Helmet Cheek-pads Irritating Skin?

[RideLondon]

Well this is a strange one but bear with me...

I typically have quite clear skin, and haven't really had outbreaks of spots on my cheeks/ beard area since I was a teenager..

Recently I have started getting quite a few spots along my cheeks.

Nothing else about my lifestyle has changed (diet etc), I shave every two days and have been doing this for years. The one thing I have noticed is that it seems to go away/ subside if I don't ride my bike for a week or two.

I know that spots are caused primarily by bacteria. Is it possible that my cheek-pads are irritating my skin? If so, how should I go about cleaning them?

 

[thunderous71]

Well this is a strange one but bear with me...

I typically have quite clear skin, and haven't really had outbreaks of spots on my cheeks/ beard area since I was a teenager..

Recently I have started getting quite a few spots along my cheeks.

Nothing else about my lifestyle has changed (diet etc), I shave every two days and have been doing this for years. The one thing I have noticed is that it seems to go away/ subside if I don't ride my bike for a week or two.

I know that spots are caused primarily by bacteria. Is it possible that my cheek-pads are irritating my skin? If so, how should I go about cleaning them?

I use Halo ( http://www.halononbio.co.uk/ - http://www.halononbio.co.uk/halo-non-bio/halo-fabric-refresher-cleaner ) but Im sure there are some aresole sprays about.

Sainsbury stock it.

 

[Lurch]

Bike gear shops sell anti microbial sprays.

Are your cfeekpads detachable, or part of the overall liner? If detachable, wash in an antibacterial solution. There's one hospitals use, forgotten the name, but it begins with H.

 

[SighBored]

You have the clean the cheek pads, they are in contact with your skin all the time and absorb your facial oil plus any other particles. Try using a balaclava, you can wash the balaclava more easily and frequent than the pads.

 

[sixmiffedy]

Never heard of it happening but wash the cheek pads or wear a half bally or a full one to keep your helmet fresh all year round

 

[Arctic Pride]

New helmet?

 

[Lurch]

He's only had it a year...

 

[Arctic Pride]

I'd definitely start with washing your cheek pads...Could have got something on there that's bothering your skin. Use a "free and clear" type laundry soap (no smells e/t/c)

 

[kuhlka]

I soak my cheek pads and liner in the sink with Purex laundry detergent (clear, hypo-allergenic) or in the washer with a load of clothes and let air dry. It's a good idea to wear a balaclava if you want to maximize the life of your helmet. I know it's time to wash the liner when I start getting acne for no apparent reason after riding.

 

[dandoolittle]

10'odd years of riding for me and never head of it. What brand of lid do you use?

 

[DiScorpio]

I have really sensitive skin too, it's spotless if I take care of it but if I get lazy I break out here and there.

I noticed If I wash my face with Aloe Vera handsoap ( cheap lrish spring brand) after wearing the helmet for a longer ride it seems to not happen.

 

[Runnin1ife]

I take out my pads and throw them in a load of sensitive hypoallergenic laundry once a month. And I have a decent beard so I dont honestly know what my skin looks like. But I do have eczema on the sides of my nose and between my nose and mouth in the winter. I dont know that I have had a legit problem from my helmet though.

 

[ChunksLife]

yeh your choices are wash your cheek pads or were a balaclava there all ways good in the winter.

 

[KittenMeat]

your body has all kinds of skin flora (natural healthy bacteria) living on top of it. We are literally covered in a blanket of bacteria.

the problem happens when you have friction irritation, or prolonged exposure to humidity/wet (which makes the skin easier to rub off, and a little tiny break in the skin to happen.

you should wash your helmet pads once in a while for sure! You don't need anything special, but something like woolite or an antibacterial spray will go a long way to keep this from happening.

 

[jthomas]

Hand wash and dry thouroughly. I give the inside of my helmet a quick spray with Glen 20 every so often to kill off any bacteria and mould etc. keeps it fresh and doesnt ever stink.