There is a variety of sun creams, sun sprays and anti-UV sticks. But which sun protection suits you best? We have all the info.
Sun protection is so essential for one’s skincare, and not just in summer! But the selection is large and the ingredients, SPF values ​​and recommendations for use are so varied that it is difficult to find your way through the jungle of offers.
We will therefore tell you what you should definitely pay attention to when choosing your sun protection, what different options you have, and which is the best sun protection. So you are guaranteed to find the perfect match for you and know which sunscreen or spray best suits your needs.
Sun protection for men: That’s why it’s so important
Sun protection is incredibly significant whether man, woman, or small child. But it is not just enough to wear the proper clothing such as a hat or shirt on the beach. The correct cream is also crucial and protects the skin from the IR and UV rays of the sun. These penetrate the skin unhindered without cream and can cause skin diseases – in the worst case, even promote skin cancer.
UVB rays cause typical sunburns. But their opponents, the UVA rays, also get along semi-well with our skin. The latter penetrate deep into the skin and cause permanent damage, such as wrinkles. With chemical and mineral filters, sunscreens are required by law to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
You can also protect yourself from sunburn with the right sunscreen. This can not only be quite painful, but it is also hazardous for the skin. A sunburn is actually a first or second-degree burn of the skin. Every sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer.
And it is also crucial for our appearance to apply sunscreen. Dermatologists and beauticians repeatedly emphasize how influential SPF is for the skin. Without it, the skin ages faster due to the effects of the sun and skin diseases such as melasma and hyperpigmentation caused by the sun – dark spots – can also be triggered in this way.
Everything a man should know about sun protection
So that you can protect yourself adequately from the sun in the future, we will tell you what is essential when it comes to sun protection.
SPF: The sun protection factor
Probably the most critical indication of a good sunscreen is the SPF value. The sun protection factor, or as it is called SPF – sun protection factor – indicates how long you can theoretically stay in the sun without getting sunburned.
SPF is divided into four groups:
Light protection: SPF 6, SPF 10
Medium protection: SPF 15, SPF 20, SPF 25
High protection: SPF 30, SPF 50
Very high protection: SPF 50 plus
Depending on the skin type, everyone can spend a certain amount of time in the sun without any cream without damaging the skin. To know what self-protection time your skin has, you should know your skin type.
Skin Type 1. Five to ten minutes
Skin type 2: ten to 20 minutes
Skin type 3: 20 to 30 minutes
Skin type 4: 40 minutes
The SPF value extends this self-protection time by multiplying it. If your self-protection time is around ten minutes, you should be protected from the sun’s rays with an SPF of 10 for 100 minutes before the UV rays burn your skin.
Is sunscreen waterproof?
Especially on summer vacation, when we lie on the beach and go swimming in the sea, we like to use waterproof sunscreen. After all, we don’t want to apply sunscreen whenever we cool down in the wet.
However, very few are aware that waterproof does not mean water-resistant. If 50 percent of the promised UV protection is still given after 20 minutes in the water, the term “waterproof” can be used. However, the remaining protection is lost if you dry yourself after your bath.
Waterproof sunscreens are therefore mainly suitable for the moment in the water or also particularly well for surfers, sailors and co. If you get out of the water and want to sizzle in the sun for a while again, you should definitely apply sunscreen again.
Sunscreen for the face and body?
You might think that sunscreen is sunscreen and a sun protection factor is a sun protection factor, but it is still best to use different creams for each region of the body.
While our skin on the body is insensitive and the large area can easily be sunscreen, our face is more demanding. Since our look is one of the most exposed to the sun and our skin is more sensitive there and also thinner, especially around the eyes, you should use a different cream here.
A higher sun protection factor and a different formulation are recommended for the face. Otherwise, pimples can develop quickly. But the beard also quickly turns white due to mineral filters’ residues, often used in natural cosmetics. A light texture is best here and also protects freshly shaved areas of the face without damaging them.
The best sunscreen for men
Whether you have a beard with skin type one or a surfer with skin type four, you now have the basic knowledge to find precisely the proper sun protection for your next sunbath. We have selected the best products for your face, body and most importantly (!) the moisture kick afterward.
Mineral sunscreen for men
There is a mineral filter in most natural cosmetics and many organic products. This means that thanks to particles of titanium oxide and zinc oxide, a reflective layer on the skin reflects the sun. Hence the white, unloved film that forms with some mineral sunscreen. Advantage: No chemical ingredients penetrate the skin. Disadvantage: Due to the dense consistency that lies on the skin, pores can be blocked more quickly by sunscreen. Skin already prone to impurities can react to the mineral sunscreen with inflammation and blackheads.
Chemical sunscreen
Many standard sunscreens, including those from high-end brands, work with chemical UVA filters. They convert the UVA rays on the skin into heat and are very light and hardly recognizable after application. Advantage: No white film, no sticky feeling, and no clogged pores thanks to sunscreen. Disadvantage: Sun creams with chemical filters are, of course, packed with chemicals, as the name suggests, and can sometimes trigger allergies.
1. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Light and airy texture, dries rapidly.
- No overbearing sunscreen aroma here.
- No white cast.
- Ingredients are skin friendly.
- Noncomedogenic, fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free.
- Works well as a base for cosmetics..
Cons
- Pale chlorine-alike scen.
- Not Byrdie Clean because of 7.5% octinoxate.
2. BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection
Pros
- Broad-spectrum protection.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Easily applicable on the skin.
- UVA/UVB Protection
- Water-resistant formula works longer.
Cons
- Feels a bit greasy.
3. Nivea Sun UV Face Sensitive UVA/UVB, sunscreen protection SPF50+
Pros
- Soothes irritations and relieves the sense of tightness in the skin right away.
- Unscented formula.
- Non-greasy and light on the skin.
- UVA/UVB caused skin damage and High Energy Visible Light impacts, such as premature skin aging, are protected by Ultra Spectrum Protection.
Cons
- Pale chlorine-alike scen.
- Not Byrdie Clean because of 7.5% octinoxate.
4. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55
Pros
- SPF 50+ sunscreen to help prevent sunburn.
- Leaves skin soft and smooth.
- For all skin types.
- Waterproof, sweatproof, rub-off.
- Noncomedogenic, fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, PABA-free.
- Fast-absorbing, Oxybenzone-free, Lightweight, non-greasy feel.
Cons
- Some people may not prefer its strong scent
- Can be allergic
5. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray | Vegan and Reef Friendly
Pros
- Vitamin E moisturizes, hydrates and nourishes the skin.
- Its hypoallergenic formula is safe for all skin types.
- Developed with homosalate that protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays.
Cons
- The sprayer can be defective.
So there you have it—the best sunscreen for men. Whether you’re on the go or just want to keep your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays, this list of products will help you do just that. The best sunscreen for men is one that doesn’t leave a white cast or clog pores. You also know that it should be easy to apply, and be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
There are so many great sunscreens out there, so it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. The good news is that we’ve done all the work for you! We’ve reviewed 10 of the best sunscreens on the market today and narrowed down our favorites into two categories: physical and chemical.
