| Written by Dr. Park Kyungtae, Board-Certified Dermatologist at Bethel Dermatology
Cyclists who ride regularly accumulate UV damage not just on the surface of the skin, but deep within the dermis — and reversing that damage requires more than sunscreen: it takes a phased treatment plan built around collagen regeneration, pigmentation correction, and whole-body recovery monitoring.
In our previous journal, we looked at why riders' skin ages faster — and why the answer isn't to ride less, but to recover more.
This journal covers the specifics: how to choose the right sunscreen for riding conditions, how to design a step-by-step treatment plan, and what that looks like in practice through a real case from our clinic.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Riding
Daily sun protection is the foundation of any skin care routine — and choosing a sunscreen suited to your actual exposure conditions determines how effective that protection really is.
Clinical research shows that one year of consistent daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use led to significant improvements in key photoaging markers, including skin texture, clarity, and pigmentation. In other words: consistent protection slows the buildup of new damage and gives skin room to recover.
For riders, the key isn't just applying sunscreen — it's applying the right product for the right conditions. Sweat, wind, and prolonged UV exposure create a demanding environment that standard daily formulas may not be equipped to handle.
When selecting a sunscreen for riding, look for:
- Water resistance that holds through sweat
- A high SPF rating
- Broad-spectrum coverage (both UVA and UVB)
- A texture that's easy to reapply on the go
Apply thoroughly before you leave, and make mid-ride reapplication a habit.
Building Your Treatment Plan
A single session typically takes under two hours. The standard protocol is three sessions spaced one month apart — approximately three months in total — though meaningful improvement can often be seen after a single visit.
- Regular schedule: Monthly sessions for a phased, progressive approach (best)
- Compressed schedule: 2–3 sessions within approximately one week, combinable with pigmentation, vascular, or volume treatments for a more intensive plan
Step 1: Collagen-Stimulating Boosters
Sunscreen prevents further damage, but it cannot rebuild collagen that's already been broken down. That's the role of collagen boosters and skin booster treatments — the cornerstone of any photoaging recovery plan.
- How it works: Rather than filling from the outside, these treatments stimulate the skin's own collagen production from within
- What to expect: Improved elasticity and texture; structural repair alongside enhanced regenerative capacity
- Recommended frequency: A recurring treatment schedule is advised
- Pair with: Hydrating treatments that replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier
Step 2: Pigmentation Laser and Contouring Lifts
Years of UV exposure can leave pigmentation spots on the face and arms. Targeted pigmentation treatments address these surface changes, with the number of sessions and intensity calibrated to the degree of damage.
When collagen breaks down and the dermis thins, skin loses elasticity — contours begin to sag and some areas may appear hollow. Lifting treatments combined with collagen-regenerating procedures address both volume loss and structural laxity together.
Since pigmentation, elasticity, and volume loss vary significantly from person to person, the right combination — and the right sequence — should be determined during a clinical consultation.
Step 3: Post-Treatment Finishing Care
Bruising and redness are common after procedures. Adding a calming and regenerative finishing treatment helps reduce these reactions and accelerates your return to daily life.
Real Case Study: An American Cyclist's Treatment Plan
Here's how this treatment framework looked in practice.
A long-time American cyclist came in for a skin consultation. The presenting signs: increasing pigmentation spots on the face and arms, thinning and dry skin, and visible fine capillaries.
Below is a summary of the clinical decisions made — the assessments used and the treatment combination designed. This is one individual case; even identical treatments may be applied differently depending on the person's skin condition and recovery profile.
Assessment and Consultation First
Surface observation alone isn't enough to determine the right treatment approach. This case began with a PBM assessment and specialist consultation.
The PBM assessment reflects Bethel Dermatology's core clinical philosophy: treatment is only complete through recovery. It measures AGEs (glycation end-products), HRV (autonomic nervous system activity), and inflammatory markers to evaluate the body's baseline capacity for skin recovery and aging management.
Because cyclists train at high intensity, recovery status varies significantly from person to person. In this case, the assessment revealed reduced total autonomic nervous system activity — a signal that the body's recovery capacity was under strain. Combined with the patient's skin type and damage profile, this informed the treatment design.
Core Treatment: Collagen Booster + Hyaluronic Acid Booster
The primary goal was rebuilding the dermal structure compromised by photoaging. A collagen booster was placed at the center of the plan to directly stimulate collagen production.
A hyaluronic acid booster was added to address chronic dryness and create conditions where regenerative treatment could take hold effectively.
- Rituo: A collagen-based regenerative treatment used to restore the skin's foundational structure
- Relid: A hyaluronic acid-based moisture booster that replenishes hydration and supports texture and elasticity
The design logic: the collagen booster rebuilds the structure; the hyaluronic acid skin booster helps that structure hold.
Finishing: Anion Calming Care
To minimize bruising and redness and support faster recovery, anion calming care was used as the final step.
- Dermio: An anion-based calming treatment that soothes post-procedure sensitivity and supports the healing process
At-Home Recovery
Treatment doesn't end at the clinic. A regenerative ointment and antihistamine were prescribed to continue recovery at home.
- Regenerative ointment: Protects the skin barrier and supports the healing environment post-procedure
- Antihistamine: Reduces the risk of occasional post-treatment allergic reactions
How to Make Your Results Last
Skin's recovery capacity is tied to the body's overall condition — making general physical health an indirect measure of how well skin can regenerate. To sustain treatment results over time:
- Receive skin treatments on a structured, recurring schedule
- Manage training load and nutritional intake to maintain overall physical condition
- Monitor your recovery and aging trajectory with periodic PBM assessments (recommended before and after the riding season)
When clinic treatment and personal management work together, consistent recovery becomes possible.
Is your skin recovering well? If you'd like a precise assessment and a treatment plan designed around your individual condition, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our specialists.
>Book your appointment at Bethel Dermatology — where expert care is always available.
[FAQ]
Q: Can multiple skin treatments be done together in the same visit?
Depending on your skin condition, treatments can be combined — but the sequence and timing should be coordinated with your recovery schedule and skin response. Your specialist will help determine the right priorities during your consultation.
Q: Does high training volume slow down skin recovery?
Higher training loads can distribute the body's recovery resources more thinly, which may affect how quickly skin heals. A PBM assessment — which evaluates autonomic nervous system activity and inflammatory markers — helps identify your recovery baseline and allows for a more precisely calibrated treatment plan.
Q: Can I ride again right after a treatment session?
Skin is in a sensitive state immediately after procedures, so intense UV exposure and heavy sweating are best avoided during the initial recovery period. Your specialist will advise on when it's appropriate to resume riding based on your treatment type and recovery progress.
| Edited by Sia Shin, The Pylon Square
