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Tennis Sunscreen

Flat spells have you reaching for your racquet instead of your board? We get it. Just make sure you have the best sunscreen for tennis when you hit the court. It's got one job: keep you covered through long, sunny matches without getting in the way of your game. Between courts that bounce the sun right back up at you and matches that stretch on for hours, your skin's logging serious hours out there. Our Signature Sunscreen is a lightweight, sweat-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF that stays put when you're swapping the set of the day for game, set, match.

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Key Features to Look for in Tennis Sunscreen

The right sunscreen for tennis should feel like it's not even there. No distractions like greasy hands on your grip or sweat dripping SPF into your eyes mid-rally. Here's what to look for:

  • Non-greasy & matte finish: A dry-touch, matte formula won't leave your palms slick or your racquet grip slipping.
  • Sting-free / won't run: Look for a long-lasting formula that stays where you put it. Aka no sunscreen dripping into your eyes on match point.
  • Sweat & water resistance: Go for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with an 80-minute water-resistance rating.
  • Broad-spectrum protection: UVA and UVB both do damage, a broad spectrum SPF has you covered on both fronts.
  • Easy reapplication: A face stick or spray you can stash in your bag makes reapplying at the changeover quick and easy.

Sunscreen Application Tips for Tennis Players

Even the best sunscreen only works if you use it right. A few habits go a long way toward staying protected from first serve to final point:

  • Apply early: Put it on 15–30 minutes before you step on the court so it has time to bind to your skin.
  • Use enough: Roughly a shot glass worth for your body and a teaspoon for your face.
  • Don't skip the easy-to-miss spots: Ears, back of the neck, tops of the hands, and your hair part line all burn fast. Same as a day at the beach.
  • Reapply every two hours: And right after toweling off, because sweat takes your sunscreen with it.
  • Keep backup courtside: A stick or spray in your bag makes reapplying quick and easy.

We've Got Answers

How to Protect Yourself From the Sun When Playing Tennis?

Tennis means hours in direct sun, often at midday, on courts that reflect UV right back up at you so protection needs a few layers. Start with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied 15–30 minutes before you play and reapplied every two hours (and after wiping sweat off). Add a hat or visor, UV-blocking sunglasses to cut glare, and UPF clothing when you can. Try to play early morning or later afternoon when the sun's less intense, and use the shade at changeovers. Layering these together beats leaning on any one of them alone.

What Is the Best Sunscreen for Tennis Players?

The best sunscreen for tennis players is sweat-resistant, non-greasy, and broad-spectrum. If your sunscreen is slippery or stings your eyes, you’re less likely to want to use it. Look for SPF 30 or higher with an 80-minute water-resistance rating so it lasts during long, hot matches. A dry-touch or matte lotion keeps your grip solid, while a face stick makes reapplying at the changeover the easiest part of your match. Mineral or chemical SPFs both work as long as they're broad spectrum and water resistant. But really, the best one is the one you'll actually reapply, so pick a feel you like and stick with it.

What SPF Is Best for Playing Tennis?

For tennis, go with at least SPF 30, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays. But since you're outside for hours in direct, often reflected sun, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF 50 or higher for extended outdoor activity, which means bumping up to SPF 50 is a smart move on the court. More important than chasing a huge number is applying enough and reapplying often. A high SPF you put on sparingly without reapplying protects less than an SPF 30 used properly. Go broad spectrum, water resistant, and reapply every two hours. Also, don’t be shy about using it. We recommend at least a teaspoon for face and neck.

How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen During a Tennis Match?

Reapply every two hours during a match and more often if you're sweating hard or toweling off between points. Even water-resistant sunscreen only holds up for about 80 minutes of heavy sweat or water. The easiest system: keep a sunscreen stick or spray in your bag and reapply at the changeovers, hitting your face, ears, neck, and the tops of your hands. Wiping your face with a towel (or doing your best Andre Agassi impression and wiping your forehead with your arm) removes SPF, so reapply right after. Staying consistent matters more than nailing the exact minute.