Recently, I was contacted by a friend of mine who happens to suffer from lupus. In the past couple of years, she has done a TREMENDOUS job at losing weight and pursuing and active lifestyle, resulting in a dramatic weight loss! Her story is inspirational and I think it would be awesome if she started a blog *coughHINTcough* to talk about her journey. Anyway, she has gotten into running and now she is in need of some apparel to help keep her active through the summer months.



Let me first say that I had no idea what lupus was. I had heard of it, but I didn’t know much about it at all. If you want to learn more about lupus, please check out the Lupus Foundation of America. In order to find some products to help her out, I had to figure out exactly what she needed. According to the Mayo Clinic, ultraviolet light can trigger a flare, so it is recommended that people with lupus are protected with UPF 55 or greater from head to toe, every time they go outside. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended.

That’s fine and all, but have you ever tried to run outside in a Louisiana summer…in a long-sleeved shirt and long pants? YIKES.

I wanted to find some good options to help keep her running safely and staying cool through these hot months. After much research online, tips from friends, and visiting some of my favorite stores, here are some of my favorite finds. Since sun safety is smart for ALL runners, I hope that you find these suggestions helpful too!

FOR THE LADIES

Lululemon Run: In The Sun Long Sleeve Top

$78.00

UPF 50+

Brooks Running Women’s HVAC Synergy Long Sleeve

$30.00 (It is on clearance right now! Woot!)

UPF 40+

Smartwool Women’s Microweight Tee

$65.00

UPF 30

Lululemon Run: In The Sun Crop

$88.00

UPF 50+

REI Fleet Skapris

$59.50

UPF 50+

FOR THE MEN

Brooks Running Men’s HVAC Synergy Long Sleeve ½ Zip

$42.00 (It is on sale! Woot!)

UPF 40+

GoLite M’s Visa Ridge Short Sleeve Run Top

$14.99 (It is on sale! Woot!)

UPF 50+

Pearl Izumi Infinity In-R-Cool Short Sleeve Top

$45.00

UPF 50

Brooks Running Men’s HVAC Synergy Shorts

$44.00

UPF 40+

Pearl Izumi Maverick 2 In 1 Shorts

$55.00

UPF 50

FOR ALL RUNNERS

Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves

$30.00

UPF 40

CEP Arm Cooler Sleeves

$29.95

UPF 50+

Sun Guard

Take your existing running clothes and treat them yourself with Sun Guard! A single treatment washes UPF 30 sun protection into everyday clothes. The protection lasts through 20 future washings too! I am not sure if additional treatments boost the UPF coverage even higher, but it might be worth looking into!

WEAR SUNSCREEN

My favorite sunscreen EVER is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55. However, a friend who’s mother has lupus said her dermatologist recommended Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+. I was unable to find this at my local pharmacy. With SPF coverage that high, it may require special ordering if you cannot find it in your area.

Regarding sunscreen lotions, be sure and apply, apply, APPLY. And then re-apply. The FDA has recently banned sunscreen manufacturers from advertising and packaging using the words “waterproof” and “sweatproof,” as technically, no such product actually exists. So if you are a super sweater like me, don’t rely on that “sweatproof” label…re-apply anyway.

Whether you suffer with lupus or you are just someone that wants to protect your skin in the summertime, I hope you find these products helpful! Stay safe in the sun!