When watching a cricket match, you might have noticed a peculiar white or creamy substance smeared across the faces of players, especially on their cheeks and noses. Whether you're a curious fan, an aspiring cricketer, or a sports enthusiast, you've probably wondered: What do cricketers wear on their face? Is it just for looks, or does it serve a deeper purpose?

In this blog, we explore the world of cricket face protection, diving into the what, why, and how of the products used by players to shield their skin while on the field.

Why Sun Face Protection Matters in Cricket

Cricket is a sport played under the open sky, often for hours at a stretch. Matches can last for entire days, especially in formats like Tests. The exposure to harsh sunlight, UV radiation, dust, wind, and sweat makes face protection in cricket not just a cosmetic need but a critical aspect of player safety and performance.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. In regions like Australia, South Africa, and India, where cricket is played under intense sun, this becomes even more essential.

That's why players make it a priority to use sunscreen—specifically zinc oxide sunscreen or sports sunscreen for cricket—to protect their facial skin from UV damage.

What Cricketers Wear on Their Face

You’ve probably spotted players with thick, white smears on their cheeks and noses. So, what cricketers wear on face during matches is not random—it’s usually a protective cream, often made from zinc oxide. 

Let’s break it down:

1. Zinc Cream in Cricket

Zinc cream in cricket is a staple among players. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide as its active ingredient. Zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier, sitting on top of the skin to reflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays.

Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin and then absorb UV rays, zinc oxide sunscreen provides immediate and long-lasting protection. It is also sweat-resistant and less likely to run into players’ eyes—a big plus during long matches. 

2. Sports Sunscreen for Cricket

Not all players use the classic white zinc cream. Some opt for sports sunscreen for cricket, which is typically tinted or transparent. These sunscreens are formulated for high-performance activities, offering:

• Water and sweat resistance
• Broad-spectrum protection
• Non-greasy formulas
• Long-lasting coverage

Some brands even create cricket-specific sunscreens with added skincare benefits like moisturizers and antioxidants. 

3. Cricketers Face Cream: A Skincare Essential

Apart from sun protection, many players follow a cricketers skincare routine that includes specialized cricketers face cream. These creams may contain ingredients to hydrate, soothe, and repair the skin. Playing in extreme weather conditions—dry heat, humidity, wind—can take a toll on facial skin, making these creams vital.

• Some popular types include:
• Moisturizing creams with SPF
• Anti-chafing creams
• Cooling gels for post-match relief 

Why Cricketers Use White Cream on Their Faces 

Let’s tackle the most common question head-on: why cricketers use white cream on their face?

The white cream you see is primarily zinc oxide sunscreen, and it serves several practical purposes:

• Sun Protection: Zinc oxide provides superior sun-blocking power, especially on sensitive areas like the nose and cheeks.
• Visibility: The thick white layer ensures players know where they’ve applied protection and where they haven’t.
• Sweat Resistance: It stays in place even during intense play.
• Durability: Doesn’t degrade quickly in heat and sunlight.

It might not look fashionable, but it gets the job done—and when you're on the field for hours, protection beats vanity.

Other Forms of Cricket Face Protection 

While creams and sunscreens are the most visible forms of cricket face protection, they are not the only tools players rely on. Let’s explore some other options: 

1. Face Guards and Helmets

As part of standard cricket safety equipment, batsmen and close fielders often wear helmets with attached face guards to protect against fast balls. These not only shield the face from injury but also help reduce wind and sun exposure.

2. Caps and Sunglasses

Caps are a common part of cricket gear and accessories, offering basic shade and protection. Sunglasses help reduce glare and protect the eyes from UV rays, often with polarized lenses for enhanced clarity. 

3. Cooling Towels and Hydration Sprays

Though not worn directly on the face, cooling towels and hydration sprays help players manage skin temperature and hydration during matches. They are often part of a comprehensive skincare and cooling strategy.

Building a Skincare Routine for Cricketers

A solid cricketers skincare routine involves more than just slapping on some cream before a match. Here’s a simplified guide:

Pre-Match:

• Cleanse face gently
• Apply moisturizer if needed
• Layer with sports sunscreen for cricket or zinc cream in cricket on sun-prone areas 

During Match:

• Reapply sunscreen during breaks
• Use sweat towels to keep skin clean 

Post-Match:

• Cleanse thoroughly to remove sweat and cream buildup
• Apply a soothing or cooling moisturizer 

Discover how cricketers stay hydrated and protect themselves from the harsh sun during long hours on the field. Read our blog:- Hydration and Sun Protection During Long Cricket Matches.

Choosing the Right Face Protection

When choosing the best cricketers face cream or sunscreen, consider the following:

• SPF Level: Choose SPF 30 or higher
• Broad-Spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB
• Sweat-Resistant: Crucial for long games
• Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog pores
• Sensitive Skin-Friendly: Especially important for younger players or those with allergies 

Several brands now cater specifically to athletes, offering zinc oxide sunscreen and sports sunscreens that stay put under harsh conditions. 

Final Thoughts

Face protection in cricket is about more than just avoiding a sunburn—it’s about long-term skin health, performance under pressure, and staying safe while playing a demanding sport. From zinc cream in cricket to high-performance sports sunscreen for cricket, today’s players have access to a range of protective products that suit their skin type, weather conditions, and game formats.

So, the next time you watch a match and wonder what cricketers wear on face, you’ll know it’s not just for show. It’s a carefully chosen tool from the wide world of cricket safety equipment and cricket gear and accessories, designed to keep athletes safe, sharp, and protected. 

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a budding pro, taking inspiration from the cricketers skincare routine can help you play smarter and safer under the sun.

Stay protected, stay sharp and never underestimate the power of good sunscreen on the cricket field!

Frequently Asked questions

1) What do cricket players put on their face?

A. Cricket players often apply zinc oxide sunscreen or sports sunscreen on their faces to protect against harsh sunlight and UV rays during long hours on the field. This is commonly seen as a white cream on their cheeks and nose. These creams are sweat-resistant, long-lasting, and essential for cricket face protection.

2) Why do cricketers put zinc on their faces?

A. Cricketers put zinc cream or zinc oxide sunscreen on their faces to protect their skin from intense sun exposure during long matches. It acts as a physical barrier against harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. The white appearance also helps players see exactly where the cream is applied, ensuring better coverage and protection.

3) What sunscreen do cricket players use?

A. Cricket players usually use zinc oxide sunscreen or sports sunscreen for cricket on their faces. These sunscreens are designed to provide long-lasting, sweat-resistant, broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. Many prefer zinc-based creams because they stay put during long hours on the field and offer visible, high-performance coverage.

4) How do cricketers protect their skin?

A. Cricketers protect their skin by using zinc oxide sunscreen, sports sunscreens, and specially formulated cricketers face creams that guard against harmful UV rays. They also wear caps, sunglasses, and helmets with face guards as part of their cricket safety equipment. Many follow a proper skincare routine to maintain skin health before, during, and after matches.