Sun Protection

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. Why is sunscreen crucial for athletes in India?

A. Sunscreen is vital for Indian athletes to shield their skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. It also helps in maintaining youthful skin by preventing premature aging caused by sun damage. outdoor sports involve some kind of risk caused due to the UV (ultraviolet) rays emitted by the burning sun. These harmful UV rays can affect the exposed parts of the body during the time when the athletes are involved in the sports and can cause as serious damage as skin cancer. It is important for the athletes to buy the best sunscreen. A sunscreen which is made from natural ingredients, which has no side-effects, which offers good protection against the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun, which is water-resistant, sweat-proof and oil-free, which can be applied to different skin types, and the likes,should be considered while making the purchase of zinc sunscreen.

2. What is the ideal SPF level for Indian athletes?

A. The best choice for athletes in India is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This provides comprehensive protection against the intense UVA and UVB rays prevalent in India's climate. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial. Look for a sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of the body at least 15 minutes before going outside. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating profusely or participating in water sports. Read our article on- How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Athletes?

3. When should I apply sunscreen before cricket matches or practice sessions?

A. Apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before heading outdoors for cricket matches or practice sessions. This allows the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin, ensuring effective protection. As a general rule, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear protective covering such as broad-brimmed hats, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts to reduce sun exposure. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection. Check out our article on- How to select the best sunscreen for cricketers.

4. How do cricketers not get tanned?

A. As a general rule, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear protective covering such as broad-brimmed hats, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts to reduce sun exposure. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection. sunscreens are specially designed for athletes spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun. Cricket is one sport in which the cricketers spend almost eight hours of the day outdoors. The cricketers tend to apply the zinc sunscreen on their cheeks, nose, lips, neck and arms. These parts of the body are typically exposed to the sun during the period when the cricketers are outdoors. Once the zinc sunscreen is applied, there is a high probability of cricketers not getting affected by the harmful UV rays.

5. How often should you apply sunscreen when hiking?

A. When hiking, it's recommended to apply sunscreen every 2 hours for optimal protection. Frequent reapplication ensures that your skin remains shielded from harmful UV rays, especially when exposed to the sun during outdoor activities. While the trekkers often wear a cap to protect themselves from the hot sun, not many apply sunscreen. Wearing a cap is essential since it offers protection from the sun, which ensures that the trekkers do not have a headache. However many are ignorant about the repercussions of this sun on their exposed parts of the body.A zinc sunscreen that is made from natural ingredients is always a better choice. It can be applied by people from any age group. Apart from checking the ingredients with which zinc sunscreen is made, selecting the right sunscreen with a good SPF (sun protection factor) is important. A zinc sunscreen with SPF 50 offers protection against 98 percent of the UV rays

6. Can we use sports sunscreen everyday?

A. Yes, you can use sports sunscreen every day. Sports sunscreen offers excellent protection against harmful UV rays and is suitable for daily use. It's essential to safeguard your skin from sun damage, even during everyday activities, to maintain healthy and youthful skin. Sports and sunscreen often go hand in hand, especially in the case of outdoor sports like cricket, cycling, running, to name a few. a zinc sunscreen is typically made from natural ingredients like zinc oxide (ZnO), which is a combination of zinc and oxygen. There are some zinc sunscreens which contain aloe vera, which not only enhances the natural qualities of the sunscreen but also adds a nice fragrance to the otherwise ordinary zinc sunscreen. Unlike the ordinary sunscreens which are primarily chemical-based, a zinc sunscreen is made from natural ingredients like zinc and oxygen.

Sun Protection skincare for sports

When it comes to participating in sports and outdoor activities, sun protection should be a top priority for maintaining healthy skin. The sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive sun protection skin care routine is essential for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

First and foremost, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial. Look for a sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of the body at least 15 minutes before going outside. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating profusely or participating in water sports.

In addition to sunscreen, wearing protective clothing is highly recommended. Opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that cover as much skin as possible. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats provide excellent protection from the sun's rays. Consider investing in sportswear with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) for added sun protection.

Don't forget about your eyes! Protecting your eyes from the sun is essential, especially during outdoor sports. Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays. Look for sunglasses that wrap around your face to prevent UV rays from entering through the sides.

When participating in sports, sweat and water can easily wash away sunscreen, so it's important to use water-resistant or sweat-resistant formulations. These types of sunscreens provide better staying power and maintain their effectiveness even during intense physical activity. However, keep in mind that they still need to be reapplied after a certain period or when you towel off.

Lastly, remember to seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your sport requires prolonged exposure to the sun, take regular breaks in shaded areas to give your skin a rest. This will help minimize sun damage and reduce the risk of overheating or heat-related illnesses.

If you what to know more about sunscreen for cricketers , then check out our article on- How to select the best sunscreen for cricketers

By incorporating these sun protection practices into your sports routine, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy and well-protected from the sun's harmful rays. Prioritizing sun care will not only help prevent immediate damage like sunburn but also contribute to long-term skin health and reduce the risk of skin cancer. So, gear up, stay protected, and enjoy your sports activities safely under the sun!