Skincare Guide: Best Sunscreens for the Pickleball Court

Updated: May 30, 2023

If you play pickleball regularly, you need to protect your skin from sun exposure. Read on to learn about five great sunscreen options for pickleball players who get a lot of sun...

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Sunscreen is something you don't want to skimp on. It is such an easy way to prevent lasting, undesirable effects on your face and body.

Medical professionals cannot stress enough the importance of wearing sunscreen while playing pickleball. Sunburns can form just minutes into a play session!

The sun can cause skin damage and sunburns when you're out there for hours at a time. Make sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every hour or so to keep your skin protected from the sun exposure. Your skin will thank you!

Check out this FREE guide on other wellness accessories: Best Pickleball Recovery Products

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Otherwise, read on for a list of our top reviewed sunscreens...

Best Sunscreens for Pickleball

La Roche-Posay Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60

This sunscreen provides excellent protection and is perfect for people with sensitive skin.

It's lightweight, non-greasy, and quickly absorbed. Good for the face, too. LRP is a well-known brand that pretty much always gets rave reviews!

Click here to shop La-Roche Posay sunscreen on Amazon.

EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

This oil-free, lightweight sunscreen is perfect for people with acne-prone skin.

It contains niacinamide, which helps soothe and calm skin, so it's less harsh to wear. It's also fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. This one is described as "silky!"

Click here to shop EltaMD sunscreen on Amazon.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

This mineral-based sunscreen is perfect for people with sensitive skin.

It's free from harmful chemicals and is also highly water-resistant for over an hour. It's a top tier choice for anyone looking for an effective, long-lasting sunscreen. And it's from Australia!

Click here to shop Blue Lizard sunscreen on Amazon.

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 60

This sunscreen is perfect for people with dry skin.

It contains oat and hydrating ingredients that keep skin moisturized. It's also non-greasy and quickly absorbed. Reduces skin cracking and peeling. Aveeno is elite for skincare!

Click here to shop Aveeno sunscreen on Amazon.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

This sunscreen is perfect for people who want a lightweight, invisible sunscreen and is perfect for everyday use even off the court.

It's oil-free and quickly absorbed, and doubles as a makeup primer. It's free from harmful chemicals and perfect for the ladies.

Click here to shop Supergoop! sunscreen on Amazon.

Pickleball Sunscreen FAQ

How else can pickleball players limit sun exposure?

Compression sleeves and socks will help a lot, while also being cool and breathable and not overheat a person. You can also consider headwear that will cover the face and neck.

Here's our review of the best compression sleeves as well as top headwear options.

How much sunscreen should a pickleball player use?

You should use at least one ounce (about a shot glass) of sunscreen to cover your entire body, and a nickel-sized amount to cover your face.

Apply sunscreen half an hour before going outside. Then reapply every hour or so, especially after sweating. Make sure not to wipe your body with a towel too soon after applying.

If you get sunburnt, try this "climate friendly" lotion with aloe and chamomile.

Can a pickleball player use expired sunscreen?

It's not the best idea to use expired sunscreen, as the active ingredients can break down over time, rendering it partly ineffective at best.

Always check the expiration date before using sunscreen, and dispose of any that have expired. Treat yourself to a fresh bottle! Sunscreen is reasonably priced and lasts a while.

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Should pickleball players use different facial sunscreen?

It is recommended to use a separate sunscreen for your face, as facial skin is usually more sensitive than the rest of the body.

A facial sunscreen is usually designed to be non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and free of fragrances that can irritate the skin. Basically, face sunscreen is made just for your face.

Quality Sunscreen Criteria:

Sun protection factor (SPF)

SPF measures how effectively a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn and skin damage.

It is an essential element to look for in a sunblock because the higher the SPF, the more protection it offers against harmful UVB rays. It is recommended to choose a sunblock with a minimum of SPF 30 to provide adequate protection.

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Broad-spectrum protection

A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

UVA rays are responsible for skin aging and can contribute to skin cancer. A good sunblock should have broad-spectrum protection to make sure it protects against all rays. When shopping for sunblock, look for labels that indicate "broad-spectrum" protection.

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Water resistance

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied to maintain protection, but water resistance is an essential detail for those who plan to be active and are bound to sweat.

A good sunblock should be water-resistant for an hour, depending on the level of activity. A water-resistant sunblock will provide continued protection even after sweating.

[Read: Men's and Women's Pickleball Style Guide 2023]

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