Zitzs!!!

[profà vélo]

Make sure you cleanup when you take the helmet off... I have started wondering how I can clean up the padding of my helmet (it can't be taken off) for it's really absorbing a lot of sweat.

Hey, Grog: I take my helmet into the shower with me at least once a month. Although you aren't supposed to use any harsh cleansers on it, I figure if I wash myself with it, it can't hurt the helmet. I take my shower 'pouf' and lather it up--then use it to wash my helmet, especially the inside. Using anti-bacterial soap is probably a good idea for the helmet, keep things from growing in there. I get the helmet pads good and sudsy, then rinse really well and hang to dry. If I'm going to use it again sooner rather than later, I blot the pads with a towel to speed drying. Seems to be working, no stinky helmet here!

[bouncybouncy]

AAACK!!! Great thread...I have been breaking out like crazy on my chin! I can't say it is from riding cause it started before I was into it...I think it is more my age maybe???

Anyway, has anybody used Burt's Bees product line? I have read into it and it is quite price effective, but, does it work? I like the idea of its natural ingredients. I think (and so does a friend of mine) that the breakouts are from extremely dry skin?

[skibum]

I've been breaking out on my jawline quite a bit lately. I was mentioning it to a fellow cyclist and she thought it might be from my helmet strap. I know the straps are almost white from the salt from my sweat. That can't possibly be good for me skin. Sounds like I need to follow profavelo's advise and take the helmet in the shower to give it a good cleaning.

[tatormc]

Anyway, has anybody used Burt's Bees product line? I have read into it and it is quite price effective, but, does it work? I like the idea of its natural ingredients. I think (and so does a friend of mine) that the breakouts are from extremely dry skin?

I've tried Burt's Bees and my hubby said he could tell a difference but I wasn't so sure. My zits seem to be caused from something internal and not external so when using most topical products I do not see results. I did like that Burts is natural and all the products have a nice smell. Everything works different for everyone so you might as well give it a try.

[bouncybouncy]

you might as well give it a try.

Thanks!!! For the price...what could it hurt and I will smell good while I am at it!

bouncy *on a budget* bouncy

[Tess851]

I'm with prof. Except I wash it once a week (I ride six days a week). I use a product called Phisohex, an antibacterial face wash. And rinse reallyreally well because otherwise if you get sweaty and it any of it runs into your eyes when you're riding it really stings (yes, I've been there.....).

Soap seems to do a good job too though. And really scrub those helmet straps. They get the salt, the sweat, the sunscreen, and the hands with who knows what gribblies on them all touching it. Yuck.

I use a face scrub once or twice a week too, 'cos with all that sunscreen and stuff, and then the dirt you accumulate on a ride (try wiping your face with a clean tissue at the end of a ride and see how grubby it is!) I sometimes need a bit extra to really clean the pores out.

[newfsmith]

I use shampoo (Head & Shoulders) to clean my helmet pads and straps every month or so. In between I try to rinse the straps every couple days and blot them dry. That keeps my helmet acceptable.

[shewhobikes]

I feel like an idjut. I never thought about cleaning my helmet!!! And I'm a pretty clean gal, just didn't consider how to do this. Shower treatment sounds like the ticket. Thanks so much!

And while on the subject of cleaning, I've taken to putting some vinegar in the rinse water in the washing machine when I wash my gloves. Seems to take the funky out!

Hijacking this thread a bit, I know, off the zits and onto general cleaning issues, but I'd love to hear what other cleaning tips you gals have for bike clothing and equipment. Thanks!

[Grog]

Hey, Grog: I take my helmet into the shower with me at least once a month.

Hey Prof! that's a cool idea. I'll try it out after my next ride.