How to Protect Your Skin at a Football Game
Football season brings crisp autumn air, team spirit and hours of outdoor fun. It also brings unexpected sun exposure. Fall UV rays are deceptively strong and stadium bleachers can reflect harmful radiation onto your face and body. Don't let game day leave you with more than just team pride—protect your skin while you cheer your team to victory...
Why Fall Sun Protection Matters
Many people think sun protection ends with summer, but UV rays remain strong well into football season. In fact, fall sun can be more dangerous because we're less aware of it. The sun sits lower in the sky, creating longer shadows but also hitting your face at more direct angles. Plus stadium reflections from metal bleachers and concrete can increase exposure.
Pro tip: UV radiation is strongest between 10am and 4pm. Use extra protection in this window.
Start with Smart Clothing Choices
Your first line of defense against UV damage is what you wear. Choose long-sleeved shirts with UPF 50+ protection that block 98% of harmful rays. Unlike sunscreen that wears off, fabric protection lasts all game long.
Look for pieces that feel comfortable during temperature swings. You need clothing that works when morning starts chilly and afternoon gets warm. Lightweight, breathable fabrics with built-in sun protection solve this perfectly.
Team colors matter too. Dark colors absorb more UV rays, while light colors reflect them. Choose sun-protective pieces in your team's lighter colors when possible.
Protect Your Face and Neck
Your face takes the biggest hit during outdoor games. Wide-brimmed hats provide excellent coverage. Baseball caps work too, though they leave your ears and neck exposed. Don't forget sunglasses. The delicate skin around your eyes needs protection too.
Apply SPF 30 or higher to your face, neck and hands 30 minutes before kickoff. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're sweating. Stadium bathrooms make reapplication challenging, so consider sunscreen sticks for easy touch-ups.
Pro tip: don't forget often-missed spots like your ears, lips, and the tops of your feet if wearing sandals.
Stay Hydrated
Sun exposure increases dehydration risk, especially when you forget to drink water. Bring a large water bottle and sip regularly throughout the game. Dehydration shows up first in your skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage. Keep drinking even if you don't feel thirsty.
Create Your Game Day Kit
Pack these sun protection essentials for every game:
- UPF 50+ long-sleeved shirt
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- SPF 30+ sunscreen stick
- Large water bottle
- Lightweight jacket for evening
Keep this kit ready all season so you never forget protection essentials.
Ready for game day protection? Discover UPF 50+ clothing designed for tennis, football games, and everything after.
