Nothing like being in the great outdoors on a sunny day. Whether that’s a walk through the woods, a trip to the beach, or just spending the afternoon grilling in the backyard.
Whatever takes you outdoors, you need to be aware of the potential danger for your skin. Sun exposure is the #1 risk factor for developing skin cancer. So if both work and play have you spending lots of time outdoors, what can you do about it?
The smart choice is to use sunscreen whenever you spend 30 minutes or more outdoors. If you’re especially sensitive to the sun, you may just want to use an SPF face moisturizer for men whenever you’re going to spend time outside.
The UVA and UVB radiation from the sun accelerate the aging process, cause sunburns, and can eventually lead to skin cancer. To prevent the serious health concern of skin cancer and the aesthetic concerns of age spots, discoloration, and pigmentation issues, you should use sunscreen on a regular basis.
But which is right for you - physical or chemical sunscreen? What’s the difference and how can you choose the best product?
Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreen is made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are both naturally occurring minerals that block the sun’s radiation to prevent skin damage. They act like a mirror, reflecting away the harmful radiation. When used together, they offer broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB radiation.
The advantages of a face moisturizer for men with physical sunscreen is that it’s gentle on your skin. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide very rarely cause any kind of negative skin reaction.
Keep in mind that physical sunscreens tend to be thicker than chemical products. They can also leave behind a white color on the skin if you over-apply. So just use enough to thoroughly cover your skin - no need for overkill.
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreen - made with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other synthetic ingredients - soaks into the skin. From there, it absorbs sun radiation to prevent skin damage. UVA and UVB radiation is then dissipated into other forms of energy such as infrared light.
If you have sensitive skin or are concerned about allowing these synthetic ingredients to absorb into your skin, avoid chemical sunscreens. They are more likely to cause skin irritation, so physical sunscreen is a better option for many guys.
How to Get the Most from Your Sunscreen
Regardless of which type of sunscreen you choose - physical or chemical - follow these guidelines to get the best results.
Apply your sunscreen 15-20 minutes before you go outside.
That gives the product time to cover your skin effectively and properly protect you from sun damage. But, how long does sunscreen last?
Reapply every 90 minutes.
Many guys are bad at this part. Maybe you remember to put on sunscreen before leaving home, but reapplication is hard. You’re out swimming, playing, grilling, working - you’re busy. But if you skip reapplication, you lose all the benefits of your sunscreen in the first place. So make sure you bring along your face moisturizer for men with SPF so you can reapply during the day.
Cover your skin completely.
You shouldn’t overdo it with your sunscreen, but don’t be stingy either. You need to completely cover your skin. Any bare spots can be damaged by the sun and get burnt.
Reapply if you swim, get sweaty, or otherwise wash off the sunscreen.
Even water-resistant sunscreens will still wash off eventually. No product is 100% waterproof. Again, don’t be stingy. Reapply your product every 90 minutes for the best results.
Make It Part of Your Routine
Already follow a skincare routine? Add a face moisturizer for men with SPF to protect your skin from sun damage. Use this product after you wash your face each morning to avoid burns and accelerated aging. It only takes a minute or so to apply each morning, but the effects will be long lasting.
