Year-round running friendly sun screen for (bald) head?

Supercell · 29-01-2025 06:18PM #1

I've been diagnosed with a skin condition on my scalp due to repeated sunburn on my head, likely caused by running and not taking enough precaution up there as I'm not a sun worshiper by any means, quite the opposite.

Long story short, I've been advised to wear a hat or cap or sunblock year round.

Thats fair enough at this time of year even though its still gets sweaty after a few miles i can cope with a cap. But i cannot imagine what late spring, summer into autumn is going to be like. Is there any sunblock cream that's runner friendly that people can recommend?

I've asked my doctor and they said any factor 50+ should suffice but cannot advise for running as its naturally sweaty.

So has anyone here any recommendations for 50+ sun-creams that will provide protection 3-4 hours into a sweaty run or is that wishing for too much? I suppose i could carry a small bottle in a Spibelt to reapply every hour or so if needed ?

Any recommendations, anyone else in the same situation with advice?

JohnnyChimpo · 29-01-2025 10:43PM

Get this cap, its 50% off.

https://www.lifestylesports.com/ie/dri-fit-fly-cap-90212500.html

I wear it every run year round pretty much (unless I'm running at night), it weighs nothing. You actually sweat less cause it keeps the sun off your face, and you don't get a headache squinting into the sun. Get it in white for maximum sun reflection. I'm not even bald, but it's just irresponsible to run without a hat and you'll age way faster if you run a decent amount, even in our gloomy climate.

Sunscreen is for your neck ears nose and cheeks

e: welp it's sold out at the link. still well worth it at full price if you cant find a deal. Cheaper than a lifetime of sunscreen

Rossi7 · 30-01-2025 04:24PM

Dermalogica Protection Sport 50 is good but on the pricey side. But as the post above suggests get yourself a decent running hat. Plenty of options about, Vaga & Ciele hats have a good selection again on the pricier side of things. Run Hub stock the Ciele hats if you are based in Dublin

GreeBo · 30-01-2025 04:35PM

As a fellow baldy I find that any of the oil based sprays are pretty good.

I use these either of the below whenever I'm on holidays as I'm also a sweaty bugger and these help in that respect. I find any of the creams will cause sweat to run off my head even before I start any exercise and its often worse under a hat.

GreeBo · 30-01-2025 04:39PM

Also, if you find a hat annoying have you tried a bandana?
I haven't used, but these quick drying, UV bandanas might be more comfortable

brick tamland · 30-01-2025 04:50PM

Get used to wearing a cap, would be my tip

witnessmenow · 01-02-2025 07:46AM

I wear a cap most times I run.

Main advantage for me is it keeps sweat out of my eyes, which is an advantage in all weathers
Obviously sun, means I don't have to put sun cream on my forehead, cause it would be going into my eyes soon enough with sweat
Even in the rain it keeps rain from falling directly in your face.

I use cheap ones I got off Amazon, I have a few of them to see me through the week.

They are from this brand, but they don't have the exact ones I have, but these seem fairly close

GADIEMKENSD Stretch Sport Hat with Soft Brim Lightweight Quick Dry Unstructured Breathable Running Cap for Outdoor Activities https://amzn.eu/d/3mouNOy

MisterJinx · 02-02-2025 02:07PM

A hat is best however for sun cream, again on the expensive side, we use La Roche Pouisse (spelling??) on the kids and they have never had a burn. Its almost like sudocream but it works a treat and survives water etc! I think they are now doing a spray version which might suit you better.

Supercell · 03-02-2025 10:23AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123114639#Comment_123114639

I ordered the green one in the women section as they seem to be unisex. I checked the Nike website and the models are male and female for the same hats.

I like the idea of the bandana too, will look into that.

Thanks for everyone else's comments, food for thought.

Supercell · 03-02-2025 01:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123127160#Comment_123127160

Been doing some reading up on sunscreens too for my neck, arms and calves etc and that brand, specifically the "Anthenlios" range is one that comes up a lot, thanks for mentioning. Apparently its an anti eye stinging formulation which is a particular bug bear of mine

03-02-2025 09:14PM

I wouldn't risk it for a biscuit. If your doc gives advice then tak it.

Sunscreen will roll off your skin as soon as you get hot.

appledrop · 03-02-2025 09:27PM

I'd highly recommend the La Roche Posay brand. I use it on the kids all the time. My husband and son hate suncream on their face as it stings so they robbed this one that I use on my face and they love it. It also stops breakouts as not too oily. Don't know if would work on your head but you could try it, but as others said a cap probably best aswell.

https://www.boots.ie/la-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-spf50-50ml-10306562?srsltid=AfmBOooUzlB8d59fpvpiAJPJFIsXrEgtYGIn_PrNrGEYSOI9sCTgVp3j

event · 07-02-2025 02:05PM

P20 is the best stuff I have found.

https://www.p20.com/

GreeBo · 07-02-2025 02:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123144707#Comment_123144707

I have found this great for protection, but absolutely destroys clothes…

JPup · 07-02-2025 02:47PM

Only before it dries in. Give it 15/20 minutes before putting on clothes and then you're fine.

Not really an issue for the top of the head though I'd have thought.

P20 50 SPF is brilliant for the beach in the summer. In and out of the water for hours and still gives excellent protection.

pc11 · 07-02-2025 09:55PM

I'm thinning but not bald and I can't see why you wouldn't just wear a cap. Experiment with various caps to find the comfortable one. I personally find it hard to get one I like but I persist and then wear it most of the time. The faff of putting on sunblock that then rolls down my face is not appealing. Perhaps sunblock on the ears and neck but not on my head. The cap is instant.

Supercell · 08-02-2025 04:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123146455#Comment_123146455

I have very sensitive skin and caps are sweaty and itchy in general for me, though I've now got a couple recommended on this thread (thanks!) which i'll try when it warms up.

The beanie type one i have for cold days at this time of year is fine for now. Ideally in summer i'd prefer to just use a cream but i realise thats likely not practical especially for longer weekend runs (2 hours +) in warmer weather due to sweat runoff. Also, i cannot wear a cap on the back of my neck and arms, legs etc so a combination of both will be the way to go. Apparently this skin condition (Actinic Keratosis) is also common on runners necks and calves so i need to protect them better in future too.

my plan is to try all the creams mentioned here to see which my skin tolerates the best (i am allergic to basically everything) and go with that in future. Stopping running isn't an option as it keeps me sane!

appledrop · 08-02-2025 05:23PM

Supercell if your skin is that sensitive I'd definitely start with the La Roche Posay brand.

Anyone I know with young kids uses it over any other brand because like that it's great for sensitive skins. My sons creche actually thought he had sunburn years ago and were ringing us about it but it was actually a reaction from a different suncream! I don't use anything else now.

There are different variations of the suncream( lotions, creams spray etc)so I'll keep my fingers crossed one of them suits you.

I'd look in a pharmacy rather than boots for example because while our local boots carry the brand they wouldn't have the extensive range the pharmacy would have.

Year-round running friendly sun screen for (bald) head?

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