Sun protection should be taken seriously all year round and is something you should never miss out on. Applying sunscreen before leaving the house will help you keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, especially if you’re outside in the summer or travelling for long periods of time. You must also reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours to ensure effective sun protection.
More than just sunburns, tans, and wrinkles, overexposure to the sun could also lead to skin diseases and increased cancer risk. So, SPF for men is a non-negotiable that must be part of your daily morning ritual. Let’s dive right in and learn the benefits of sunscreens, how to use the different products, and top tips with this essential guide to SPF for men.
How Sunscreens Work
Sunscreens create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to limit the damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. There are two types of sunscreens – physical (also known as mineral) and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that block and reflect UV rays away from the skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays and convert them into heat which is then released from the skin.
Both types of sunscreens are effective and provide sun protection. However, physical sunscreens are recommended for children and those with sensitive skin as they stay on the surface and do not deeply penetrate the skin. The sun protection factor (SPF) rating also indicates how effective the sunscreen would be – SPF 50 and above is the ideal limit. Additionally, look for broad-spectrum sunscreens for optimum results.
Benefits Of SPF For Men
- Prevents Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common in the world and studies say that men have higher rates of skin cancer than women – particularly melanoma. UV rays can damage the skin cells, which leads to cancer and can be prevented with SPF for men. It is one of the most important reasons for men to regularly use sunscreens before stepping out and reapply them diligently when outdoors for long hours.
- Protects From Sunburns
A happy day at the beach can turn into a painful nightmare if you end up with sunburns that cause visible damage to the skin. Sunburns can also lead to discomfort, irritation, redness, and blisters, leaving the skin prone to further damage. You must wear sunscreen to prevent sunburns especially if you’re participating in outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or camping.
- Fights Premature Ageing
The harmful UV rays are a significant factor that drives premature ageing, commonly referred to as photoaging. Simply put, sun damage can accelerate the development of wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sagging skin. Regularly using sunscreens helps you create a barrier of protection that prevents long-term structural damage to the skin and maintains the smoothness and firmness of your skin. SPF for men also prevents deterioration of the skin and allows the skin to repair itself effectively.
- Maintains Skin Tone
Sun exposure leads to tanning and inflammation, as well as the development of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. These dark spots can also appear in the form of freckles. Melanin is produced by the skin in higher amounts to naturally protect the skin from UV rays. However, this can lead to an uneven complexion and using a sunscreen helps you avoid this altogether. Even if you are treating uneven pigmentation on the skin with serums or creams, the efforts will be ineffective without the use of good sunscreen.
- Reduces Environmental Damage
Environmental factors such as free radicals and pollution can also harm your skin and cause cell damage or ageing. Using sunscreen will help neutralise free radicals – unstable molecules that can lead to oxidative damage. It also creates an added layer of protection from environmental stressors like air pollution that can cause skin dryness and dullness.
How To Use SPF Products For Men
– While using fluid cream or gel-based sunscreens, take a coin-sized amount for your face and ensure you apply it evenly. Don’t forget about often-ignored areas behind the ears and neck. Take small quantities as needed for the rest of your body.
– If you are using a sunscreen spray, hold it a few inches away from the skin for even application. With a sunscreen stick, glide it in circular motions.
– Whichever product you choose, ensure you begin with clean skin. If you wish to use a moisturiser, apply it before the sunscreen.
Myths And Misconceptions About SPF For Men
– The most common misconception is that men have thicker skin that is naturally tough and does not require sunscreen. Even ancient texts from India, Greece, and Egypt show proof of ingredients like zinc, olive oil, and plant-derived pastes benign use as sun protection. You definitely need it.
– Many believe that sun protection is only for extremely sunny days and warm weather. The truth is that you need to wear sunscreen even during monsoons and winters as the sun’s rays can penetrate the clouds.
– Sun rays can also affect you through windows, making it important to wear sunscreens even if you’re spending most of the day indoors.
– SPF for men is for all ages and skin tones. If you’ve heard that older men or those with dark skin do not need sunscreen, it’s a myth and should be ignored.
Key Takeaways
SPF for men is crucial to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays all year round. There are several types of sunscreens available for different skin types, concerns, and lifestyle needs – so there is no excuse to not use one. Many believe that sunscreens are only to be used during the summer or it is only for those with delicate, sensitive skin. However, all of these are myths and misconceptions and SPF must be an important part of every human’s daily ritual. You must also remember to reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours to ensure it stays effective in protecting your skin.
