Be it for men or women, skin care is essential. After all, your skin is the indicator of how healthy you are! One of the ways to provide care to your skin is to use sunscreen. Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen is essential for both men and women. Men require just as much skincare and sun protection as women.
Why are sunscreens important?
Sunscreen helps to protect from three types of sun damage: sunburn, skin cancer, and premature ageing. Using sunblock helps to prevent skin cancer while protecting against sun exposure. Sunscreen protects from sun damage and helps lower your risk for skin cancer by reflecting UV light from the sun off your skin. When combined with other sun-protection efforts, sunscreen reduces your risk of skin cancer at every age.
Developing a daily sunscreen routine is an important thing you can do to lower your risk factors and safeguard the long-term health of your skin. Scientific evidence supports the benefits of using sunscreen to minimise both short-term and long-term skin damage caused by sun exposure.
Using sunscreen daily is crucial for protecting our skin cells from damaging damage. Regular use of sunscreen protects the skin against harmful effects from UVB and may prevent premature skin ageing and photoaging. Men should use sunscreen to avoid overexposure and to protect their skin from harmful emissions.
How to find the best sunscreen for men?
Men may not enjoy how sunscreen feels on their skin enough to make them comfortable using it regularly. One survey found that only about 18% of men routinely apply sunscreen on their faces or other exposed skin when they are out in the sun on a hot, sunny day for more than an hour, while only about 14% apply it to both their faces and bodies. Hence, you should find a sunscreen that feels light and provides good sun protection.
Choose water-resistant sunscreen.
Most dermatologists recommend wearing a water-resistant sunscreen, be it monsoons, summers, or winters. Sweating can cause your sunscreen to wash away. Since men tend to sweat a lot, sunscreen for men should be water resistant.
Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen.
A broad spectrum sunscreen gives you extra protection from various factors. Two kinds of UV rays may cause harm to the skin- UVA and UVB. While both of these are ultraviolet rays, the prior is responsible for premature ageing of the skin, causing wrinkles, formation of cancerous cells, and age spots. On the other hand, the latter may cause sunburn, redness, skin inflammation, etc.
SPF Range for Men Sunscreen.
SPF or sun protection factor measures the level of protection a sunscreen can provide against harmful UV rays. Different SPF levels provide different levels of protection. For instance, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UV rays. On the other hand, an SPF of 50 blocks 98% of UV rays. Men’s sunscreen or sunblock products should have an SPF of 50 or sunblock gels appropriate for their skin.
Choose natural sunscreen.
Natural sunscreen includes organic compounds. These are also known as physical sunscreens or mineral sunscreen. They usually have ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They naturally sit on top of your skin and reflect the UV rays from the sun. Various sunscreens have dangerous chemicals like parabens, sulphates, etc., which can damage your skin. Hence, always opt for a natural lotion over chemical sunscreens.
Choose sunscreen as per skin-type
Before you apply any cream to your face or skin, you should check if the cream suits your skin type. Men who have oily skin should opt for ultralight sunscreen or gel-based sunscreen. On the other hand, those with sensitive skin should avoid sunscreen with SPF 50.
Choose the right sunscreen.
Along with sun protection, your skin must remain hydrated throughout the day. It’s best suited if you use sunscreen and moisturizer separately. However, men who are generally lazy regarding skincare can opt for a moisturizer sunscreen.
How to apply sunscreen?
Even though most men know that sunscreen is vital to prevent skin cancer and premature ageing, they simply do not see it as a daily need. However, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen daily to help protect your skin from sun damage. One should know how to apply sunscreen, or they will end up with a white cast. Here’s a guide on how to apply sunscreen-
- Use one tablespoon or a dime-sized amount of sunscreen (at least an SPF 25) for your face. Rub it over your palms or apply a coin-sized amount on your forehead, cheeks, and nose. Blend it over your face properly.
- Two ounces of sunscreen is enough for your body. Apply sunscreen to those parts that are often exposed and not covered by the clothes. To protect your neck, arms, and legs, you need around 1 ounce of sunscreen. For the best protection, apply sunscreen directly to your skin.
- The sunscreen needs to be applied at least 15-20 minutes before you step out in the sun. Re-apply the sunscreen if you are outdoors for a long time.
- If you are going for a swim, re-apply the sunscreen once you’re out of the pool.
What are the best ingredients in sunscreen?
There are two types of sunscreen- Chemical and physical or mineral sunscreen. When choosing sunscreen, you should opt for physical sunscreen as it acts as an external barrier to your skin. Physical sunscreen contains minerals like Zinc Oxide and Titanium dioxide, which are safe for your skin. However, if you are using a chemical sunscreen, beware of ingredients like - Aminobenzoic acid and Trolamine salicylate.
FAQ’s
How frequently should men use sunscreen?
Ideally, one should apply sunscreen every day, after every 2-3 hours of being out in the sun.
What SPF does men’s sunscreen need?
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher blocks those damaging rays, protecting your skin.
What are the side effects of sunscreen?
Men’s sunscreen lotions with SPF 50 or higher can cause side effects like irritation, bumps, itchiness, acne, etc., and should be avoided by those with sensitive skin.
Is it safe to use sunscreen daily?
Yes, it is safe to use sunscreen daily. Using sunscreen daily is crucial for protecting our skin cells from damaging damage.
How does sunscreen work?
Sunblock is crucial for preventing skin cancer, usually caused by overexposure to UV light from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Regular use of sunscreen may prevent premature skin ageing and photoaging.
What damage is caused by UVA and UVB rays to the skin?
There are two basic types of ultraviolet rays - UVA & UVB. UVA rays often lead to cancer formation, whereas UVB rays can cause sunburn.