Sunscreen is essential for men, not just during beach days but every day. Whether you’re walking around your neighborhood or embarking on an adventurous hike, applying sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin. The risk of sun exposure is real, even in winter, and it goes beyond just getting a tan. Harmful UV rays can damage the skin, accelerate aging, and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.
Why Sunscreen Matters
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over 9,500 diagnoses each day. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer claims two lives every hour. The primary cause of skin cancer is overexposure to UV radiation. UVA and UVB rays break down collagen, leading to wrinkles, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Just 15 minutes of sun exposure can damage the skin, making sunscreen a must, even on cloudy or colder days.
Key Considerations When Choosing Sunscreen
Choosing the right sunscreen can be confusing with the wide variety available on the market. Here are the essential factors to keep in mind when selecting an SPF:
Broad-Spectrum Protection: The best sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning they shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. This is vital because UVA rays cause skin aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn.
SPF Rating: SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs, such as SPF 50, provide marginally better protection (98%), while SPF 70 offers 99% protection. However, anything above SPF 70 doesn’t provide significantly more protection. Reapplying every two to three hours, especially after swimming or sweating, is also important.
Water Resistance: If you’re swimming or engaging in activities that involve sweating, water-resistant sunscreens are essential. These formulas stay effective even when exposed to water or sweat, offering longer-lasting protection.
Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens: Sunscreens come in two main types—chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and transform them into heat. These tend to be lightweight and ideal for oily skin, though they may irritate sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays. They are often preferred for sensitive or acne-prone skin, though they may leave a visible white cast.
Expert-Recommended Sunscreens
After extensive testing and consultations with dermatologists, we’ve narrowed down the top sunscreens for men in 2025, ensuring they provide superior protection, are skin-friendly, and cater to various needs:
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Price: $20 (Amazon), $20 (Ulta Beauty)
Pros: Lightweight, fast-absorbing, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Cons: May leave a slight white cast when applied with thicker moisturizers.
Why It’s Great: Recommended by dermatologists, this sunscreen is a favorite for its broad-spectrum protection and ability to fight oxidative stress, which accelerates aging. It’s especially beneficial for acne-prone skin, as it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Price: $44 (Amazon)
Pros: Oil-free, smooth application, and suitable for sensitive skin. Contains niacinamide to calm and reduce inflammation.
Cons: Not water-resistant.
Why It’s Great: This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is known for its soothing formula, which helps control oil production and reduce breakouts. The formula also hydrates and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
Best for Darker Skin Tones: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Price: $17 (Amazon), $13 (Nordstrom Rack)
Pros: Invisible finish, never leaves a white cast, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and includes hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Cons: Some may find the chemical scent too strong.
Why It’s Great: Ideal for darker skin tones, this sunscreen blends in seamlessly and provides excellent protection without leaving a residue. It’s also packed with moisturizing ingredients, making it great for dry skin.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. When choosing a sunscreen, consider factors such as SPF level, water resistance, and whether you need a chemical or mineral formula. Whether you have sensitive, acne-prone, or darker skin, there’s a sunscreen on the market that meets your needs.
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