Getting sweat in your eyes can disturb even the best runs: here are some tips and tricks to try and avoid it.
Whether you’re a new or experienced runner, getting sweat in your eyes is a pain that we are all eventually forced to deal with. Not only can it make your path difficult to see, but it can also cause your eyes to start burning and itching, creating an all around less-than enjoyable running experience.
Luckily, there are some ways to help prevent this from happening, it’s just a matter of thinking ahead, gearing up, and staying prepared!
Evaluate Your Pre-Run Skin Care Routine:
Applying sunscreen onto your face and body prior to running outside is recommended to help protect your skin from harmful rays. While this is a step in your pre-running routine that you should continue doing, we simply recommend that you be conscious of what sunscreen you’ve chosen to wear. Certain sweat + sunscreen combinations can make potential eye-stinging sensations even worse. These sunscreens make your eyes more susceptible to burning due to various factors, like what chemicals and fragrances are in the sunscreen, if there are any major PH level differences in the product versus in your body, etc. For these reasons, you should make sure you’ve tested out the sunscreen before going on your run, so that the likelihood of it worsening any possible eye irritation decreases. Mineral based sunscreens are a good go-to choice, rather than chemical based sunscreens, since mineral sunscreens are typically water resistant and are less likely to migrate.
Quick-Drying and Moisture-Wicking Products:
The key to successful sweat management is knowing what running accessories you should be wearing. You should definitely consider buying headgear that features quick drying and moisture wicking fabrics. These kinds of fabrics will help reduce the amount of sweat that is dripping into your eyes, while making sure you stay cool and comfortable.
For the warmer months, we would suggest our UV Protection Hats and Recycled Running Caps. Both styles are made from moisture wicking and quick drying materials, with internal sweatbands for maximum absorption.
Looking for something that also has these features, but is even more lightweight and packable? Make sure you check out our 5 Panel Ridge Runner Hats. These hats are low profile and unstructured, and designed with a flexible foam brim that allows for even more sweat absorption.
During cooler, breezier runs, our Winter Running Headband With Moisture Wicking Fabric is an excellent choice. The exterior has a stretchy spandex material that is quick drying, while the interior is lined with a soft fleece to keep you incredibly cozy.
Cold-weather running definitely still requires sweat management. When sweat cools in the winter it can leave you wet & chilled, at risk of hypothermia. The TrailHeads Men’s and Women’s Storm Runner Waterproof Hats are the ideal winter hats for moisture control. The exterior layer is made with a durable water repellent finish, while the interior has both a 100% waterproof membrane and a microfleece lining that insulates and wicks moisture.
Products absorbing sweat should be easy to clean and care for, and fortunately TrailHeads products are exactly that – simply machine wash them on a cold & delicate cycle, and air to dry.
Lightweight Multiband:
A lightweight multiband is another great solution to prevent sweat from lingering around your brow. The TrailHeads Multiband is available in three different patterns. Multibands can be worn in so many different ways; as a headband, gaiter, balaclava, a face mask, and more. It’s perfect for those looking for some versatility.
Keep A Small Handkerchief Handy:
Bringing along a small handkerchief in one of your pockets can also be helpful, so you can easily wipe your eyes with a clean piece of fabric that is easy to carry. We wouldn’t recommend using your hands or your shirt to wipe your eyes, especially while on a trail run, due to the chance of more sweat, and even dirt, transferring into your eyes.
Adhesive Sweat Strips:
If you feel like you still need a little something extra to help keep the sweat from dripping down your forehead, look into buying adhesive sweat strips. You just apply the strip to your forehead, creating a direct barrier between gravity, sweat, and your eyes. It’s important to note that these are often single-use accessories, so purchasing a large stockpile would be best.
Final Tips:
- Keeping your skin protected from harmful rays is important, but many sunscreen brands use harsh chemicals that when combined with sweat, can worsen eye irritation. However, replacing a chemical based sunscreen for a mineral sunscreen is ideal because it is less likely to migrate or cause burning.
- Purchasing quick-drying and moisture-wicking headwear is a great way to regulate your body temperature and prevent sweat from traveling down to your eyes. TrailHeads has a variety of excellent choices that will keep you prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way.
- Carrying around an extra layer, like a lightweight multiband or a small handkerchief, can be useful if you need to wipe your eyes while you’re out on the trails.
- And lastly, some runners find it useful to apply adhesive strips to their foreheads that redirects the sweat away from their eyes.
Staying geared up can make all the difference when you're preparing for a sweaty workout, so don’t let some perspiration hold you back from getting outdoors all season long!