We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Black to the Trails, a community-driven initiative dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in outdoor sports. At Pelotan, we believe that every athlete should be protected from the sun, regardless of their skin colour. This partnership represents our commitment to ensuring that athletes of all backgrounds can enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently this summer.
In May 2023 Black to the Trails, presented by Strava, was the World’s most ethnically diverse trail running event and, in 2024, it’s going to even bigger and better. With different distances taking place throughout the day and a variety of activities, food, live music and much more to keep your post-run endorphins raised and the party vibes high. We’ll be there providing everyone with the sunscreen they need to maximise the fun of the day and spend more time doing what they love this summer.
What’s more, we have teamed up with Black to the Trails to offer a discount to all followers, on our range of high-performance sun protection for athletes. You can get 20% off all products as standard using the code BTTT20 at checkout.
Sunscreen is often associated with preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer, but its benefits extend far beyond that. Regardless of skin color, prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can lead to genuine impact on short-term performance as well as the body’s ability to recover effectively between training as well as premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and other skin damage. That’s why it’s crucial for people of all skin colours to incorporate sunscreen into their outdoor activities. We work with some of the best athletes in the world, from Olympic Champions to winners of some of the most iconic races on the planet and people from all ethnic backgrounds. Taking all that we’ve learned, we’ve pulled together some tips to implement into your routine.
Be Prepared
Always check the weather forecast, including the UV levels, before you plan to go out. If you are lucky enough to train or race in good conditions, ensure you include sun protection as part of your ritual.
UV Index
Even when the weather is overcast, UV radiation levels are still at 80% of their normal levels. The temperature can also be deceiving as a breeze can make it feel a lot cooler than it is. Keep an eye on the UV index and, if in doubt, remember it is better to be safe than sorry.
Broad Spectrum Protection
It is important to use sun protection that keeps you safe from UVA and UVB damage, so look for products with an SPF of 30 or more and with broad spectrum protection. Even with a high SPF, if a sunscreen isn’t broad spectrum, you won’t be protected from all UVA rays. All Pelotan products are broad spectrum and offer exceptional protection.
Choose the Right Product
Consider the best product for your activity – there is no ‘one size fits all’ and clearly your skin has different requirements when doing sport than it does lying still on a beach! Pelotan has been developed for use in high-intensity sports where the skin’s ability to breathe and sweat effectively is absolutely paramount. Our unique formula binds with the skin without blocking pores, meaning your body can effectively regulate temperature and you can fully commit to your workout.
Protection Time Period
Think about how long you are going to ride and use a product that will likely offer you the longest, most suitable protection. Some modern UV filters have been developed to last longer (in Pelotan’s case, up to 8 hours), meaning you can avoid stopping frequently and enjoy the run.
Listen to Your Body
It is important to remember that although ‘once a day’ sun protection will protect you for longer, it is no replacement for listening to your body and being aware of the conditions. For longer runs, take a travel size product in your pack and top up as necessary. Pelotan offers a unique SPF 30 Roll-On, designed for precise, easy application even in windy conditions.
Apply Correctly
Ensure you apply the recommended amount of sun protection (more than you think, studies show most people do not apply enough which significantly reduces protection) at least 15 minutes before your ride and do not miss areas such as your neck, temples and ears as these are commonly forgotten.
Head to Toes
Don’t forget to pay attention to your head as well as the rest of your body. You might find it better to wear a cap to protect your forehead – even though our formulation doesn’t drip or slide off skin like most creams, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
UPF Clothing
You can protect your skin even further with UPF clothing which is becoming more common. With lighter clothing, it is important to apply sun protection UNDER the clothing too, so you don’t end up with your favourite sports brand logo burnt onto your skin! Of course, ensure to wear UV protective sunglasses to keep your eyes safe