There’s nothing like spiking a ball under the open sky, but that awesome outdoor volleyball session can get uncomfortable fast if we don’t look out for our skin. To dodge burning, we should slap on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapply it every couple of hours, and cover up as much as possible. These steps help us stay in the game longer and save us from skin problems that, honestly, nobody wants.
Staying safe in the sun isn’t about hiding in the shade and missing out. Whether we’re digging in the sand or serving on grass, grabbing the right gear—like sunglasses or UV-blocking clothes—can save us from turning lobster-red. If we make sun safety part of our warm-up, we can just focus on playing and not worry about tomorrow’s sunburn.
Key Takeaways
- Use strong sunscreen and reapply regularly.
- Wear UV-protective gear and stay hydrated.
- Build sun habits into your routine for healthy skin.
Understanding Sunburn Risks
We’ve all been there: after a few hours of digging and blocking, our skin starts to sting. Sunburn doesn’t just ruin our day—it brings real health risks we can’t shrug off.
When we’re playing volleyball outside, UV rays hit our skin and damage cells. Even if the sky looks cloudy, UV sneaks through and stacks up quickly, raising our risk for burns and, over the years, skin cancer.
Things that crank up our sunburn risk:
- Playing between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (UV rays go wild during these hours)
- Clear skies or high altitudes, which boost sun intensity
- Light sand and water reflecting sunlight right back at us
Athletes like us usually spend hours outside, and honestly, we sweat off sunscreen faster than we think.
Here’s a quick table showing what can increase our chances of sunburn during outdoor volleyball:
| Factor | Impact on Risk |
|---|---|
| Midday Sun | High |
| No SPF Protection | Very High |
| Short Sleeves/Tank Tops | High |
| Forgotten Hats/Shades | Moderate |
We all love a good game, but we’ve got to use our heads when it comes to sun safety. If you think sitting under an umbrella keeps you totally safe, not so fast—sunlight bounces off sand and water and finds you anyway.
Applying Effective Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just a “put it on and forget it” thing—it’s about picking the right kind, using it the right way, and making sure it won’t mess with your grip or your game.
Choosing Broad-Spectrum SPF Products
A solid sunscreen for volleyball should protect against UVA and UVB rays. “Broad spectrum” on the label means it’s got you covered. UVB burns, UVA ages and damages deeper layers. Both are bad news.
Grab something with at least SPF 30—that’s what dermatologists keep telling us. If you’re pale or sweat buckets, SPF 50 might be better.
If you hate the sting when sunscreen drips in your eyes (who doesn’t?), look for water and sweat resistant options. Mineral-based stuff, like zinc oxide, usually stays put and doesn’t burn if you sweat into your eyes. Quick breakdown:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Broad spectrum | Shields both UVA & UVB |
| SPF 30+ | Bigger buffer, better safety |
| Water/sweat resistance | No slippery hands or dripping |
| Mineral/zinc oxide options | Less likely to sting or run |
Need more info? Check out this guide on choosing sunscreen for athletes.
When and How to Reapply Sunscreen
Even the best sunscreen doesn’t last forever, especially after a few dives in the sand. Dermatologists say to put on a thick layer about 15 minutes before you step outside. Don’t forget spots like your ears, neck, and under straps—those burn fast.
Reapply every two hours, minimum. If you’re sweating hard or toweling off, do it more often. Toss a spray or stick sunscreen in your bag for quick touch-ups between games.
Here’s how a realistic routine might go:
- Before leaving home: Slather on lotion sunscreen.
- At the court: Hit exposed spots with spray or stick, especially after wiping off sweat.
- Wipe your hands after so you don’t lose grip on the ball.
Sunscreen starts to break down within two hours, so don’t skip the reapplication.
Troubleshooting Sticky or Oily Sunscreens
Nobody wants greasy hands or a shiny forehead when they’re going for a spike. If your sunscreen feels gross, look for “non-greasy” or “matte finish” on the bottle. Gel-based or mineral formulas usually feel lighter.
Still sticky? Try these:
- Use a stick sunscreen on your face—less mess, less drip.
- Spray your arms and legs for a light touch.
- Blot off extra with a towel before you play.
- Skip thick creams if you sweat a lot.
Test your sunscreen before a real game. The volleyball community swears by a lotion base at home, then lighter sprays between sets. A little experimenting pays off—you’ll stay protected and still play your best.
Protective Clothing Strategies
When we’re out under a blazing sun, what we wear makes a huge difference. The right gear blocks UV rays and can even help us stay cooler and more comfortable.
Wearing UV-Blocking Shirts and Hats
Not all shirts are up for the job. Look for ones labeled with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), like 50+. These can block up to 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Regular cotton or athletic shirts just don’t cut it—UV-blocking tops have special fibers or coatings that really work.
Long sleeves that fit loosely give us the best protection and let air move around. Pairing them with a wide-brimmed hat covers your face, ears, and neck—areas that burn fast. Some hats even have neck drapes for extra coverage.
Go for lightweight, moisture-wicking materials so you don’t overheat. There are UPF shirts made for athletes that keep you safe and cool. Here’s more on sun protection benefits of UPF shirts.
Picking the Right Fabrics and Colors
Fabric choice matters. Tightly woven materials block more sunlight than loose or see-through shirts. Polyester, nylon, and certain blends work better than plain cotton. Always check the label for sun-protective claims.
Colors help too. Darker shades—navy, black, deep red—absorb more UV than light ones. If you want a lighter shirt to stay cool, make sure it’s got a high UPF rating.
So, look for: tight weave, dark or vivid color, and a UPF label. That way, you’re playing smart and staying safe. For more tips, USA Volleyball’s sun safety guide is worth a look.
Timing Your Outdoor Volleyball Games
Planning when to play is half the battle. Picking the right time and using shade can save your skin.
Playing During Safer UV Hours
We’ve all felt the sting of staying out too long when the sun is at its fiercest. UV radiation peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—that’s when the risk of sunburn is highest. If possible, let’s schedule our games for the early morning or late afternoon.
Here’s an easy way to check UV risk:
| Time of Day | UV Level | Sunburn Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Before 10 a.m. | Low | Lower |
| 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | High | Highest |
| After 4 p.m. | Moderate/Lower | Lower |
Sticking to these safer windows helps our skin recover and keeps us cooler. We can also use UV index apps or weather sites to track sun intensity before heading out.
If weekend tournaments or busy workdays make this tricky, we can rotate indoor drills or warm-ups outside of peak hours. That way, we’re not losing practice but giving ourselves a break from those punishing midday rays.
Using Shade and Breaks Wisely
If you can’t avoid a midday match, get creative with shade. Bring umbrellas, pop-up tents, or find a tree—anything to get you and your stuff out of direct sunlight.
During long sessions, make breaks count. Step into the shade, hydrate, and reapply sunscreen. Remind your teammates, too—it’s easy to forget.
Don’t ignore the sneaky burn spots: ears, neck, tops of feet. They need just as much attention as your arms and face. These little habits—finding shade, making your breaks count—work together with clothing and sunscreen to keep you safer.
Eye and Lip Protection
Sunscreen is great, but don’t forget your eyes and lips. Both can get hammered during long volleyball sessions, especially when the sun’s out in full force.
Shielding Your Eyes With Sunglasses
Our eyes need real protection, and a good pair of sunglasses is non-negotiable. Continuous sun exposure can lead to eye strain, irritation, and long-term damage like cataracts. To keep our eyes safe, we should always choose sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. This isn’t just a style choice—those UV rays are relentless.
Look for these features when picking sunglasses:
- Wrap-around frames that block light from the sides
- Large lenses for extra coverage (more info on sun safety for eyes)
- Impact-resistant material for safety during play
We don’t want to squint at every serve or dig, so let’s make sure we don a solid pair of shades before hitting the sand. Plus, the cooler we look, the better the action shots.
Using SPF Lip Balm
Our lips have almost no natural protection against the sun, and they burn just as easily as the rest of our skin. A solid SPF lip balm (SPF 30 or higher) helps shield us from UV damage. Sunburned lips? Not fun—they can blister, crack, and even raise the risk of lip cancer down the road.
Here’s what matters most:
- Pick a broad-spectrum, water-resistant lip balm
- Slather it on before you start playing
- Reapply every couple of hours, or after drinking, eating, or wiping your lips (see these tips)
People forget about their lips all the time, but nothing ruins post-game snacks like a scorched pout. If we keep our lips protected, we can cheer, call plays, and snap a victory selfie without worrying.
Hydration and Skin Health
We all know we need water when we’re out in the sun, but staying hydrated actually helps our skin out, too. When we drink enough, our skin handles heat better and is less likely to get irritated or worsen a sunburn.
Chugging water before, during, and after our games keeps skin from drying out. Experts say don’t wait until you’re thirsty—prevention’s way easier. I like to keep a big refillable bottle on the sidelines, just so I don’t forget. Staying hydrated is even recommended for athletes during sun safety month.
Here’s a quick hydration checklist:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Pre-volleyball | Drink water 30 minutes before starting |
| During play | Sip water every 15-20 minutes |
| Post-game | Rehydrate—especially if you sweat a lot |
If you’re sweating buckets, try adding an electrolyte drink to replace lost minerals.
Well-hydrated skin’s less likely to peel, itch, or stay burned for days. It’s a simple move that keeps us playing—and feeling—better, so let’s just make it a habit like sunscreen.
After-Game Skin Recovery
Even if we prep and play smart, a day in the sun can still rough up our skin. Gentle recovery steps help us bounce back and keep skin happy.
Treating Accidental Sunburns
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we get burned. If your skin feels hot and looks red, the first move is simple: get out of the sun.
Rinse off sweat and sand with cool (not freezing) water, and pat dry. Smoothing on pure aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free lotion soothes the burn and helps skin heal. Aloe vera’s well-known for calming sunburns and restoring moisture.
Don’t forget to drink extra water. Staying hydrated from the inside helps with recovery. Avoid scrubbing or wearing tight clothes over the burn until things calm down.
Post-Sun Skincare Tips
After a day outside, our skin needs some TLC, whether we burned or not. Use a gentle cleanser to wash off sweat, salt, and sunscreen without stripping away all the good oils.
Right after showering, layer on a fragrance-free moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. If your skin’s feeling irritated, look for stuff with oats or allantoin—they’re great for calming things down.
Skip products with alcohol or retinoids for a day or two, since they can make sun-exposed skin angrier. Keeping up with this routine after each match just feels good, and it can help our skin recover faster for the next game.
Staying Consistent With Sun Safety
Let’s be honest—remembering sun protection isn’t always easy when we’re itching to play. The trick? Make it automatic, like tying your shoes or grabbing your water bottle. Toss sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses in your volleyball bag so they’re always there.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep us on track:
- Sunscreen: Reapply every two hours, or sooner if you’re sweating a lot. Go for SPF 30 or higher.
- Don’t miss spots: Hit your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet (yes, they burn too!).
- Protective clothing: Lightweight long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat work wonders during warmups or breaks.
Set a phone reminder if you need to—it’s wild how fast time flies mid-game.
After you finish, slap on some aloe vera or moisturizer, even if you didn’t burn. And drink up, since the sun and sweat zap fluids fast. For more ideas, check out dermatology expert tips.
Once sun safety becomes a habit, we can focus on volleyball—without that nagging worry about sunburn at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Staying a step ahead of sunburn matters as much as landing a solid spike. The right sunscreen, clothing, and a few smart habits can help us stay protected every time we hit the court.
What sunscreen best blocks rays during marathon beach volleyball tournaments?
Grab a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30—water-resistant is best, since sweat and sand are a given. Sports formulas stick around longer and handle movement better, which is perfect for long games. Slather it on at least 15 minutes before you start; more details are in this Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen for Athletes.
Which fabrics provide the best protection against UV rays for outdoor athletes?
Long-sleeved shirts and pants made from tightly-woven, dark synthetic fabrics offer the most UV coverage. Sportswear with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) label gives extra peace of mind. Lightweight options keep you cool, so you don’t have to trade comfort for protection—see more at this sun safety guide.
Are there any specific times of day when outdoor sports enthusiasts should avoid the sun?
Try to avoid playing between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—that’s when the sun hits hardest. Scheduling games early in the morning or later in the afternoon gives your skin (and your energy) a break from peak UV.
Can certain diets or supplements bolster my skin's defense against sunburn?
Eating lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies helps support skin health. Foods with vitamins C and E may give a tiny boost, but nothing replaces sunscreen and protective clothing. No food or pill can do the job on its own.
How often should players reapply sunscreen during a day-long outdoor event?
Every two hours is the sweet spot for reapplying sunscreen, and even more often if you’re sweating or toweling off. Water-resistant sunscreen helps, but it’s not invincible. For more specifics, check out this advice on reapplication during outdoor sports.
Any insider tips on sunburn prevention for those of us who live at the volleyball net?
Grab a hat with a wide brim, throw on some UV-blocking sunglasses, and snag a shady spot during breaks—you’ll thank yourself later. People always forget spots like their ears, the back of the neck, and even the tops of their feet. Trust me, a little attention to those areas makes a big difference. If we want to keep playing all summer, building these habits now is way better than slathering on aloe after the fact.