The white lotion that players apply to their faces is zinc oxide, the primary mineral used in the physical sunscreen that has the highest effectiveness in blocking the sun’s rays. So, we have white and powdered mineral sand that, throughout its long history, has been applied to the skin to protect it from the sun.
The cricketers apply the zinc oxide white cream, which is a particular kind of sunscreen, to their faces. It can give more protection than normal sunscreen. The skin layers are still affected by the sun since such sunscreens seep into the body. Therefore, cricketers or anyone else who has to spend a lot of time outdoors should not rely on these creams.
These general skin-protecting creams do not require a doctor’s approval. The main features of zinc oxide are high refractive index, high thermal conductivity, binding, antimicrobial, and UV protection.
What makes cricketers apply the white cream with zinc oxide on their skin?
The primary reason for the application of the cream is to protect the skin from the sun. The next section elaborates the effects of sun damage to the skin and the main ingredients of the cream.
Skin Protection Against Solar UV Rays
People use such lotions to heal their skin from the damaging effects of UV exposure from the sun. Sunlight is the primary source of UV radiation, which causes DNA damage in skin cells and is therefore the leading cause of skin cancers.
Sunlight consists of three types of ultraviolet (UV) photons: A, B, and C. Earth’s atmosphere absorbs the energy of UVC photons, while both UVA and UVB photons penetrate the skin.
Let’s learn about the adverse effects of the sometimes-overlooked rays mentioned above while being aware of the same:
UVA radiation can make people look older than their actual age by getting to the deepest part of the skin. Since the effect of this radiation is delayed, it is much more dangerous. On the other hand, UVB rays will cause damage to the skin’s topmost layer and therefore, lead to blisters and tanning. Cricketers, however, will often be out on the field getting practically the full dose of the sun whether they are having their practice sessions or playing cricket matches.
The situation is that the cricketers’ skin has to be protected from the excessive sun radiation that can cause permanent damage or even in very rare cases, cause them to get skin cancer, since they are the performers of the tournament and their time in the sun is almost limitless.
Thus, apart from sunglasses and hats, a sunscreen lotion would be another significant step in the right direction to prevent the skin damage or even reduce it. Besides, when playing or practicing outdoors, cricketers usually wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts or compression sleeves for the arms; thus, facial care becomes the most important factor.
Summary
The use of white cream on the faces of cricket players is common for a number of reasons. The main reason for the application of the white cream is the protection of the skin against the sun’s hazardous rays. The cream serves as a barrier, scattering the sun’s rays and thus minimizing the risk of getting too much exposure to the UV radiation. This is particularly a case for the players practising in the sun for long hours.
Moreover, the white cream is a good visibility aid for the players. The ultra-white hue is in a sharp contrast with the green color of the field, which makes it easier for the players to spot each other and, at the same time, helps the audience and referees to follow the game. It is a plus for the viewers’ visual experience and also adds to the overall aesthetic of the game.
