COURTGIRL Mind. Body. Power.

Save Face (and body)

Summer is around the corner and for all you die-hard tennis players, that means being outdoors at least a few hours a day. If you’re lucky, you play early morning or late afternoon when the sun is weakest, but for those of us who play on-call (mid-morning, midday, midnight…just call my name and I’ll be there) it can be brutal on the skin. Although sunscreen can be a good block, it’s not always good to slather it on everyday. See this article from Dr. Oz, he says that most commercial sun blocks contain chemicals that can actually do more harm than good, get into your blood stream and mess with your “estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid. Endocrine disruptors, like some ingredients in chemical sunscreens, can cause abnormal development of fetuses and growing children.”  He says you should use a micronized zinc oxide containing SPF 15 broad-spectrum sunscreen.

According to Dr. Maizes, “when choosing a sunscreen, look for the following active ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (safe mineral sunscreens) or 3 percent avobenzone. Avoid products with oxybenzone (an endocrine disruptor) and vitamin A (or retinyl palmitate), which paradoxically may increase your skin cancer risk. And choose one without fragrance, as some fragrances can also act as hormone disruptors.”
Here are some organic options to consider Acure Organics http://www.acureorganics.com/product-p/042.htm or Babo Botanicals http://www.babobotanicals.com/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=96.

Many may poo poo this, but I never use sunscreen. I have fair skin and tend to burn, so I either avoid the sun if longer than 20 minutes a pop or wear a hat. I always wear a visor while playing tennis and use natural creams to moisturize before and after. This seems to work for me pretty well, but it does take some discipline to stay in the shade. I can’t remember the last time, I would just lay out in the sun and tan for longer than 20 mins. Indian Meadow Herbals, makes this amazing cream I discovered at Fairway supermarket recently (I also never use fancy perfumed creams as they tend to irritate my skin). Here is the link: Wild Blueberry Cream for Mature Skin. You only need a few drops and although it goes on a bit shiny, it quickly absorbs into the skin and makes you look supple and youngish. Here’s a picture of me in my big hat, now at 42 (don’t tell anyone), on vacation in a super sunny tropical place, no make-up and no sunscreen (can’t believe I’m actually posting this un-retouched, but it’s for the betterment of womankind, right?):

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So there you have it, don’t believe the hype…its your body, do some research before putting anything on it.

Be wise and have fun out there this season!

Let’s play,
cg