Sun Safety Tips for Men Exercising Outdoors

Published: 2025-07-09

Updated: 2025-07-09

4 mins

The summertime is ideal for getting your daily dose of vitamin D and a serotonin boost by simply stepping outside. Unlike the winter months, most people are in a better mood during the spring and summer months. It’s also a great time to take part in outdoor activities with new and old friends. Still, spending too much time in the sun can be dangerous for your health. Skin cancer is one of the most common and preventable types of cancer in the U.S.

The summer month of June is not only UV safety month, but a great time to refresh your knowledge on staying safe in the sun. There are plenty of ways you can protect yourself from skin cancer and other sun-related illnesses and injuries while enjoying the outdoors. 

Tips for Protecting Your Skin in the Sun

Excessive heat is not the only environmental factor that can affect your health. During the summer months, exercising outdoors can increase your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 

The gradual depletion of the ozone layer increases your exposure to harmful UV rays. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to painful sunburns. Those with lighter complexions may be more susceptible to sunburns, but those with darker complexions can still experience peeling and redness from overexposure to UV rays. If you do get a sunburn, taking a cold shower and moisturizing the affected area can help to remedy the symptoms.

Apply sunscreen

To spend more time focusing on your outdoor workout and less worrying about your skin burning, apply sunscreen before going outside. Look for a sweat-resistant sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 for use during workouts.  A sweat-resistant sunscreen can help lessen the chances of sunscreen dripping into your eyes while working out. 

SPF (sun protection factor) is a measure of the time it takes for ultraviolet rays to reach the skin. Higher SPF can protect you from more UV rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are effective in protecting your skin. However, mineral sunscreens tend to be heavier and are more likely to cause a white cast on your skin. Chemical sunscreens tend to feel lighter on the skin.

The following are a few common ingredients in sunscreen that help to protect your skin from the sun:

• Aminobenzoic acid

• Dioxybenzone

• Zinc oxide

• Avobenzone

• Meradimate

Wear protective clothing

While it can be tempting to go shirtless in the sun, it does increase your risk of a sunburn. Sun-protective clothing can absorb ultraviolet rays and still feel cool and breathable. 

Dark and brightly colored clothing prevents UV rays from reaching the skin by absorbing them. You can check if your clothing can protect you from the sun by holding it up to a bright light. If you can see the light through the fabric, it may be too thin to adequately protect you from the sun. 

Fabrics like wool, denim, and canvas are thicker fabrics that can protect your skin from the sun. However, you don’t have to wear tight clothing to protect your skin. Loose-fitting clothing is more likely to have threads that separate and expose the skin instead of stretching out with you as you exercise. If possible, work out in a breathable long-sleeved shirt and pants. 

Keep in mind that wet clothing may remove some of the sun protection. Consider bringing an extra pair of pants and an extra shirt if you’re going to be working out in the sun for a long time or naturally sweat a lot.

Tips for Protecting Your Hair from the Sun

During the summer, your hair health can also change from excessive sun exposure. Your hair may require different things based on your hair type. If you have a drier, coarser hair texture, it’s important to keep your hair well-moisturized. Heat and sun exposure can further dry out your hair and increase the risk of breakage. Deep conditioning your hair more often during the summer months can also protect your hair from damage.

Delay drastic hair changes

All hair textures can experience more split ends with constant exposure to the sun. If you’ve been thinking about dyeing your hair, it may be healthier to do it in the fall or winter months. Bleaching or coloring your hair during the summer can make it more prone to breakage without proper care. 

Hair coloring may also fade quickly when exposed to the sun. Sometimes, you may notice your natural hair color looking lighter in the sun. If you get haircuts, consider going slightly shorter during the summer to help with managing the heat.

Add more hydration

You may want to alter your hair routine during the summer to prepare for more dryness. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners can help prevent breakage and seal in moisture. There are also sunscreens available that are safe for your scalp.

Generally, the best protection you can have for your scalp is to cover it with a hat. The wider the brim, the more protected you are from UV rays.

Exercises to Try Outdoors

Exercising outdoors can give you a chance to get more creative with your workouts. If you like your routine as is, consider taking your weights with you outside for a change of scenery. 

The following exercises can help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle while enjoying the outdoors:

• Playing volleyball on the beach with friends

• Practicing calisthenics in a grassy area of a local park

• Going swimming

• Biking around your neighborhood

Additional Tips for Exercising Outdoors

We’ve all heard that it’s important to stay hydrated, but not drinking enough water while exercising can be especially dangerous. While electrolyte drinks are tasty, always drink water as well while working out to prevent dehydration. If you know you’re going for a run, don’t drink your coffee until after you come back indoors from the heat.

Pay careful attention to how you’re feeling while working out. If you begin to feel dizzy, take a second to drink some water and find some shade. Dizziness, cramps, and nausea can be signs of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you tend to get hot easily or live in a humid climate, it may be helpful to carry a mini electrical fan with you during breaks. It may also be best to avoid exercising from 10 am to around 4 pm when the sun is shining the brightest.

How Rex MD Can Help

While most of the time sun exposure won’t lead to hair loss, it can change the hair protein of strands over time. If you’re concerned about hair loss, Rex MD also offers hair loss treatments for men.

If you’re looking to get fit for the summer, Rex MD can help with that, too. The Rex MD Weight Management Program can help you achieve your weight loss goals while enjoying the sun. If clinically appropriate, Rex MD can provide prescriptions for groundbreaking GLP-1 medications for those who qualify.

Get started today.