It’s no secret that as runners, our bodies take a bit of a pounding. We wear sports bras, compression kit, warm up, stretch, strength train etc to help out our bodies but what about our faces? When we hit the pavement the collagen in our skin is stretched, and given the mileage that a lot of us put in, especially over multiple marathon training cycles, over time the collagen’s ability to bounce back reduces and could create fine lines. Additionally the weather can take its toll too – drying it out, causing sun damage and generally speeding up the ageing process.

I recently had a make up trail for my wedding, and was asked about how much time I spend outside, given that my skin was pretty dehydrated. I’m the first to admit I’m not the best at sticking to a skincare regime, but with just a couple of months to go before the wedding, I want my skin/face to be looking its best.

Given the advice of my make up artist, I’ve changed my routine and added a few new products into my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish plus eye cream regime that have left my skin feeling soft, hydrated and are helping to reduce any skin damage. Plus they don’t break the bank unlike a lot of beauty products!

Glossier Invisible Shield Sunscreen 

I was about to explain that I put on sunscreen before every single run, however I definitely do not put it on in those pre dawn 5am runs during the winter, instead I usually wash and moisturise properly when I’m home to avoid the dreaded post-moisturiser sweaty face. However I religiously use an SPF 20+ during my daylight runs all year round.

I recently bought the new Glossier Invisible Shield sunscreen whilst on a trip to NYC and its texture is unlike any suncream formula I’ve ever used. It feels lighter, smoother and silkier than the thick creams we used years ago, and doesn’t leave a hint of white smeared across your face, no matter how poorly you apply it. It’s a water gel formula filled with active microcapsules for immediate absorption into your skin, both protecting it and moisturising without leaving a sheen. Apparently it’s also been designed to help keep pollutants from your face too, great for those that run in big cities.

This isn’t cheap at $34 (currently they don’t ship to the UK but they’re coming over here soon) but it’s a price I’m willing to pay for protection. There’s no other way of looking at it, sunscreen should be in the same category as your trainers… an essential piece of running kit.

I’ve also been using the P20 once a day protection whilst it’s been roasting here and in the south of France a few weeks ago, and although the formula is a little greasy, it really does last the full day and is sweat/waterproof – and the spray nozzle helps for the hard to reach places when you’re on your own!

Hyaluronic Acid 

Ok, the word acid and skincare don’t seem to go hand in hand but HA can attract up to 1000 times its weight in water. I’ve been using the The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 which they have developed with three forms of Hyaluronic Acid of varying molecular weights to help with multi-depth hydration and plumping, perfect for ageing skin and faces that take a bit of a beating from pounding the pavements. Plus it’s only £6.

Advanced Retinoid 

Another scary sounding addition to the skin routine is Advanced Retinoid 2% which helps to combat the signs of ageing with key ingredients solubilised hydroxypinacolone retinoate and pure retinol. With quite a high concentration of retinol, this product can increase your sensitivity to UV so should be used with daily sunscreen. Again a bargain £8.

Glossier Moonmask 

Another product I picked up in NYC after recommendations on both Fleur de Force and The Anna Edit videos. This is like moisture overload, mixing almond oil, squalene and hyaluronic acid to plum, brighten and moisturise skin. Whilst the liquorice root and lemon fruit extract helps to even out complexion and honey/aloe work as soothing agents. The ideal post long run relaxation mask to do in your epsom salt bath ☺️

Cilantro and Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque 

Even since we’ve moved out of London, a lot of my runs have been along the road, especially during the winter months. I’ve been using this Kiehl’s mask for a a couple of months to help defend and protect against environmental pollutants, with the idea that it leaves your skin renewed, radiant and ready to face the day.

What are your favourite skincare brands? Do you take extra precautions for your skin as a runner?