Skin care?

Since I've started riding (last September) I've done about 1700 miles. I have already noticed in the 5 months that it has taken a toll on my skin despite the fact that I have been more than religious about putting on good quality sunscreen with a zinc oxide in it. What kind of skin care products do you all use to (1) prevent formation of brown spots from the sun and (2) super hydrate your face and neck so that lines and wrinkles don't form from the dryness. I think my sunscreen works fairly well but everywhere I sweat (such as above my upper lip) it doesn't do the trick even if I put it on more often. After a shower my skin is dried up and tight but I can see lines I've never had before and although I moisturize right after the shower it's not keeping up with the wind and exposure. Imagine what summer will be like!

My hair seems to be holding on ok. I use a very expensive emollient shampoo and conditioner and use their spray on sunscreen for hair as well.

If you are at high altitude in CO, then you are more at risk for sun damage and drying skin as well because it is usually very low humidity too. Keep doing all you can, as you are now, but I don't think there is an answer to high altitude, dry climate and lots of outdoor activity; you are just going to have skin issues (dry skin, aging, etc.).

If you move to the south, where it is humid and the sun isn't quite as intense, your skin my fair better!

Sorry, I can't help you with skin care products. It sounds like you are doing all you can. I use cetaphil cream for lotion, try to avoid products with alcohol that dry skin, use sun screen and hope for the best!

And if you can do bulk of your cycling in early morning when the sun is not as strong. I personally prefer that since high noon sun drains my energy alot more on a hot summer day. (Not noticeable in Vancouver, but really noticeable to me when I lived and biked regularily in southern Ontario during hot humid summers with sun.)

Otherwise it sounds as if you're doing all you can. Does your helmet have small visor?

I wonder....are you showering more because you're riding? Can you time your showers so they're after workouts, and you're not doing so more frequently? Are you taking luke-warm showers? Are you moisturizing immediately when you get out of the shower when your skin is still a bit moist?

What sunscreen are you using? How often are you re-applying?

deskrider, your skin sounds like it's in the same condition as mine, and I've been on a bike maybe 4 times since the summer. I think most of the issue (besides sun spots) is just part of dealing with winter in Colorado.

I use olive oil as a moistureizer. It works great, and is supposed to be good at preventing wrinkles.

I like olive oil, too.

Pure shea butter.

It's blasted expensive, you have to soften and warm it in your hands, but it only takes a little bit and it works a charm!

Once I discovered shea butter and shea butter based lotions, I set aside all other lotions and potions. (except grape seed oil, which is very light and perfect for not-so-dry-days and for around my eyes) My skin has improved immensely since I began using it head to toe.

I had skin cancer in my 20's , so I tend to be very picky about sunscreens and skin care. Shea butter supposedly has some sunscreen effects, but DON'T trust it to block UV rays! Wear sunscreen and sunblock no matter what claims are made about the sunscreen properties of shea butter!

These are my current favorites: http://www.alaffia.com/ and http://www.wildcarrotherbals.com/

Try wearing a cap like this http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodHS_SPCM.html under your helmet. The visor will help protect from the sun, plus it absorbs sweat. For moisturizing, I find drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day essential, in addition to a moisturizer with SPF 30.

Shea butter is awesome - but I can only use it at night (it's too "sticky" for me to be happy using it during the day on my hands). I've been buying it from here. No connection - just liked their product. It does last a long time for the price, I find...

I am a fan of Olay products. I use the Olay Regenerist UV Defense regenerating lotions. You can get it in SPF 15, 30 or 50 i think. It does a good job moisturizing and protects your skin too. Just be sure to put it on at least 30 min before you ride, and rub it in really well.

skin is an essential barriar between you and all the germs, pollution etc. Unless I drink 8-10 glasses of water a day my aging dry skin begins to flake inspite of daily lavish applications of Nivea body care lotion.

I also used a 70 + sun screen religiously, but apply it about 1/2 hour before the ride so it will have time to soak in, then I recoat lightly just before I go out.

One other major difference I have found is using an natural organic shower wash with shea butter, sunflower oil, rosemary, thyme,calendula and various other essential oils helps keep me clean on a daily basis without drying the skin plus it saves me having to buy shampoo. Plus I love the smell of the tri body wash.

It is produced by a tri athelete using all natural and organic ingredients. Check out the website at www.skinecareforatheletes.com

just my $.02 worth.