Skincare for Cyclists: Sun, Wind and Sweat on Two Wheels

More people are cycling, whether for fitness on weekend rides or as a daily commute. Cycling is great exercise, but it puts your skin in the sun, wind and dust for long stretches, and you sweat a lot under a helmet. A simple routine before and after rides keeps skin comfortable.

What cycling does to skin

• Sun exposure on the face, ears, neck, arms and the backs of the hands.
• Wind that can leave skin and lips feeling dry.
• Sweat under the helmet and along the forehead.
• Dust and pollution on city roads.
• Friction from helmet straps and clothing.

Before the ride

1. Cleanse your face gently.
2. Apply a light moisturiser.
3. Apply sunscreen to the face, ears, neck and any exposed arms and hands. Do not forget the back of the neck.
4. Apply lip balm.
5. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun, wind and dust.

See how to apply sunscreen properly.

During long rides

• Drink water regularly, not only when you feel thirsty.
• Reapply sunscreen on rides longer than two hours, if you can stop safely.
• Wipe sweat with a clean cloth rather than your gloves.
• Rest in shade during breaks.

After the ride

1. Shower soon, or at least rinse your face.
2. Cleanse gently to remove sweat, sunscreen and dust.
3. Change out of cycling clothes quickly.
4. Moisturise face and body.
5. Drink water and eat a proper meal.

Helmet hygiene

• Wash or wipe the helmet pads regularly.
• Let the helmet air out after rides.
• Keep straps clean, since they touch your chin and jaw.
• Wear a thin cotton cap under the helmet if it helps with sweat.

Clothing

• Choose breathable fabrics that wick sweat.
• Light long sleeves help on sunny rides.
• Wash cycling clothes after every ride.

Food and recovery

• Eat balanced meals with protein. See protein for healthy skin.
• Sleep well to recover.

Common mistakes

• Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days.
• Forgetting ears and neck.
• Sitting in sweaty kit after a ride.
• Not drinking enough water.

Heat can be dangerous. If you feel dizzy, confused or very weak, stop, find shade, drink water and get help. For motorbike riders, read skincare for bike riders; for runners, skincare for runners.

A plan that fits an active life

The Theraglam Glow Scan turns 3 photos and a short quiz into a personal skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, exercises with pictures, face massage moves and a daily to-do list. It is a one-time payment of Rs 599.

Quick questions

Do I need sunscreen for a short ride? Yes. Even short daily rides add up over weeks.

What if I sweat a lot? Choose a sweat-resistant sunscreen and reapply on long rides.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.