You can finish a sunny ride with dusty gear and a warm helmet. The sun damage to your face may be less obvious. Long commutes and weekend rides expose uncovered skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Your nose, cheeks, forehead, ears and neck can all get missed when you apply sunscreen in a hurry.
Good face sun protection for riders needs more than a quick dab of cream. Choose the right sunscreen, apply enough, cover exposed skin where possible and reapply during longer rides. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. It also advises reapplication about every two hours, and after sweating.
Sources: AAD, Practice Safe Sun; AAD, How to apply sunscreen.
Rider Takeaways
- Choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher for exposed skin. The AAD says SPF 30 filters about 97% of UVB rays.
- Apply sunscreen around 15 minutes before heading outdoors, following the product label.
- Cover the ears, hairline, neck and lips, not just the centre of your face.
- Reapply about every two hours outdoors, and sooner after heavy sweating or wiping your face.
Sources: AAD, Sunscreen FAQs; AAD, How to apply sunscreen.
Why Does Sun Protection Matter on a Motorcycle Ride?
UV exposure can cause sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that UVA contributes to premature skin ageing, while UVB is a major cause of sunburn. Both can contribute to skin cancer.
Sources: WHO, Ultraviolet radiation.
A helmet helps cover parts of your head and face, but coverage varies by helmet design, visor position and riding conditions. Your cheeks, nose, chin, ears and neck may still receive sunlight. A clear visor should never be treated as a substitute for a complete sun-protection routine.
Sun exposure can happen on cloudy days, too. The AAD says UV rays reach skin even when the weather feels cool or overcast. Check the local UV Index before a long ride. WHO recommends sun-protection measures when the UV Index reaches 3 or above.
Sources: AAD, Practice Safe Sun; WHO, Ultraviolet radiation.
Quick Fact
In its 2022 ultraviolet-radiation fact sheet, WHO recommends sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or above. UV radiation can damage skin even when you don't feel heat. Check the UV Index before a daytime ride, then combine sunscreen with clothing and shade breaks.
Source: WHO, Ultraviolet radiation (2022).
Which Sunscreen Should Riders Choose?
Look for three things on the label: broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. Broad-spectrum means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Water resistance matters when you sweat under riding gear, but it doesn't mean the sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof. Follow the label's stated water-resistance period.
Sources: AAD, Sunscreen FAQs; US FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.
SPF mainly measures protection against UVB-related sunburn. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays when correctly applied, according to the AAD. Higher SPF numbers offer somewhat more UVB protection, but no sunscreen blocks every UV ray. A higher number also doesn't mean you can stay outdoors longer without reapplying.
Source: AAD, Sunscreen FAQs.
Pick a texture you'll use consistently. A cream may suit dry skin, while a gel may feel more comfortable on oily skin. If sunscreen stings your eyes, try a product designed for sensitive skin and keep it away from the eyes. Patch-test a new product before a long tour.
Quick Fact
The AAD recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Its sunscreen guidance states that SPF 30 filters about 97% of UVB rays. That figure assumes proper application; using too little sunscreen can reduce the protection you actually receive.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology, Sunscreen FAQs.
Use the sunscreen label to check broad-spectrum coverage, SPF and water-resistance instructions. Source: AAD sunscreen selection guidance.How Should You Apply Sunscreen Before Riding?
Apply sunscreen to dry skin about 15 minutes before going outdoors, unless your product label gives different instructions. Use enough to cover the exposed areas evenly. The AAD's face-specific guidance recommends at least one teaspoon for the face; follow its guidance for your own skin and product.
Source: AAD, How to apply sunscreen.
Don't stop at your cheeks. Cover the bridge and sides of your nose, forehead, temples, ears, hairline, chin and the exposed part of your neck. If your hair is thinning, protect exposed scalp skin with sunscreen or suitable coverage. Use an SPF 30 or higher lip balm for your lips.
Sources: AAD, Sunscreen FAQs; US FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.
Give sunscreen time to settle before putting on your helmet. This can reduce the chance of immediately rubbing product off as you adjust the helmet or cheek pads. Avoid getting sunscreen in your eyes, and wash your hands before handling a visor if your product leaves a slippery residue.
Unique Insight
Our riding rule: Do your sunscreen routine before you put your gloves on. That makes it easier to cover your ears, hairline and neck, then wash or wipe your hands before handling your helmet and controls.
How Do You Keep Protection Going During a Long Ride?
Sunscreen wears off. Sweat, rubbing, wiping your face and adjusting gear can all reduce coverage. The AAD recommends reapplying approximately every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating. On a hot ride, plan a safe stop for reapplication instead of trying to manage sunscreen while moving.
Source: AAD, How to apply sunscreen.
A Simple Sunscreen Routine for Riders
- Before departure: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and let it settle.
- At a safe break: Reapply according to the label and after heavy sweating or wiping.
- Before the return leg: Check your nose, cheeks, ears and neck for missed areas.
- After the ride: Gently cleanse your face, then use a moisturiser if your skin feels dry.
A simple schedule helps you remember sunscreen during touring days. Always follow the directions on your product label.
Source: AAD, How to apply sunscreen.
What Else Helps Protect Your Face from Sun Damage?
Sunscreen works best as part of a wider routine. Wear riding gear that covers exposed skin without compromising comfort or safety. Use a suitable visor and helmet configuration, but don't rely on them to cover every area. Take shade breaks when practical, especially around midday when UV levels can be high. WHO recommends shade, protective clothing and sunscreen together.
Source: WHO, Ultraviolet radiation.
Check the UV Index as well as the temperature. A cloudy or breezy day can still bring UV exposure. If you ride for work, commute daily or spend hours touring, make sun protection part of your pre-ride checklist rather than an occasional extra.
Avoid applying a new skincare product for the first time just before a long ride. Heat, sweat and friction can make an irritating product particularly uncomfortable beneath a helmet. If you develop persistent irritation, unusual spots, a changing mole or a sore that doesn't heal, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Unique Insight
Make it a gear check: Keep your sunscreen with your keys or riding wallet, not buried at the bottom of your luggage. A visible reminder makes reapplication easier to remember during fuel stops and meal breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SPF 50 better for motorcycle riding?
SPF 50 provides somewhat more UVB protection than SPF 30, but neither blocks every UV ray. The AAD says SPF 30 filters about 97% of UVB rays. Choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply as directed, whatever SPF you select.
Source: AAD, Sunscreen FAQs.
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy riding days?
Yes. The AAD says UV rays can reach your skin on cloudy days. Check the UV Index and use protection when indicated. WHO recommends sun-protection measures at a UV Index of 3 or above.
Source: WHO, Ultraviolet radiation.
Which parts of my face do riders often miss?
Pay attention to the nose, hairline, temples, ears, lips and neck. The AAD specifically reminds people to cover the ears, nose, lips, hairline and back of the neck. Use SPF lip balm and protect exposed scalp skin if your hair is thinning.
Source: US FDA, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.
How often should I reapply sunscreen on a tour?
The AAD recommends reapplication about every two hours while outdoors, and after swimming or sweating. Reapply sooner if you've wiped your face or rubbed sunscreen off with gear. Stop somewhere safe before reapplying.
Source: AAD, How to apply sunscreen.
Protect Your Skin Before the Next Ride
Your helmet is essential riding gear, but it doesn't guarantee full sun coverage. Build a quick face-protection routine around broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher. Cover easy-to-miss areas, check the UV Index and reapply during long rides.
Keep sunscreen beside your riding essentials so you remember it before departure. Pair it with protective clothing and sensible shade breaks. For more rider-focused care, read our guides to face hydration for riders and face sun protection.
Read our guide to face hydration for riders and explore our face sun protection guide.
Make Sun Protection Part of Every Ride
Choose your routine, pack it, and make it part of every ride.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “Practice Safe Sun,” updated 2024. Read source.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “Sunscreen FAQs.” Read source.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “How to apply sunscreen,” updated 2025. Read source.
- World Health Organization (WHO). “Ultraviolet radiation,” 2022. Read source.
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.” Read source.
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Best Sun Protection Routine for Motorcycle Riders
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