Spring Training in Phoenix is the time for outings with friends and family, eating hot dogs and nachos, waving giant foam fingers and rooting for your favorite team. It’s also when sun exposure that can damage skin sneaks up quicker than a fastball.
Katerina Warda, DO, board-certified dermatologist and independent member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff, shares practical tips to help keep your skin healthy and glowing while you’re cheering from the sidelines.
Do a seasonal skincare switch-up
Just like your clothes change with the seasons, your skincare should too, according to Dr. Warda. “Look for lighter products such as lotions or gel-based moisturizers,” she advises. This keeps your skin hydrated without feeling greasy or congested.
Warmer weather also means more sweating, so make sure your makeup and moisturizer are labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog your pores. For avid fans, that also includes any team colors you paint your face with.
Spring’s must-have at the stadium
Longer spring days mean stronger UV exposure, even when it doesn’t feel that intense yet. If there’s one product that you should carry with you in the stands, it’s sunscreen.
“Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning that it protects you from UVA and UVB rays,” says Dr. Warda. Regardless of your skin tone, use a minimum of SPF 30 — or SPF 75 if you know you’ll be spending the day outside.
How to apply sunscreen like a pro
For your face and neck, Dr. Warda recommends the simple two-finger rule to make sure you’re applying enough. If you haven’t seen it on TikTok, here’s the gist:
- Grab your favorite squeeze bottle of sunscreen.
- Hold out the index and middle fingers of your other hand, palm up.
- Squeeze a line of sunscreen onto each finger, from base to tip (think ketchup on a hot dog).
- Repeat the process with arms, legs, back and torso.
And don’t think that 8 a.m. slather-on is going to carry you (or your family) through the day. “Sunscreen is meant to be reapplied every two hours. It’s not a one-time thing,” Dr. Warda cautions.
Made in the shade
Sunscreen isn’t your only line of defense. Protective clothing can be even more reliable in preventing sun damage. Look for jerseys or shirts in your team’s colors made with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rated fabric.
Wide-brimmed baseball hats add another layer of protection to your face, especially during peak sun hours. UV-blocking sunglasses help protect the delicate skin around your eyes and reduce long-term damage while you’re eyeing the outfield.
A home run for Spring Training
Spring Training is the perfect time to reset your skincare habits. If you love outdoor sports, staying hydrated, moisturizing daily and protecting against Arizona’s scorching sun can make a noticeable difference over time.
As Dr. Warda reminds her patients, “being consistent is key in skincare.” With a little preparation and sun smarts, your skin can thrive no matter how intense the spring heat gets — on and off the field.