Ladies, listen up! Are you an avid runner who loves to soak up the sun while getting your sweat on? Well, before you hit the pavement, there are a few sun myths that you need to know about. Here are the top 5 common sun myths that all women runners should be aware of.

Myth #1: You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.

False! Even on overcast days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and reach your skin. So don’t skip the sunscreen just because it’s cloudy outside.

Myth #2: You don’t need sunscreen if you have dark skin.

False again! While it’s true that darker skin provides some natural protection against the sun’s rays, it’s not enough to prevent damage. All skin types are susceptible to sun damage, so make sure to apply sunscreen regardless of your skin tone.

Myth #3: You can’t get a sunburn if you’re in the shade.

Wrong! While shade does offer some protection against the sun’s rays, it’s not foolproof. UV rays can still reflect off of surfaces like water, sand, and concrete, so be sure to protect yourself even when you’re in the shade.

Myth #4: You only need to apply sunscreen once a day.

Nope! Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming. And don’t forget to apply it to all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet.

Myth #5: A base tan will protect you from sun damage.

Absolutely not! A base tan does not provide enough protection to prevent sun damage. In fact, a tan is a sign that your skin has already been damaged by the sun. So skip the tanning bed and opt for sunscreen instead.

Now that you know the truth about these common sun myths, you can protect your skin and enjoy your runs safely. So don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen and enjoy your time in the sun!