Tennis, Sun & Skin Health
March 11, 2026, 7:16 AM
Your Dermatologist’s Guide to Sun Safety at the Credit One Charleston Open
Charleston in the spring is one of the best places to watch tennis. Long matches, bright skies, and hours spent courtside also mean significant sun exposure.
At Dermhaus, we believe enjoying tennis and protecting your skin should go hand-in-hand. Whether you're playing, spectating, or working the tournament, a few simple habits can help protect your skin from sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Why Tennis Players Get More Sun Exposure
Tennis is considered a high UV exposure sport because:
- Matches often last 1–3 hours
- Players and spectators are outdoors during peak UV hours (10am–4pm)
- Sweat can reduce sunscreen effectiveness
- Hard courts and light surfaces reflect UV radiation
- Hats and sunglasses are not always consistently worn
Studies show outdoor athletes may receive 2–3 times more UV exposure than the average person on a normal day.
The 3 Dermatologist Rules for Sun Protection
If you remember nothing else from today, remember these three things:
1. Apply Sunscreen Before You Arrive
Sunscreen needs about 15 minutes to bind to the skin before sun exposure.
Choose:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB protection)
- Water-resistant formulas
Don’t forget commonly missed areas:
- Ears
- Back of the neck
- Hands
- Tops of feet
- Hairline
2. Reapply Every 2 Hours (More if Sweating)
Sweating and wiping your face remove sunscreen quickly.
For long matches or a full day at the tournament:
- Reapply every 2 hours
- Reapply after sweating
- Reapply after toweling your face
Spray and stick sunscreens are great for quick reapplication between matches.
3. Sunscreen is Only Part of Sun Protection
Dermatologists recommend adding:
Hats
Wide-brim or structured tennis caps help protect the scalp and face.
Wide-brim or structured tennis caps help protect the scalp and face.
UV-blocking sunglasses
Protects the delicate skin around the eyes and reduces squinting.
Protects the delicate skin around the eyes and reduces squinting.
UPF clothing
Lightweight performance fabrics can block up to 98% of UV rays.
Lightweight performance fabrics can block up to 98% of UV rays.
The Most Common Sun Damage Dermatologists See in Tennis Players
After years of treating outdoor athletes, dermatologists frequently diagnose:
- Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions)
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melasma and hyperpigmentation
- Premature skin aging
Many of these conditions develop from years of cumulative sun exposure, not just one bad sunburn.
When to See a Dermatologist
You should schedule a skin check if you notice:
- A spot that bleeds or won’t heal
- A mole that is changing in size, shape, or color
- Rough or scaly patches that persist
- New or rapidly growing lesions
Early detection of skin cancer dramatically improves outcomes.
Dermatology Care for Active Lifestyles
At Dermhaus, we specialize in caring for skin exposed to sun and sweat.
Our services include:
- Skin cancer screenings
- Treatment of precancerous lesions
- Acne and sweat-related skin conditions
- Cosmetic dermatology
- Preventative skin health plans
Healthy skin helps you perform better, recover faster, and age well.
Enjoy the Tournament — Protect Your Skin
Charleston’s tennis scene is world class, and spending the day outdoors should be part of the experience.
Just remember:
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Reapply
✔ Hat + sunglasses
✔ Reapply
✔ Hat + sunglasses
Your skin will thank you later.
