piece bathing suit and moving the crotch to the side to pee? Same concept.) making the deep knee bend unnecessary AND avoiding being caught with your pants down by a fellow hiker. Ladies, it takes a little practice to pee standing up but it'll change your world. 
• Buff Gaiter (it's like a sleeve for your neck!) - I was wearing Buff neck gaiters a decade before COVID made it a mandatory accessory.  Besides being a face covering during pandemic-era hikes, they are great for protecting your neck, ears, and cheeks. They are easily removed to use for first aid, as well as wiping dust off your arms or legs.

EYE PROTECTION - 

• Goodr sunglasses are inexpensive ($25!) so you can have multiple colors depending on your mood and you won't beat yourself up if they get lost. They are super lightweight too. They can be found at most running stores or online.  
• Also eye-related - after several hours on the trail, my eyes get dry and dusty so I like to carry a small bottle of eye drops in my pack.

SUNBLOCK - sunblock is kind of a no-brainer when heading into the trails but here are a few things to think about when out for multiple hours.

• ​There are MANY great sunscreens on the market but finding products that take minimal space in an already overstuffed and heavy pack is key so I like these disposable, individual packets of sunblock.  
• It SUCKS when sunscreen gets into your eyes. Super Fluid Daily UV Defense SPF 50+  face specific lotion doesn't do that, making it my best friend.

OTHER STUFF: 

• Balega Ankle High Socks - I'm not crazy about knee high compression socks because they make me overheat, but these ankle high socks protect my lower leg from the bramble and twigs. 
• Goodwipes, individually wrapped large body wipes - I like these for cleaning up post run. They are big enough to clean my arms and legs of dirt and pollen before getting in the car.  The individually wrapped wipes can be carried in my pack and used on the trail if I run past poison oak or get scraped up. 
• A few other items I carry to protect my skin includes lip balm,  travel sized hand sanitizer, bandaids and individual skin antibacterial ointment. 

On a final note, I'm on week 3 of my 2021 miles in a year. I have run or hiked 78 miles as of October 5. I'm in the process of getting ready for an amazing camping weekend in Catalina so there will be much to tell in the coming weeks. 

Thanks for reading! 
Lucie ​