Sunscreen For Men: Disproving Myths To Keep Your Skin Safe
Often overlooked as part of an everyday skincare routine, SPF for men is crucial: it keeps your skin safe and shielded from cancer-causing UV rays throughout the year (not just when it’s sunny), and helps you to look more youthful for longer. Available in all kinds of formulas and factors, the range of sunscreen for men is evolving and now not only protects from the sun, but also soothes any skin concerns you may have, tackling ageing, sensitive, blemish-prone, and oily skin.
The subject of many myths, men’s skin, although thicker than women’s is still susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer, and consequently should be shielded with a sunscreen with at least SPF30 whenever you’re outside.
It’s also believed that men’s skin is just too oily for sunscreen and that wearing sunscreen can cause acne. Again, this is not true, and with so many sunscreens on the market right now, it’s possible to protect your skin with sunscreen cream for men that’s specifically formulated for oily complexions, opting for lighter, non-comedogenic formulas to minimise breakouts.
How To Choose A Sunscreen
As with any skincare, choosing a sunscreen is dependent on your skin type, and what works perfectly for some people might not necessarily be right for you and your skin.
The first thing to consider is what type of skin you have, oily skin calls for a lightweight, balancing sunscreen that mattifies as it protects, keeping your skin naturally radiant without exacerbating skin flareups. Whereas dry skin would need a more hydrating sunscreen that locks in moisture as it protects.
The next thing to think about is your lifestyle. If you’re a person who spends a lot of time being active outdoors, it may be best to choose a waterproof or sweat-resistant sunscreen that stays put while you’re running, walking, or exercising outside.
It’s also important to look for sunscreens that are infused with antioxidants and other skin-shielding vitamins to defend against environmental aggressors too, preventing the early visible signs of ageing while protecting against sun damage.
Seven Of Our Favourites
Wondering which sunscreen is best for you? We’ve rounded up some of what we think is the best sunscreen for men, sharing the features and benefits to keep your skin safe, nourished, and soothed year-round.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50
Medium-weight, broad spectrum, and high-factor, this Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 is rich in antioxidant white tea, combatting the appearance of skin ageing and photoaged skin while shielding against UVA and UVB rays.
Blending smoothly and absorbing quickly into your skin without white residue, this gentle, skin-soothing formula is perfect for keeping sensitive, rosacea-prone skin safe, nourishing and moisturising to improve your complexion, leaving it nourished and radiant.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+
Formulated with the highest level of UV protection, this Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+ is perfect for using as a daily moisturiser, the blueberry seed oil, marrubium vulgare extract, and carnosine-enriched sunscreen keeping your skin safe, nourished, and youthful.
Boosting your skin's natural defences, this anti-ageing sunscreen shields your skin against blue light, UVA, and UVB damage, as well as environmental aggressors, pollution, and infrared damage, the addition of squalane and hyaluronic acid keeping your skin perfectly hydrated.
Drying invisibly without white residue, this high-factor sunscreen nourishes to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the skin smoothing formula enhancing the texture of your skin, leaving it balanced, radiant, and youthful.
Ultrasun Extreme Sunscreen SPF50+
Perfect for when you’re spending a lot of time exposed to the sun, this Ultrasun Extreme Sunscreen SPF50+ offers high protection against the elements, the powerful, water-resistant formula keeping your skin safe in the most extreme climates while nourishing and nurturing to minimise irritation.  Â
Sun Bum Original SPF50 Spray
Drying invisibly and without residue, this sheer touch Sun Bum Original SPF50 Spray nourishes your skin as it protects, covering evenly to ensure your skin is safe from UVA and UVB rays.
Rich in vitamin E, this water-resistant, skin-friendly sunscreen neutralises free radicals to prevent premature ageing, keeping your skin fresh, youthful, and incredibly smelling with its signature, summer holiday fragrance.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
The perfect protection for dry and dehydrated skin, this Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ is enriched with bamboo water and centella asiatica extract that soothes and moisturises your skin while defending against UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution.
Suitable for all skin types, this natural, sustainable, and cruelty-free sunscreen absorbs quickly without stickiness or white cast, the lightweight, non-greasy formula leaving your skin nourished, hydrated, and radiant.
Q+A Niacinamide SPF50 Balancing Facial Sunscreen
Formulated with 5% niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, this skin brightening Q+A Niacinamide SPF50 Balancing Facial Sunscreen reduces hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores, the addition of oxidant vitamin E, green tea extract, and bisabolol, protecting your skin from environmental aggressors and blue light.
Providing high-factor SPF50 protection against UVA and UVB rays this facial sunscreen is perfect for balancing oily and combination skin, the lightweight arginine and betaine-infused formula calming, hydrating, and evening your skin. Â
Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50
Oil-free and dry to the touch, this Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 is formulated with advanced filters and a Bioshield System that keeps your skin safe against UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared radiation.
Infused with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and sebum-controlling technology, this innovative sunscreen is a great option for sensitive and acne-prone skin, the dry-touch formula minimising shine to mattify your complexion.
Formulated with powerful antioxidants, this Heliocare Gel oil-free sunscreen also restores sun-damaged and DNA-damaged skin, repairing the visible signs of premature ageing to leave your complexion calm, shine-free, and nourished.
Shop Sunscreen For Men
This ultimate daily defense sunscreen is formulated with DNA repair technology and SPF50+ for total UV protection.
Perfect for highly exposed or highly sensitive skin, this powerful, water-resistant sunscreen provides deep, long lasting protection.
This oil-free formulation is suitable for normal, combination and oily skins whilst also covering imperfections and providing SPF 50+ protection.
Loved learning all about the best sunscreen for men? Stay a while longer and enhance your knowledge with our latest male-orientated blog post all about an Easy Three-Step Skincare Routine For Men.
