5 Ways to Run-Proof Your Skin

Calling all pavement warriors: race season has officially arrived. And while training for a long race can be hell on your body, it doesn’t have to be unpleasant for your skin. Fortunately, many of those not-so-hot skin conditions (Chafed underarms, anyone? Blistered toes?) can be treated–and in some cases, prevented–according to four-time marathoner Elizabeth Hale, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine and consultant to Coppertone.

Don’t let your skin slow you down. Here’s how to beat the five most common complaints before they get in the way of you reaching the finish line.

The Issue: Chafing

The Culprit: Skin-on-clothing or skin-on-skin friction leads to raw, red skin typically around bra line, nipples, underarms, and thighs.

Treat It: Apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment (1.75 oz, $ 4.79, Drugstore.com) or A+D Skin Protection Original Ointment (4 oz, $ 4.00, Walmart.com) which both contain petrolatum to soothe irritation and protect skin by holding in moisture. Keep the area covered so it remains moist, which helps the skin heal faster. If your chafing morphs into a blister, avoid the temptation to pick at the skin even if it pops, says Hale, as this outer layer serves as a natural bandage to help the wound heal faster.

Beat It: Before heading out on long runs, spread a slick ointment like Vaseline on any problem areas. “I’m obsessed with BodyGlide,” says Hale. “The stuff is magic–I won’t do a long-distance run without it.” Also swap cotton clothes for synthetic materials like polyester or Dri Fit, like the Nike Women’s Legend Short-sleeved Tee ($ 7.97, SportsAuthority.com) which are designed to wick moisture away and won’t rub sensitive skin the wrong way.

The Issue: Blisters

The Culprit: Friction, sweat, and wearing the wrong size shoes can lead to bubbled-up skin on the arches, toes, and heels of your feet.

Treat It: Don’t pick at the blister. Instead, cover it with a Band-Aid or moleskin until it heals.

Beat It: The right-sized running shoe is the key to preventing blisters: it should be about a half-size larger than your regular shoes to accommodate for swelling as you run. And while it may be tempting to lace up for a long run, you should never rack up mileage in a new pair of sneakers. Instead, do five to 10 short runs before gradually increasing your distance to 10 miles or more, says Hale, who’s training for her fifth marathon. If you have any repeat-problem areas, try covering them with athletic tape or moleskin to prevent irritation. Also invest in a pair of running socks made with the same synthetic materials as your sportswear to to wick away excess moisture and prevent chafing. The Bridgedale X-Hale Speed Diva running socks ($ 5.77 per pair, Amazon.com) work in all weather and offer extra padding in the heel and ball of the foot.

The Issue: Body Acne

The Culprit: Dirt- and sweat-clogged pores can lead to unflattering body bumps, particularly on your back, chest and neck.

Treat It:
If you’re especially prone to body acne, use an antibacterial body wash like Dial Mountain Fresh Antibacterial Body Wash with Moisturizers (18 oz, $ 5.79, Walgreens.com). You can also try a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide to keep your pores clean; Hale recommends Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser (5 oz, $ 6.59, Drugstore.com) which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide (compared to 5% in most prescription washes). “Many over-the-counter varieties are as good as and even stronger than the prescription options,” says Hale.

Beat It: Avoid marinating in sweaty cotton duds by first suiting up in dry-fit, breathable running attire containing polyester or other synthetic materials, like this CoolMax Ladies Running Exercise short sleeve shirt ($ 12.99, Amazon.com). Immediately after your run, strip out of your workout clothes and lather up in the shower.

The Issue: Heat Rash

The Culprit: Pushing yourself in hot, humid weather conditions can instigate these small red bumps, sometimes accompanied by a prickly sensation known as miliaria. Given the insanely variable temperatures lately (ahem, global climate change) a particularly sticky day could set off heat rash even during this time of year.

Treat It: Chill out. Take a cold shower and cool down in an air-conditioned room. Until the symptoms subside, avoid using any oil-based products, which could block your sweat glands, and soothe any remaining irritation by applying an OTC cooling lotion that contains menthol. (Hale recommends Sarna Original Body Lotion, 7.5 oz, 10.99, Vitacost.com).

Beat It: On unseasonably warm or humid days, either skip your run or try working out inside. Regardless of the temperature, opt for breathable fabrics such as polyester, Dri Fit, and Coolmax, over cotton, which
won’t suffocate sweat glands.

The Issue: Sun Damage

The Culprit: Setting foot outdoors without wearing sunscreen can lead to sunburn, yes, but also skin cancer and premature aging, which athletes are more susceptible to, says Hale.

Treat It: If your skin gets toasted, use a body lotion containing aloe (Sarna Original Body Lotion listed above fits the bill) to soothe the burn.

Beat It: Wear sunglasses, a hat, and lightweight sunscreen to avoid clogging pores. Hale recommends a lightweight spray for the body, such as Coppertone Sport Pro Series Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30, (6 oz, $ 9.99, Drugstore.com) and a sports stick on the face to avoid stinging sensitive eyes.

photo: Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock

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Power Foods That Fix Your Skin
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The New Skin Cream You MUST Try

 
If you’re anything like us, you’ve been stocking up on BB creams since these must-have complexion perfectors hit the stores earlier this year. Well, the original all-in-one facial product is about to have some serious competition. The threat? CC creams (no, that’s not a typo!). The popular beauty product has only been sold in Asia—until now. Starting this month, beauty companies are beginning to sell CC creams in America. And stateside beauty geeks rejoice.

BB, CC…but what difference could two little letters really make?

First, let’s start with what BB (beauty balms or blemish balms) and CC (complexion correcting) creams have in common. Both face creams promise moisture, SPF protection, and anti-aging benefits.

As for the differences: “BB creams are more like a tinted moisturizer, and CC creams are able to cover from sheer to full coverage—but it looks like you don’t have anything on,” says Wei Brian, founder of Wei Beauty, one of the first companies to sell CC creams in the US. Also, CC creams offer more long-term positive results—they actually correct skin troubles like discoloration, Brian says. For example, Wei Beauty’s CC cream, Ideal Skin—Perfect Finish ($ 29.60, beauty.com and birchbox.com), is formulated with natural brighteners like licorice and Vitamin C, along with antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients.

So those pesky brown spots that have been peeking through your makeup, or those fine lines you wish you could smooth out? CC creams are the one-two punch that’ll get you another step closer to skin nirvana.

photo: Wei Beauty

 
More from WH:
The 2012 Beauty Awards
The Best Lipstick Shades for Your Skintone
Score Perfect Skin in Just 30 Days!

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