Skincare for Cricketers: Sun, Sweat and Long Days on the Field

Whether you play a weekend tennis-ball match in the colony or a full day of club cricket, you spend hours in the open sun. Fielding at long-on in April is tough on your skin: sun on the face, neck and arms, sweat under the cap or helmet, and dusty grounds. A few simple habits help you stay comfortable.

What a day of cricket does to skin

  • Hours of sun, often in the hottest part of the day.
  • Sweat under caps, helmets and pads.
  • Dust from the ground.
  • Dry, cracked lips from sun and wind.
  • Not enough water between overs.

Before the match

  1. Cleanse your face.
  2. Apply a light moisturiser.
  3. Apply sunscreen generously to the face, ears, neck, back of the neck, arms and the backs of the hands. See how to apply sunscreen properly.
  4. Apply lip balm.
  5. Pack a cap or wide-brim hat, sunglasses for fielding, and plenty of water.

During the match

  • Reapply sunscreen at drinks breaks, lunch and tea, especially if you are sweating.
  • Drink water at every break, not only when thirsty.
  • Wipe sweat with a clean towel, not your shirt or gloves.
  • Sit in the shade when you are not batting or fielding.
  • Wear a cap when fielding.

After the match

  1. Shower as soon as you can.
  2. Cleanse your face gently to remove sweat, sunscreen and dust.
  3. Moisturise face and body.
  4. Drink water and eat a proper meal.
  5. Wash your kit, including caps and the helmet lining.

Gear hygiene

  • Wash caps and towels after every match.
  • Air out helmets and wipe the inner padding regularly.
  • Wash batting gloves' inners or wear cotton inners.
  • Do not share towels.

Habits for regular players

  • Keep a small sunscreen and lip balm in your kit bag.
  • Eat a balanced diet with protein. See protein for healthy skin.
  • Sleep well before match days.
  • Play early morning or late afternoon where possible in peak summer.

Common mistakes

  • Applying sunscreen once and forgetting it all day.
  • Forgetting ears and the back of the neck.
  • Drinking only sugary drinks instead of water.
  • Going straight to a party without cleansing.

Heat safety

Heat can be dangerous. If a player feels dizzy, confused, very weak, stops sweating or has a headache in the heat, move them to shade, give water and get medical help.

Other sports? See skincare for runners, skincare for cyclists and skincare for gym goers.

A plan for active people

The Theraglam Glow Scan gives guidance for skin, grooming, diet and fitness. From 3 photos and a short quiz, you get a personal skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, exercises with pictures and a daily to-do list.

Quick questions

Does a cap replace sunscreen? No. A cap shades part of your face but not your neck, ears or arms.

Will sunscreen run into my eyes? Choose a sweat-resistant one and wipe sweat with a clean towel.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

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