Salt-rimmed eye bags

This seems to be a problem, that is actually causing some drying skin and premature wrinkles for me..

Past years, my eyes seem to water more, plus my sweat seems to run into my eyes. 'Course I don't always stop to wipe out the sweat behind my eyes. Nor do I want to wear a sweat band when the temp. are warm and I'm wearing a helmet.

So air movement dries out the sweat, watering eyes as I bike along. Then I get off bike..and ach! there are smudges of salt dried underneath my eyes. Looks like my skin is drying out there ..and leading to wrinkles. :confused:

Throwing on skin moisturizer isn't going to solve this problem while I'm biking.

Am I the only person with this problem/hang-up?

I don't have the answer, but you should see my father in law! (Dermatologist and cyclist.)

i think the sun is worse for your skin than the salt!

I get some of that too when it is cold out.

In the meantime (before you see my beloved father-in-law :) ) I'd suggest perhaps a fine coat of vaseline. I smear it all over my cheeks and under my nose when running in the winter. Of course in the summer it will be less pleasant, but just a very fine coat, just where you need it, might work.

My skin still breaks out occasionally so vaseline may not be the best. I still need skin protection from my sun block..if I haven't sweated away that also during the ride. :(

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Originally Posted by shootingstar

Then I get off bike..and ach! there are smudges of salt dried underneath my eyes.

Am I the only person with this problem/hang-up?

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Been there, done that! Winter riding is especially bad because the cold air means my eyes water continually. But, any windy day (and we've had our fair share this spring:() will produce the same result. I finish many a ride with salt-encrusted eyes and a white trail down my left cheek.

I've often wondered if cycling-specific glasses would alleviate the problem, but cost and prescription issues have kept me from exploring that option. I just consider the crusties a badge of honor!

I wear a cycling cap under my helmet and it does absorb most of the sweat.

I bought a Halo head band for my perpetually un-prepared DH last year. He does not like heat, and he loses a lot of salt too. I think it worked pretty well, since he wore it all through a three-day ride and it would leave a silly imprint on his forehead.

Or you could make regular stops, wash your face, dab your eyes with fresh water, and re-apply your sunscreen. If you want to save all your water for drinking, you can get some nice pre-moistened facial wipes at the drug store.