For runners in sweltering conditions, keeping sweat out of the eyes can often feel like a race against gravity. As a self-proclaimed “sweat king,” I’ve experienced the trials of running through a demanding summertime, particularly in New York City where humidity levels frequently soar. Training for an upcoming marathon only amplifies the struggle, making sweat management a pressing issue.
The summer running season this year has been especially brutal, with temperatures regularly hitting the high 80s and humidity levels reaching near 90 percent. These conditions lead to increasingly drenched clothes, making the run uncomfortable, to say the least. Running without a shirt has become a necessity, but it hardly addresses a frustrating recurring issue: sweat running into my eyes.
As any avid runner knows, encountering sweat that stings the eyes can halt your rhythm, forcing a stop to wipe your face mid-stride. This year, I’ve taken to wearing sunglasses—not the worst fashion statement—but the constant need to remove them for dabbing at my eyes becomes tiresome in the heat.
Enter Instagram, where I discovered a potentially life-altering trick: applying Aquaphor to eyebrows and eyelids before hitting the road. The original video I came across demonstrated an impressive ability to redirect sweat, allowing it to bead and move aside rather than cascading down into one’s eyes, prompting me to give it a shot during a recent trip to Chicago.
I generously coated my skin with Aquaphor, keen to achieve maximum coverage. At first, the texture was overwhelming; Aquaphor’s presence was unmistakable, leading to doubts about whether I wanted this greasy layer sitting on my face for the entirety of a 10K run.
During the initial miles, I became hyper-aware of how my sweat was behaving, and true to the hack’s promise, less was trickling directly into my eyes. However, my eyebrows started to feel like they were holding back a reservoir of sweat. I worried that a simple wipe might result in greasy fingers that would complicate my run.
According to dermatologist Dr. Peter Bittar, the mechanics of this approach are sound. He explained that Aquaphor functions as a hydrophobic barrier, effectively repelling sweat. By applying it to the eyebrows, it helps divert moisture away from sensitive areas like the eyes. This is the essence of the hack: redirecting sweat and minimizing irritation.
However, it’s not a flawless solution. As Bittar noted, gravity poses its own challenges, so while some sweat may be deflected, it’s impossible to completely eliminate sweat from reaching your eyes. And for those put off by its greasy texture, that’s simply part of the deal.
Dr. Brandon Kirsch, another dermatologist, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the goopy sensation is an inherent trade-off. I couldn’t shake my concerns about whether applying such an occlusive on sensitive skin like eyelids could lead to unforeseen irritations. Aquaphor is often used for healing purposes but the area around the eyes is particularly delicate.
Bittar advised against applying Aquaphor directly onto the eyelids. While it’s generally noncomedogenic, thick products can sometimes trap bacteria and irritants against the skin, leading to breakouts or rashes. Both Bittar and Kirsch highlighted the potential for irritation specifically when applied around the eyes.
I also came across a caution from the Instagram video regarding the possibility of Aquaphor magnifying UV rays due to its glossy nature. The dermatologists I consulted were skeptical of this claim; while research is inconclusive, it likely has minimal effects. Kirsch even mentioned that petrolatum might provide some mild UV protection, but neither of them would classify it as a substitute for sunscreen.
For runners who might neglect sunscreen, both dermatologists strongly recommended against this. Bittar emphasized that a proper regimen should always include a hat and SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to achieve effective UV protection. Kirsch suggested using a lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen that avoids irritating the eyes.
Taking everything into account, my personal experience indicated that while the Instagram Aquaphor hack isn't foolproof, it does seem to diminish the volume of sweat reaching my eyes. This could certainly benefit those who regularly deal with sweat blurring their vision mid-run.
However, I find myself hesitant to fully embrace the greasy lifestyle that comes with the Aquaphor method. That sensation of slathering on a thick layer on already sweaty skin can be distracting. Perhaps the search for the perfect solution lies in more traditional methods—a secure sweatband or a reliable sunscreen instead. After all, the aim is comfort while racing against the conditions.
