Sun care for tennis players

We all love to exercise outdoors when the sun is shining. Exercise enhances oxygen flow to the skin, flushes out impurities from its surface, and promotes production of oil, your skin’s natural moisturizer. For good health we need natural sunlight to prevent depression in the winter and to activate vitamin D, which increases bone density. Some research even shows that sunlight has a protective effect against hypertension and some autoimmune diseases. However, with an increase in sunshine, we need to make sure that we are properly addressing the problem of sun care for tennis players.

A recent study found that sweat contributes to ultraviolet (UV) damage by increasing the sensitivity of your skin. This makes you more susceptible to sunburn.

5 easy sun care for tennis player tips

1. Apply SPF 50+ water-resistant suntan lotion. Make sure we keep reapplying it, especially during a long training session/match.
2. Wear white zinc sunblock, especially on our face. (this probably makes you think of Pat Rafter, but it was also a look sported by Anna Kournikova some years ago). Some of the newer sunblocks actually don’t leave such a white residue. This means there is even less reason to avoid wearing it.
3. Wear a sun-visor or cap to protect our face, and sunglasses to protect our eyes. There are now many types that are specifically designed to help enhance the performance of tennis players.
4. When playing in the midday sun, wear sun protective clothing. Such as UPF 30-50 tops and leggings. This would be the most difficult for me, given that I really suffer the heat and I like wearing tennis dresses and skirts, but I will at least make sure all of my clothing has sun protection. Use a minimum of 30 SPF and make sure sunscreen is fresh; it usually expires after two years. 
5. Play in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. Avoid lessons/matches during the midday sun.

Because we believe in the importance of sun care while out there on the court, you can usually find plenty of sunscreen in every monthly tennis box that we send out to our subscribers. You can check out what other products we put in the box as well at courtcrate.com!

Gear Up!

Given that the next Grand Slam will take place in the height of summer in Australia, I would like to encourage everyone going to watch the Grand Slam to be extra careful with the sun. Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide! (i.e. slip on some sun-protective clothing, slop on some high protection sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses). Do not underestimate the importance of sun care for tennis players!