For most men, using SPF every day might sound a little daunting at first. But it doesn’t have to! In fact, it’s extremely easy to get into the habit of applying sunscreen by using a combined face moisturizer with SPF especially engineered for men. This means simply swapping your daily moisturizer for one with an inbuilt SPF to get the sun protection you need, without even realizing you are applying sunscreen!
Did you know that even an SPF 15 sunscreen can block over 90% of UVB rays? This means you don’t need an SPF of 100 for adequate protection, proper and repeated application is more important than a very high SPF.
In this post, we cover ten of the best SPF moisturisers for men, running you through some of our favourite products for everyday use and highlighting the pros and cons of each one of them.
Sunscreen For Men: Why You Should Use It Every Day
We’ve all heard that sun damage shouldn’t be taken lightly, but it’s easy to ‘forget’ about it and skip the (sometimes annoying, we get it) routine of applying sunscreen before hitting the beach. After all, we need a little sun exposure for vitamin D production, right? Correct, however over the years too much time outdoors can put you at risk for wrinkles, age spots, and ultimately skin cancer.
While it’s obviously easier to get sunburnt by laying on a deckchair at midday during the summer, the risk of experiencing sun damage doesn’t disappear altogether when it’s cloudy or cold. UVB rays – which are responsible for causing sunburn, skin ageing, and cancers – can easily penetrate through clouds and even glass. Meaning you’re at risk much more than you may think.
When it comes to protecting your face from the bad effects of too much sun, the good news is that the everyday application of sunscreen can slow or temporarily prevent the development of wrinkles and sagging skin. So, if you want to safely spend time in the sun, you need to first spend time in the sunscreen aisle of the drugstore and introduce SPF into your face routine as much as possible.
Uncovering the Dangers of UV Rays: Understanding the Risks of Sun Exposure
UV rays are a type of radiation that comes from the sun and can be extremely damaging to the skin if not protected properly. These rays are classified into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays are the most common and can penetrate deep into the skin, leading to premature ageing and wrinkles. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns, and UVC rays are the most harmful but they are blocked by the ozone layer.
Exposure to UV rays can lead to a variety of skin problems, including sunburn, age spots, and skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is also on the rise. UV rays can also cause cataracts and other eye problems and can suppress the immune system.
UV Rays in details
UV rays, or ultraviolet rays, are a type of radiation that comes from the sun and can be extremely damaging to the skin if not protected properly. UV rays are classified into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays are the most common and can penetrate deep into the skin, leading to premature ageing and wrinkles. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns, and UVC rays are the most harmful but they are blocked by the ozone layer.
Exposure to UV rays can lead to a variety of skin problems, including sunburn, age spots, and skin cancer. Sunburn, which is caused by UVB rays, is the most obvious effect of UV exposure on the skin. It causes redness, pain, and sometimes blistering. UVB rays also cause tanning, which is the skin’s response to injury. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays and can cause long-term damage such as premature ageing, wrinkles, and age spots. They also play a role in the development of skin cancer.
It is important to take precautions to protect your skin from UV rays, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade. Also, it is vital to be aware of any changes in your skin and to consult a doctor if you notice any unusual moles, spots or discolourations on your skin.
Choosing the right sunscreen for men’s skin
Choosing the right sunscreen is crucial in protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. It is important to understand the different types of sunscreen available and the level of protection they offer.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the concept of SPF (Sun Protection Factor). SPF measures the amount of time it takes for UVB rays to redden your skin with sunscreen compared to how long it takes without it. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection. It’s recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which will block about 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.
Secondly, there are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat energy. Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, sit on top of the skin and work by reflecting UV rays away. Physical sunscreens are often recommended for those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation.
When choosing sunscreen, it’s also important to consider the ingredients. Some ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been found to be harmful to marine life and should be avoided. Also, look for a sunscreen that is labelled as “broad-spectrum”, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Another important factor to consider when choosing sunscreen is the form that it comes in. Sunscreen can come in various forms such as cream, lotion, gel, spray, and stick. Choose a form that is comfortable for you to apply and reapply throughout the day.
Finally, it is important to choose a sunscreen that is suitable for men’s skin. Men’s skin tends to be oilier and thicker than women’s, and some men may have sensitive skin or be prone to acne. Look for a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores and is oil-free.
In summary, when choosing a sunscreen, it’s important to consider the SPF level, the type of sunscreen, the ingredients, the form of sunscreen and if it’s suitable for men’s skin. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are choosing the right sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
How To Choose The Best Face Moisturizer With SPF
SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’ and it specifically indicates protection against UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but actually the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes.
For example, SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%.
Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which provides a suitable level of protection for most people and skin types. Finally, a general recommendation: if you live in very warm/sunny places, choose a sunscreen with a “broad spectrum” that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is because all sunscreen products protect against UVB rays, but UVA rays also contribute to skin cancer and premature ageing.
How To Choose The Best Face Moisturiser Based On Your Skin Type
Now that you have a list of all the best face moisturizers with SPF, another key factor that you might need to look out for before you press that ‘buy it now’ button is your actual skin type. When it comes to their skin, men fall into four main buckets: sensitive, oily, dry, and normal.
- Sensitive: if you have sensitive skin, it’s critical that you get a face moisturiser that doesn’t have ingredients that may cause prolonged irritation.
- Oily: if you have oily skin, avoid face moisturisers that use natural oils as their base. Doing so will make your face look shiny and increase the risk of breakouts. Instead, choose one that lends itself to being a bit more ‘dry’ and compliments your oily skin in order to give you a more even-toned look.
- Dry: if you have dry and/or flaking skin, then go for a face moisturiser loaded with moisturizing agents,. They will help not only reduce flaking but also fill in wrinkles that may be starting to form.
- Normal: if your skin seems somewhere in the middle between dry and oily and isn’t too terribly sensitive to products, go for a face moisturiser that is considered more moderate on both ends of the spectrum.
Sunscreen FAQs
Why is sunscreen important for men?
Sunscreen is important for men because it protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, which can cause skin cancer, premature ageing, and other skin problems. Men are just as susceptible to these issues as women, and it’s important for them to take the necessary precautions to protect their skin.
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat energy. Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, sit on top of the skin and work by reflecting UV rays away. Physical sunscreens are often recommended for those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation.
How often should I apply sunscreen?
It is recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Is there a difference between sunscreen for men and women?
Not necessarily, but men’s skin tends to be oilier and thicker than women’s, and some men may have sensitive skin or be prone to acne. It’s important to choose a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic and oil-free, which means it won’t clog pores.
Can I get enough Vitamin D while using sunscreen?
Yes, you can. Sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer, but also the rays that are responsible for producing Vitamin D. You can still get enough Vitamin D by spending some time in the sun without sunscreen, or by taking supplements.
Can I wear sunscreen under my clothes?
Yes, you can. Sunscreen can be worn under clothing, but it may not provide as much protection as when it’s applied directly to the skin. It is important to note that UV rays can penetrate through certain types of clothing, such as white and thin fabrics, so it’s best to wear protective clothing when spending a lot of time in the sun.
Conclusions
Protecting your skin every day from the bad effects of UVB and UVA rays is easier than you might think. Some of the best face moisturizers with SPF for men will help you not only look youthful, but they will moisturize your face and repair previous sun damage. In just one easy step!
Don’t let sunscreen do all the heavy lifting though. Shades, hats, sunglasses, and clothing should be part of your sun protection, too.
