The Importance of Sunscreen in a Man’s Daily Skincare Routine

“As a professional makeup artist and groomer, I asked my friends and colleagues, who are also makeup artists, for feedback on their favorite go-to sunscreens. Surprisingly, no one had any suggestions, and it's not without reason…”

As men, our journey to healthy, protected skin faces challenges, especially when it comes to sunscreen. We may think that it’s only necessary when we’re spending time at the beach or pool, but the truth is that sunscreen should be a part of our daily routine, rain or shine. Sunscreen is a simple yet effective way to protect our skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. UV rays can cause skin damage, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. By incorporating sunscreen into our daily routine, we can help prevent these issues and keep our skin looking healthy and youthful.

As a professional makeup artist and groomer, I asked my friends and colleagues, who are also makeup artists, for feedback on their favorite go-to sunscreens. Traditionally, in photography and film, we've steered clear of sunscreen due to concerns about flashback or white cast. Additionally, a lot of people hate sunscreen because of the smell and the greasy or sticky feel. However, the industry is evolving, and so are the formulations of sunscreens, addressing these concerns to make them more enjoyable to use. When selecting a sunscreen, it’s important to choose one that is at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. For day-to-day use, you can opt for a lightweight formula that won’t leave a greasy residue on your skin. If you spend more time outdoors, consider using a product with a higher SPF, such as SPF 50 or greater.

Here are some recommendations and my top picks:

Neutrogena PureScreen+ Mineral Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Lotion Broad Spectrum, SPF 30 UVA & UVB Protection:

Unlock Confidence in Comfort: Introducing Neutrogena PureScreen+, your daily shield against UV threats. Immerse your skin in the luxury of SPF 30 protection without the weight. This lightweight, non-greasy formula ensures comfort in every application, guarding against UV damage. Tailored for daily use, it's your go-to for confident and comfortable skincare. It’s like my skin, but better! The product is great for sensitive skin, and even though it has a high ZINC content, it doesn’t leave a chalky finish, instead allowing light to dance. Vegan, cruelty free, and dermatologist Recommended Brand. Water resistant 80 mins. Under $20

For medium to deeper skin tones, Neutrogena has you covered with a tinted version with 4 shades, Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint face liquid, with vitamin E

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40PA+++:

Freedom in Protection: Meet Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen — your invisible shield against the sun’s might. Boasting SPF 40PA+++, it provides powerful protection without leaving a trace. Embrace the lightweight, undetectable feel, offering you the freedom to move confidently through your day. A customizable choice for those who prefer an invisible, weightless touch. This product is formulated as both a sunscreen for face and primer as well, so if you’re a guy who considers wearing makeup or for those days working on set, it’s a definite game changer The price isn’t cheap for 1.7 oz but it is worth the splurge and has definitely made it’s way into my kit. Vegan, cruelty free, and dermatologist tested. Water and sweat resistant. $38

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ for Face and Body:

Empower Your Outdoor Journey: Introducing Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick — your companion for superior sun defense. Offering SPF 50+ protection, this convenient stick format ensures easy application, particularly on your face and body. Tailored for the adventurous, it provides robust coverage against UVA and UVB rays. Elevate your outdoor experience with a sunscreen designed for those who embrace the extraordinary. This easily stows away in my travel or DOP bag and the solid format takes up very little space and there is less chance of a mess from a liquid. Water resistant. Reef safe. $30.

Conclusion:

Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By selecting the right product, such as Neutrogena PureScreen+, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, or Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick, and applying it correctly, you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and keep it looking healthy and youthful. Remember, prevention is key!