How to Keep Sun Off Arms Cycling: 9 Preventions & 6 Benefits

Exposure to too much sunlight can harm our skin, particularly our arms. Our arms are often the most exposed part of our body while cycling, and it’s crucial to keep them protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Frequent exposure to UV rays can cause premature skin aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer.

To protect your arms from the sun during cycling, you can wear long-sleeved jerseys made from breathable and UV-protective fabric. Applying a high-SPF sunscreen can provide extra protection. Some cyclists also use arm coolers, like leg warmers, which often have built-in sun protection for your arms.

This blog post will explore tips for protecting your arms from the sun and the benefits and vital elements of shielding yourself against UV rays outdoors.

How to Keep Sun Off Arms Cycling: 9 Essential Tips

Cycling often means spending long hours in the sun. Therefore, protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is essential. Protecting their arms from the sun’s damaging effects is crucial for cyclists. Here are some vital tips on how to keep the sun off the arms while cycling:

Wear Sunscreen

Cyclists should always apply sunscreen before heading out. A sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can protect the skin from harmful UV radiation. It’s crucial to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) Clothing

UPF clothing is a type of fabric that protects against the sun’s harmful UV radiation. When selecting clothing to wear
while cycling, choose UPF protection materials. UPF clothing can protect against the sun’s harmful rays, even when wet.

Effective Bike Clothing for UV Protection

Cyclists should choose clothes that provide adequate UV protection while remaining comfortable on the bike. Opt for lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking garments that offer UPF protection. Long-sleeved jerseys and arm sleeves can provide ideal coverage.

Selecting Fabrics and Colors with UPF

Selecting fabrics and colors that provide UPF protection can offer additional protection from the sun. Darker colors offer better protection against UV radiation than lighter colors, and some materials provide a higher UPF rating than others.

UPF and Summer Cycling Jerseys

Summer cycling jerseys should offer UPF protection for the arms and shoulders. Short-sleeved jerseys are not ideal for sun protection. Opt for long-sleeved jerseys that offer UPF 30 or more security.

Summer Cycling Caps, Visors, and Hats

Cyclists should also wear hats and caps to protect their heads and faces from the sun’s harmful rays. Visors and baseball-style caps offer limited protection for the face, while caps with brim or cycling-specific hats with neck protection are ideal for maximum sun protection.

Wear Gloves

Besides protecting your arms, wearing gloves is essential when cycling. Gloves provide added protection against the sun’s harmful rays and prevent blisters and calluses on your hands.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial when cycling outdoors. Not only does it keep your body cool, but it also helps prevent heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Bring plenty of water on your ride and drink regularly throughout your trip.

Change Your Ride Time

Riding in the early morning or late evening can be a great way to avoid the sun’s intensity. These times of the day provide cooler temperatures and less direct sunlight, reducing your chances of sun damage.

6 Benefits of Protecting Arms from Sun

While it may seem small, covering your arms can make a big difference. Here are some benefits of keeping the sun off your arms while cycling.

• Reduced Risk of Skin Cancer: The sun’s UV rays increase the risk of skin cancer. Covering your arms with a long-sleeved shirt or arm sleeves helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays while cycling and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
• Protection from Sunburns: Extended exposure to the sun can cause excruciating and unsightly burns on the arms. Wearing proper clothing such as arm sleeves and sun-protective shirts helps block those rays and prevents sunburn.
• Avoid Heating: The sun also causes your body to heat while cycling, increasing the rate at which you sweat. By protecting your arms, your core temperature stays lower, helping you conserve energy and stay more relaxed, reducing the possibility of overheating.
• Reduce Signs of Aging: Too much exposure to sunlight can increase the aging process of the skin, resulting in visible fine lines, wrinkles, and premature skin aging. By protecting the arms of your body from the sun while cycling, you benefit from a healthy workout and preserve the texture and appearance of your skin.
• Help with Body Temperature Regulation: Covering your arms helps regulate body temperature, preventing you from feeling too hot or too cold as the weather changes. It can also help improve your performance and endurance levels by keeping your activities in a steady tune.
• Keep you Refreshed with Hydration: With proper moisture-wicking shirts and sun-protective arm sleeves, the material prevents sweat buildup and keeps your skin refreshed and dry. Adequate hydration is critical to a healthy workout routine, and protecting your skin helps ensure that your body keeps fluids and a healthy balance of electrolytes.

Conclusion

Cycling is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important not to expose yourself to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays while riding a bicycle. There’s a risk of skin cancer from excessive exposure to sunlight, and it distracts you from your cycling performance.

When cycling on a sunny day, protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays is essential. To do this, wear lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and arm sleeves. These simple steps will allow you to enjoy your ride without worrying about the potential damage to your skin.