By Leslie K. Hughes
One of the best parts about playing golf is that time in the sun. It’s great for your vitamin D levels, circadian rhythm and your tan, too.
But there is one downside to the extended sun exposure that goes along with golf; skin issues. Concerns about skin don’t mean you need to cut your time in the sun short. It just means you need to have a solid skincare routine in place to keep your skin healthy and happy.
Why sun protection is important
You’ve probably heard since you were a child that protecting yourself from the sun is important.
But why?
The sun emits powerful UVA and UVB rays. While these rays have benefits like vitamin D exposure, they also can cause premature aging and dark spots.
Here are ways to protect your skin.
How to prep your skin for golf
Taking care of your skin as a golfer starts before you step foot on the course.
- Start with a clean slate. Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser that gives you a clean base to start building your skincare on.
- Hydrate. The sun can be seriously dehydrating for your skin, so it’s best if you use an oil or a rich moisturizer to really lock the moisture in.
- Sunscreen. Apply sunscreen to your face to keep it protected. We aren’t talking just any sunscreen – you want to make sure it’s a clean sunscreen that isn’t packed with chemicals. We love pure zinc sunscreen, despite the white cast it leaves on your face. It’s clean and gets the job done.
- Opt for light makeup. If makeup is a non-negotiable for your golf game, aim for light makeup that won’t clog your pores. Also choose makeup that plays well with sunscreen re-application.
How to maintain your skin during the game
So you’ve prepped your skin for the sun but is that enough?
It’s a good idea to keep your skincare going while you’re out on the course. A few hours in the sun requires some maintenance. But don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be difficult and only requires a couple of items.
- Reapply sunscreen. Chances are good you’ll sweat while playing and that means your sunscreen will probably melt away. Reapply every hour or so to keep your skin protected.
- Use a facial mist. Pack a facial mist in your bag that you can use throughout your game to breathe some life back into your skin. Bonus points if your mist has hydrating ingredients like rosewater or cucumber extract.
- Wear a hat. For an added layer of protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor that keeps your face and ears out of the sun.
How to recover your skin post-game
A golfer’s skincare doesn’t stop when the round does.
- Back to neutral. Once you’re back home, use a gentle cleanser to wipe away dirt, sweat, sunscreen, and any makeup. The sooner you can cleanse your skin, the better. Sweat traps dirt and bacteria in there, so don’t wait too long. But do allow yourself to enjoy the 19th hole for a bit, first.
- Soothe any burns. If you got a little more sun on your face than desired, use a calming moisturizer or aloe very to heal your skin.
- Hydrate. As you can see, hydrating your skin is a big part of a golfer’s skincare routine. Hydrating before, during, and after the game are all key to keeping your skin in good shape.
If you’ve got dry skin, use oils or rich moisturizers to lock moisture in.
If you’ve got oily skin, opt for non-comedogenic moisturizers that allow your skin to breathe. You may also want to use blotting pappers to get rid of excess oil.
A holistic approach to skincare
Skincare isn’t just about putting products on your face. Good skin results from a holistic approach.
This means eating less:
- Sugar
- Processed snacks (chips, etc)
- Processed meats (deli meats, etc)
And eating more:
- Fruits
- Veggies
- Meat
- Grains
And don’t forget about water, too! Hydrating your body is essential to skin that glows and thrives on and off the course.