The Hidden Dangers of Sun Exposure Among Outdoor Athletes and its Impact on Skin Health

The sporting world is a continual evolvement of health promotions and better lifestyle nutrition, and while being avid outdoor athlete enthusiasts, we tend not to think too much of the exposure we are opening ourselves and our skin up to. Sun exposure and an uneven exposure to solar radiation is a concern we should be more thoughtful of, proactive on and most importantly raise awareness about.

Athletes who train and compete outdoors are constantly exposed to the risk of skin health damage, and worse off, even cancer, and we need to be aware of the significantly high dangers of sun exposure.

More often than not the notion that being fit and healthy and opting for a salad over a burger once in a while is enough to ‘keep you safe,’ but fitness does not equate to immunity and even high-profile athletes have been affected. Well-known sports individuals such as triathlete Georgie Rutherford and WWE wrestler / actor John Cena have both been affected and treated for various forms of skin cancer. German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, has been treated thrice for skin cancer on his face. This goes to show that sun damage and danger has no preferences and we should play our role in actioning preventable measures.

So, what can we do?

Never go out in the sun ever again?

Only play indoor sports?

While favorable as these options may be, unsurprisingly they are not realistic. Of course, certain sports require prolonged periods of training outdoors, often in scorching weather conditions and increasing the likelihood of skin damage, so what are federations and athletes doing to improve prevention and protection?

For one thing, supporting companies with initiatives that draw attention to these issues is a good jumping off platform. Products and campaigns that create awareness about daily sun protection such as Isdin, industry leaders in the movement towards a culture that integrates sports with sun protection as the norm, is an example we would all do well to pay attention to and get behind.

Staying protected does not mean giving up on something you love and work so hard at to be the best, it simply means taking precautions so you can continue to do it for years to come. Whether you are part of a federation that could facilitate this, are a coach who could implement training changes to show increased concern for the subject and athletes, or an individual training solo, there is always something that can be done. The sports world is one of the biggest industries globally, so doing your part helps build the bigger picture of a protected present and future generation of athletes;

For example;

∙Implement rules at sports training sessions conducted during the summer to include protective, lightweight clothing, working in-doors on strength and conditioning and opting for later-in-the-day outdoor sessions when there is more shade covering.

∙Encourage sunscreen protection with an SPF30+ and above that offers prolonged protection while out in the sun.

∙Show your support by opting for products like the Fusion Magic Water by Isdin that supports and donates, through sales, the clean-up and removal of its plastic weight equivalent from the Mediterranean Sea where 730 tons of plastic is dumped daily. This way you can not only support the cause for cleaner waters but the SPF keeps you hydrated for up to 12 hours all the while being lightweight so you forget you are even wearing it. It’s a win-win.

The little things add up

Many of us take the small things for granted, thinking ‘it’s only one day what harm could there be’ but if everyone thought like that those ‘one-days’ quickly add up. The hidden dangers of sun damage are real and not a topic to be overlooked or the severity underestimated.

Making that change, however small you think it is, to protect yourself and those around you can make a difference, one choice at a time. The love of sports and outdoor activities and adventures can be enjoyed just as before, only now, your risk of skin damage and exposure to harmful reflective UV radiation is significantly less.

Athletes training outdoors is not going to change, but preventing sunburn – which studies show at least 69 – 85% of athletes say they have experienced at least once a summer season, even with the knowledge of the risks being high – could be prevented.

Make sun protection a daily routine, the norm in your health and fitness endeavors, and if you can support a cause, encourage a federation, or be the change your team models, then the future is certainly going to be a better (and more protected) one.