We all know that running asks a lot of your body. Your muscles, joints, lungs and heart all work together every time you lace up.
But your skin is working hard too.
Whether you’re training for a race or heading out for regular runs, your skin is exposed to far more than most runners realise. Sweat, friction, changing weather conditions, and above all UV exposure all play a major role in skin health while running.
Skincare for runners is often overlooked or seen as cosmetic rather than practical. But for runners, skincare is about protection, comfort and long-term health.
Think of it the same way you think about warm-ups, nutrition and recovery: small, consistent habits add up to meaningful improvements over time.
When you train outdoors, your skin is exposed to the elements. Wind, pollution, environmental stressors, and especially UV rays all place pressure on your skin barrier.
Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate cloud cover, meaning year-round running still comes with sun damage risk. If you spend hours outside each week, that UV exposure adds up quickly.
Charities like Melanoma UK highlight cumulative UV exposure as a key risk factor for skin cancer, particularly for people who spend long periods outdoors. Globally, more than 1.5 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, including over 330,000 melanoma cases – the most serious form.*
Outdoor runners are therefore at higher risk simply because of how and where they train.
But UV isn’t the only challenge.
Sweat, friction, wind and pollution can all weaken your skin barrier – the outer layer of skin that protects against irritation, dehydration and environmental damage. When the barrier becomes compromised, skin may become more sensitive, inflamed, or prone to breakouts.
Skincare isn’t about vanity. For runners, it’s part of overall well-being.
Good skin health means:
The goal isn’t a complicated routine. It’s about simple, preventative skincare habits that fit seamlessly into your training.
Think of this as your skin’s warm-up.
Well-hydrated skin is more resilient. A lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturiser supports your skin barrier without feeling greasy or clogging pores mid-run.
SPF should be part of every pre-run routine, regardless of season. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen designed for daily wear that won’t sting when you sweat.
A 2-in-1 moisturiser with SPF is ideal for runners, combining hydration and protection in one step. Your nose, ears, neck, hairline and lips are often missed, making them more vulnerable to sun damage. Protection here really matters.
Once you get moving, the goal is to reduce irritation and keep protection in place.
Sweat contains salt, which can irritate skin as it dries. That’s why breathable, sweat-resistant formulas are best for runners, helping reduce chafing and discomfort.
Movement, sweat and time reduce sunscreen effectiveness. On long training sessions or marathons, top up SPF on your face and neck every couple of hours, especially in direct sun.
You already prioritise muscle recovery, so lets add skin recovery as part of your cool-down too.
After running, remove sweat, SPF, pollution and grime with a gentle hydrating cleanser. You don’t need multiple steps - just wash your face and neck with lukewarm water.
Sun, wind and heat can leave skin feeling tight or irritated post-run. A soothing product like a Calming Aloe Vera After Sun Gel can provide cooling hydration and relief.
Just like post-run nutrition helps muscles recover, barrier support helps skin bounce back.
A calming serum with ingredients like ceramides, oat beta glucan and probiotics can reduce redness and restore comfort.
Keep this simple checklist in mind before your next run.
Think of skin health the same way you think about overall health.
Protecting your skin barrier means fewer distractions while running, more comfort outdoors, and better long-term outcomes.
Remember:
dussl is a family-run, gender-neutral skincare brand focused on simplifying routines and supporting daily UV protection. The brand donates 1% to Melanoma UK and creates premium vegan, cruelty-free formulas that are dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types.
See dussl in action here
Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer