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We’ve been telling you to put a lot of stuff on your face. We’ve touched on cleansers, the miracle skincare product that is retinol, how to winterize your skincare routine and even facial injections. But if there’s one skincare product you choose to slab all over your pretty little face, for the love of all that is holy, please let it be SPF.
In case you haven’t heard, the sun burns, and it can leave an unsightly, potentially fatal mark — especially for men who, by age 80, are three times more likely to develop melanoma than women. There are a few reasons men are more susceptible to skin cancer. Part of it has to do with biology and testosterone, but when it comes to understanding the dangers of skin cancer, particularly as it relates to tanning, men are simply not as informed as women are and often just don’t wear sunscreen.
“Some men avoid sunscreen because they see it as a beauty product, others think they don’t need it, some avoid the greasiness, some can’t stand the way it burns their eyes and some find any form of skin care annoying,” says dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar.
Lots of makeup products also have SPF already in them, which offers a bit more protection for women, adds Karen Fernandez, the Lead Aesthetician for SkinSpirit. “Women might receive some sun protection if they’re using makeup that contains SPF. However, since men’s grooming products and routines are typically more limited, they may not be getting any protection and will need to add SPF to their daily habits,” she says.
But you’ll have to get over your aversion to sunscreen because it’s a critical component in protecting you against harmful, cancer-causing UV rays. And on top of melanoma, sun damage can lead to premature aging, fine lines and skin tone discoloration, aka sunspots. “A solid daily routine of applying sunscreen to your face will keep your appearance more youthful and your skin healthier overall,” says Fernandez. If not for skin cancer, let your crypt-keeper future prompt your daily dollop of sunscreen.
And yes, you should be wearing sunscreen every single day. Even on overcast days and when you plan to stay indoors. “The reason is simple: the sun’s UV rays penetrate through clouds, the windshield of your car, and the windows of your home,” explains Fernandez. The question of how often to apply your sunscreen, however, depends on how you plan to spend your day. If you’re outdoors and sweating, engaging in activities like swimming, or you’re working outside for an extended period, then sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. If you’re inside, you can reapply every three hours, says Aguilar.
“Some people are surprised to learn that sunscreen is not a once-daily application. They get ready for their workday early in the morning, apply their sunscreen, and leave the house. But a few hours later, when the strong afternoon sun fully rises, they are no longer protected. Their SPF protection has worn off. This is why reapplication is important,” she says.
Now if you’ve heeded our advice in the past and have adopted some semblance of a skincare routine, you know that your sunscreen application always goes last. “Think of it as your finishing touch,” says Fernandez. When applying face sunscreen, use a large dollop — the size of a large grape should be enough for the face, ears and neck, explains Aguilar. For men with short hair, it’s especially imperative to get those ears and neck, notes Fernandez, and be sure to apply it all the way to your hairline.
“To apply sunscreen the best way, you use two fingers and apply it in smooth strokes rather than using both hands and rubbing your entire face in circles. The application of smooth strokes penetrates better and faster and doesn’t leave the unblended white patches of zinc,” explains Aguilar.
Now that you’re a converted sunscreen fanatic — which exact sunscreen should you lather all over your face? Well, that’s why we consulted the experts. Below you’ll find some dermatologist recs, including the best face sunscreens for sensitive, acne-prone, oily and even sweaty skin.
Dr. Dara Spearman, Board-Certified Dermatologist
EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and ideal for spending the day outside worry-free. It’s sweat-proof and rub-resistant, which makes it a perfect option for active men who want lasting protection throughout the day.
This is a gel-based sunscreen that feels ultra-light and hydrating upon application due to the hyaluronic acid in the formula. Thanks to its water-gel consistency, it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy cast, making this option great for daily wear.
Jack Black’s oil-free formula is specifically designed for high-performance use, providing long-lasting protection for up to 80 minutes. Its Vitamin C-enriched formula offers superior UVA/UVB protection while also preventing skin irritation, making it a great choice for men with active lifestyles or sensitive skin.
Karen Fernandez, Lead Aesthetician for SkinSpirit
I love SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 50 since it absorbs quickly, leaves no white residue and doesn’t have a greasy feel. Plus, it is loaded with rejuvenating ingredients that help improve overall skin health and appearance, so guys get an extra boost using it.
A staple at SkinSpirit is Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45, which is a workhorse at our clinics — it’s weightless and contains oil-absorbing particles for additional oil control and a sheer finish.
Natalie Aguilar, Dermatological Nurse and Celebrity Aesthetician
My favorite sunscreen for men is Rain or Shine, by Jaxon Lane. It’s a daily moisturizing sunscreen that offers SPF 50 protection with no grease and no white marks and doesn’t clog pores. It doubles as a light moisturizer and improves skin with Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, green tea, licorice root and ginseng. We love it because it feels like a liquid cloud and it penetrates so quickly. It’s also great for all skin types even those with acne-prone skin.
Dr. Lucy Chen, Miami Board-certified Dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology
I would recommend Neutrogena’s Ultimate Sport Face Sunscreen because this SPF 70+ helioplex technology sunscreen provides protection that lasts for several hours and blocks UVB and UVA rays more effectively than other sunscreen products. It also will not cause you to break out because it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block your pores, and it is sweat-resistant.
The COOLA Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is sweat-proof for 80 minutes, making it the perfect sunscreen for those active and on the go. It also contains antioxidants and provides a lightweight coverage that will protect your skin from free radicals and harsh UV rays.
If you have oily skin and are concerned about how a daily dose of sunscreen might affect it, don’t fret. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 is oil-free, fragrance-free, and has a water-resistant formula, meaning it won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. It also has ingredients like silica and perlite that help absorb excess oil, so if you start to sweat, your sunscreen won’t slide off your face.
Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care
As a dermatologist, one of my favorite sunscreens for men is EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. It has a non-greasy and lightweight feel and after working into the skin it feels invisible, especially near facial hair or for someone with oily skin. Although it’s a mineral sunscreen (contains zinc oxide), the transparent zinc oxide offers excellent UVA/UVB protection without the thick white cast often associated with mineral sunscreens. Of note, for full disclosure, it is not purely mineral sunscreen since it does contain octinoxate, which is a chemical SPF ingredient, but which does not often have skin irritation or allergic reactions associated with it.
I also always say that it’s a multitasker, since it not only delivers sunscreen protection, but it also has an antioxidant niacinamide (vitamin B3), which soothes irritation and helps with redness and breakouts and acts like a moisturizer, so it’s a 3-in-1!
Dr. Brendan Camp, Board-Certified Dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology
As a sheer SPF 30 broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen, The Day Formula from Dr Rossi is made with niacinamide to improve moisture and maintain the skin’s barrier.
In addition to providing SPF 30 protection, this lightweight, mineral-based product from Grown Alchemist provides deep hydration with three different types of hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil.
Ultra Violette’s Supreme Screen offers SPF 50 protection and contains pentavitin, also known as saccharide isomerate, which promotes moisture retention and improves skin hydration.
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