At OR, we’re big fans of sun-kissed skin (and we’ve got a UV-free tip for that!), but as two farm girls born and raised beneath the pervasive California rays, we’re also well aware of the sun’s ability to cause premature aging and – if that’s not reason enough to protect your skin – cancer. Because a large portion of any rider’s life is spent outside, below we share some of our favorite sun-mitigating techniques that give us a healthy glow straight through summer.
We’ve been singing the praises of Elta MD’s line of sunscreen products for a long time now (check it out). But for those “reapply every two hours” dilemmas (who slathers creamy sunscreen on top of makeup, or sweaty post-ride skin?) we turn to travel-friendly, compact, easily-applied Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF.
We love Irish linen buttondowns for sunny hacks. We wear these slim-cut men’s versions since they’re a bit longer (for tucking) and offer a wider range of motion than those that we found for women. They are cool and breathable, washable, offer full coverage, plus look super stylish and a bit masculine when tucked into breeches.
Pro Tip: Opt for the monogram. It’s a well-spent $10!
For those of us who feel better with a bit of color, self-tanners have come a long way! After a recent experience with a salon spray-tan-gone-wrong, we discovered Clarins’ user-friendly Self-Tanning Milky Lotion which provides a believable sun-kissed glow, rather than a splotchy and unnatural shade of tangerine. No appointment necessary.
We’re big Samshield fans at OR, and we love the fully customizable and sun-blocking design of the Miss Shield. However, for maximum shade and minimum investment, we recommend EquiVisor velcro-on, adjustable helmet visors. We’ve been teased for embracing them so fully, and while they may not be the most flattering items in our tack trunks, we think they make us look pretty smart.
An OR favorite for sun-blocking technology, as well as breathability and washability. With a 50+ UV rating, mesh venting, moisture-wicking fabric, and a mock turtleneck collar to protect the décolletage and [often-ignored] back of the neck, this top leaves little to be desired.
A rider’s hands can spend multiple hours in direct sun each day, and are often the first to show signs of age. Gloves are an easy way to protect hands from harmful rays (among other things), and they’re also good for things like grip, which we find important as well. This Roecki pair provides an SPF 10 equivalent while allowing some light to pass through in order to avoid tan lines, but we prefer the full coverage of this lightweight Samshield option.
Catching a few summer rays is simply unavoidable, and we all need the proper dosage of Vitamin D anyway. To help repair visible signs of UV damage, our go-to, tried and true, everyone-in-the-family-uses-it, must-have product is the CE-Tetra serum by Medik8. We’ve mentioned it before so it may look familiar, but we simply cannot sing this product’s praises enough!
Horses need sun protection, too! Absorbine’s Santa Fe Coat Conditioner & Sunscreen is a great addition to any grooming box. Spritz on ponytails before turnout, long hacks, or strenuous days of sunny competition to keep hair shiny, healthy, and protected.
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