Sun protection is an absolutely essential part of your skincare routine and should be used all year round. Applying sunscreen before leaving the house will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is especially important if you’ll be outdoors or travelling for an extended amount of time. To guarantee proper sun protection, you also need to reapply sunscreen every 3–4 hours.
Did you know? Overexposure to the sun can cause more than just sunburns, tans, and wrinkles. It actually increases the risk of skin illnesses and cancer. So, SPF for men is an absolute must-have as part of your regular morning routine. With this crucial guide to SPF for guys, we’ll go over the benefits of sunscreens and top advice on how to apply sunscreen for better protection.
What Exactly Is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) defines the amount of UVB protection any given product provides. SPF products for men come in a variety of concentrations starting with 15 and going as high as 50 and more. Here’s a lowdown on what it all means:
– SPF 15 sunscreen blocks out around 93% of UVB rays.
– SPF 30 sunscreen filters out around 97% of UVB rays.
– SPF 50 sunscreen filters out almost 98% of UVB rays.
If you wear SPF 50 sunscreen, it will take 50 times longer to get sunburned than if you don’t. A higher SPF protects against more damaging UVB rays than a lower SPF. So, a higher SPF means you will have less sun damage.
Types Of Sunscreen
Sunscreens form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, limiting damage caused by UV light from the sun. There are two broad types of sunscreens: physical (sometimes called mineral) and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which block and reflect UV radiation away from the skin. Chemical sunscreens capture ultraviolet rays and convert them to heat, which is then emitted from the skin.
Both forms of sunscreen are efficient at protecting against the sun. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, are advised for youngsters and those with sensitive skin because they remain on the skin’s surface rather than enter it deeply. The sun protection factor (SPF) value also indicates how effective the sunscreen will be; SPF 50 or more is the recommended limit. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens for the best effects.
Why SPF For Men Is Important
Studies say that men are at higher risk of skin cancer due to UV ray damage, particularly melanoma. Regular use of sunscreen protects against sunburns, which can cause discomfort, irritation, redness, and blisters. Sun damage accelerates premature ageing, causing wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sagging skin. SPF for men also helps prevent long-term structural damage and maintains skin smoothness.
Sun exposure can lead to tanning, inflammation, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, which can be treated with serums or creams. SPF for men also reduces environmental damage by neutralising free radicals and protecting against environmental stressors like air pollution. Overall, regular use of sunscreen is crucial for maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance.
How To Pick The Right Sunscreen
The most common sunscreen formulation is lotion or cream-based, which is suitable for normal to dry skin. Oil-free gel formulations are perfect for oily, acne-prone skin since they give sun protection without becoming greasy. You can get on-the-go coverage with stick foundations, which are portable and easy to apply. Mousse sunscreens reduce the appearance of large pores and provide a matte finish to the skin. It is excellent for all skin types. You can also buy SPF for men that address additional skin conditions along with being tailored to different skin types. This includes ingredients that help brighten and hydrate the skin while also tackling acne and inflammation.
Essential Tips On How To Apply Sunscreen
- When applying fluid cream or gel-based sunscreens to your face, use a coin-sized amount and ensure that it is uniformly distributed. Don’t forget the often-overlooked areas behind the ears and neck.
- Take little quantities as needed for the remainder of your body and don’t forget hard-to-get areas like your back and the crevices behind the knees.
- If you’re using sunscreen sprays, hold it a few inches away from the skin to ensure uniform application. Similarly. sunscreen sticks should be applied in circular motions to ensure even application.
- Whatever type of SPF for men product you use, make sure you start with clean skin. Freshly cleansed skin is crucial to allow the sunscreen to provide better protection.
- If you want to use a moisturiser, apply it before the sunscreen. Let the moisturiser settle into the skin and then apply sunscreen on your hydrated skin to allow for better absorption.
- Many people feel that sun protection is only necessary on highly sunny days or in warm temperatures. The truth is that you should use sunscreen even during monsoons and winters because the sun’s rays can pass through clouds.
- Sun rays can also reach you through windows, so it’s crucial to wear sunscreen even if you spend most of the day indoors.
Key Takeaways
SPF for men is essential for protecting their skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB radiation all year. There are various types of sunscreens available to suit different skin types, concerns, and lifestyle needs, so there is no reason not to wear one. Many people believe that sunscreen should only be worn in the summer or by people with delicate, sensitive skin. However, all of these are myths and misconceptions, and SPF for men should be an essential component of everyone’s daily routine.
You should also remember to reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours to keep it effective in protecting your skin. Another widespread misconception is that males have thicker, naturally tougher skin that doesn’t need sunscreen. Even ancient manuscripts from India, Greece, and Egypt demonstrate that substances such as zinc, olive oil, and plant-derived pastes are safe to use as sunscreen. You absolutely need SPF for men, regardless of age or lifestyle.