Cricket is full of unique actions and rituals that add excitement to the game and engage spectators. One common question asked by fans is, “Why do cricketers apply white cream on their lips?” Many cricket enthusiasts are curious about this. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reason behind cricketers using white cream on their bodies and answer other related questions.
What Are The White Cream Cricketers Put On Their Face and Lips?
Cricketers use a white cream, typically made of zinc oxide, on their faces and lips for sun protection. Zinc oxide is a non-toxic, natural mineral that acts as a barrier against harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer from prolonged exposure to the sun during long matches. The cream also helps keep the skin moist, preventing dehydration, and protects against overheating. This practice, known as “sweating up,” has become an essential part of the game, ensuring that cricketers can perform at their best without worrying about the harsh effects of sun exposure.
Why do cricketers use white cream on their faces and lips?
The white cream used by cricketers serves three main purposes. Firstly, it acts as a sunscreen, shielding the skin from harmful UV rays and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Secondly, the cream helps reduce the sun’s glare, enhancing focus and concentration, which is vital for fielders spotting the ball. Finally, the cream keeps the skin moisturized, preventing dryness and dehydration caused by prolonged sun exposure during matches. These benefits make the cream an essential tool for cricketers, ensuring protection, comfort, and performance under the sun.
White Cream in Cricket – Is it Safe?
Cricketers use zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen, to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Zinc oxide forms a protective barrier on the skin, reflecting sunlight and reducing the risk of sun damage. Approved by the FDA, it’s a safe and effective sunscreen widely used by athletes, especially in cricket, due to prolonged sun exposure. The increasing skin cancer rates have made sunscreen essential for outdoor sports. Though generally safe, those with sensitive skin should be cautious, as rare allergic reactions may occur. Zinc oxide remains one of the least allergenic sunscreen ingredients, making it suitable for most users.
Which parts of the body do cricketers use white cream?
Cricketers apply sunscreen to their face, arms, legs, and other exposed skin before and during matches, reapplying throughout the day. They choose sunscreens with a high SPF for adequate protection. Some cricketers also use white zinc oxide cream, especially on their noses and cheeks, for extra shielding against sunburn. This practice ensures skin protection during prolonged exposure to the sun.
How do cricketers use white cream on their body?
The white cream, often zinc oxide, is thoroughly rubbed into cricketers’ skin, focusing on the face, neck, ears, and arms. It’s applied well before the game to allow proper absorption and drying. To maintain protection, players must reapply the cream every few hours, especially when sweating heavily. Many cricketers also wear white arm sleeves and hats to reduce sun exposure and prevent sunburn during long matches.
How to remove the white stuff from the body
Cricketers can remove the white cream using gentle cleansers or body washes, along with a loofah or washcloth, to effectively clean their skin. Another option is using chemical-free cloths designed to remove creams. Pre-moistened wipes, specifically made for removing sun protection creams, offer a convenient, less messy alternative, making cleanup quicker and easier after a long day on the field.
