From local league play, tennis camps, clinics and private lessons, to simply playing social tennis, the sun, an equal opportunity skin scorcher, will be getting hotter while the days get longer.

The result: We'll have more exposure to the sun and its harmful ultra-violet rays.

Since the sheer nature of the sport is to play outdoors, using sunscreen is a must to help prevent the occurrence of skin cancer. Tennis players tend to sweat a lot and when the sweat mixes with sunscreen, it can form a gooey substance that drips into your eyes and makes your hands slippery. To avoid that, look for sweat-resistant sports sunscreens. Apply 30 minutes before exposure; reapply at least every two hours.

Clothing

Look for clothes with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50 and above. If the fabric says SPF it is not broad-spectrum protection. Many tennis apparel makers offer a variety of clothing and accessories with high UPF factors.

Consider wearing wide-brimmed hats (also available with UPF ratings). Baseball type caps aren't designed to protect ears and the back of the neck. These two areas are extremely vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays so don't overlook them.

Sunglasses

No matter what, sunglasses that are UV rated should be mandatory when you're out in the sun. Consider this: the damage done to your eyes by the sun is irreversible. Protect your eyes, and you'll be grateful way beyond the reaches of the tennis courts.

We encourage you to make sun protection a year-round habit. The sun's UV rays still affect us all year long.