|
Sunscreen Use for Tennis Players
Sunscreen comes in lotions, oils, gels, and sprays. It was first developed in the 1930s. Then in the 1940s it was used by soldiers in WWII. Coppertone began its brand in the 1950s. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was introduced in the 1960s. As a kid growing up and playing tennis in the 1970s, I didn’t know much about sun protection. Some kids that were more light-skinned wore zinc oxide on their nose as a sun block. I wasn’t introduced to the idea of wearing this UV screening until I began playing on the tennis tour in the 1980s. I learned the hard way when I got my first “sun spot” while playing in Hawaii. This was a “pre-cancer” spot that is lightly frozen off with liquid nitrogen by a dermatologist. I began using sun block and wearing a hat. Okay now that I made the case for using this protection, let’s look at the other side from more recent research. We need vitamin D produced by outdoor exposure particularly from UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate more deeply and can cause free radical damage. Certain products block both UVA and UVB, so the production of the essential cancer, heart disease, and diabetes fighting anti-oxidant (vitamin D) can be limited by wearing this topical protector. I wear a wide brimmed hat and limited sun block on my arms. Most sunscreens on the market contain harmful ingredients and free radical generators like dioxybenzone and oxybenzone (benzophenone-3). If you see these potentially carcinogenic ingredients on your suntan lotion bottle, I’d recommend throwing it out and using a safe alternative Dr Mercola says, “Between your sun [block] and your bug repellant, I’m convinced you may be slathering your body with the equivalent of a ‘toxic waste dump.’” There are also toxic chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Propylene Glycol, and Sodium Fluoride in shampoo, hand lotion, and toothpaste. It’s shocking that most of us are unaware of the toxins we are using daily. My thick hair seems to be a bi-product of the quality shampoo and conditioner that I use. My shower drains are never clogged, and the shower stall has been free of soap scum since I began using toxic free products. Besides wearing a hat, thick hair is a great way to keep the sun off the scalp while on the tennis court :) I’m trying to reverse some of the negative effects of many years of sun exposure during my career in tennis as a player and now as a coach. I’m thankful for the safe skin care ingredients that help protect and heal my skin from the excessive sun I’m exposed to daily. Using a limited amount of safe sunscreen with a hat will allow you to get the needed amount of vitamin D for optimum health. Now that you have some solutions for the harsh rays of the sun come on down to Marco Island and experience the fun (and sun) in "paradise." Feel free to contact me for rental information. |
