Sunscreen for Men in India: Benefits, SPF Guide & How to Apply

Sunscreen for men is a skincare essential, and not a beauty fad. India has a sunny climate for most part of the year, and your face, neck and hands are exposed daily to the harsh UV rays. Despite this, many men skip out on the product, citing it as a luxury or a hassle. Some believe the product is only for the beach, while others are put off by the greasy texture.

This guide demystifies sunscreen for men, and covers the importance, best ingredients and the proper way to use it.

Why Should Men Use Sunscreen

The sun emits two kinds of ultraviolet rays that affect the skin: UVB and UVA. The former causes sunburn, while the latter is responsible for premature aging and tanning. Both contribute to the long term risks like skin cancer.

The effects of the sun on men’s skin without protection include:

• Persistent tan
• Melasma
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dryness and flaky skin
• Sunburn
• Higher risk of skin cancer

Many men do not realize the damage until it is too late. Without protection, even a handful of sun exposure sessions can take a toll on the skin. Indians are particularly vulnerable as many men are exposed to the sun for work, travel and recreation. The face and neck, ears and forearms are the most common sites for sun damage.

Another common misconception is that men with darker skin tones do not need sunscreen. Although their skin has higher melanin content, it does not provide sufficient protection against UV radiation. Likewise, overcast weather or being indoors offer minimal defense against the sun’s harmful rays. A significant amount of UV light can penetrate glass surfaces and cause damage. Hence sunscreen is an everyday essential, and not just a summer staple.

Best Sunscreen for Men in India

The best sunscreen for men in India would be something that can withstand the heat and humidity. A cold climate cream would be ineffective in high temperatures and sweat. Here is what to look for in a men’s sunscreen:

• Broad Spectrum: Provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays
• SPF 30 or higher: The ideal protection level for men
• PA+++ or PA++++: Measures the level of UVA protection
• Lightweight consistency: Especially important in hot climates
• No white cast: Recommended for men with medium to dark skin tone
• Sweat resistance: Useful if you ride, run or work outdoors.
• Non-comedogenic: To prevent breakouts

Chemical and mineral sunscreens are the two main types for men. Chemical variants work by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat, while the latter reflect the harmful rays. Both are effective, but it is best to go with what works for your skin.

As mentioned, sweat and heat can diminish the efficacy of sunscreen, so it is best to reapply every two hours. Sunscreen must also be washed off at night before bedtime.

The One Sunscreen by Cockylife

The One Sunscreen by Cockylife is a sunscreen with moisturizer meant for men. It serves two purposes, sun protection and hydration, which makes a man’s morning skincare routine quick and easy. The product has an SPF 50 and PA++++, making it a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It has a matte finish, is non-greasy, sweat-resistant, and is said to leave no white cast. This is a good quality cream in the current Indian climate.

Features of The One Sunscreen

• SPF 50 and PA++++ provide protection against UVB and UVA rays.
• A matte finish ensures control of shine throughout the day.
• Being sweat resistant, it is great for commutes, workouts and working outdoors in the heat.
• Suitable for all skin types, including oily skin
• A 50 gm pack is a good value for money as it lasts a month with regular use.

Ingredients in The One Sunscreen that suits all skin types:

• Tea tree: Has natural antimicrobial properties. It soothes the skin and helps manage oil and breakouts.
• Pentavitin: A hydrator that locks in moisture for hours, so the skin does not feel tight or flaky, even after long hours outdoors.
• Suncat DE: Works as a sunscreen agent. It also acts as an antioxidant and supports the skin against signs of ageing.
• Vitamin E and B5: Protect against free radical damage.
• Shea butter: Adds nourishment for skin that runs dry.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

A man’s skin type determines what kind of sunscreen is right for him. Here is a quick guide:

• Oily skin: Look for oil-free or gel variants that have a matte finish.
• Dry skin: Choose a rich cream or lotion with nourishing ingredients.
• Combination skin: Lotion or fluid variants are best as they do not leave heavy residue.
• Sensitive skin: Go with a combination of tea tree oil and Pentavitin.
• Acne prone skin: Avoid comedogenic products.

The One Sunscreen by Cockylife suits all type of skin, whether it is oily, dry, a combination of both (oily and dry) or sensitive because of its ingredients. Before buying a new sunscreen, it is always a good idea to take a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product on the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait for 24 hours. If there is no adverse reaction, it is safe to use on the face. In case of any irritation, it is best to consult a dermatologist, especially if the skin condition is chronic.

It is also a good idea to consider your lifestyle when choosing a men’s sunscreen. Someone who spends long hours indoors does not need as much protection as someone who is frequently outdoors. Likewise, a man who spends his weekends hiking and trekking would need something more sweat-resistant than his office colleague.

SPF 30 vs SPF 50: Which is Better

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it is a measurement of how well the sunscreen protects the skin against UVB rays. A higher SPF value means greater protection, 

SPF 50 is recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure. And most of the Indians have higher exposure to the sun.

SPF 30 blocks about 90% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 offers 99% protection. Although the difference is negligible, but the effect is much higher.

SPF only indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. For UVA protection, it is important to look at the PA rating as well. PA+++ or higher is a good benchmark to look at for men’s sunscreen. Ideally, a good sunscreen product would mention both SPF and PA values.

How to Apply Sunscreen

Even the best sunscreen will not offer adequate protection if the application technique is incorrect. To get the most out of your product, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash and pat dry your face.
2. Apply a moisturizer, and let it absorb into the skin. The One Sunscreen completely skips this step, as it has both the properties of sunscreen and moisturizer.
3. Take a generous amount of sunscreen – about half a teaspoon for the face and neck.
4. Apply 15 minutes before going outdoors.

Make sure to apply an even layer of the product on the forehead, cheekbones, nose, chin, ears and the back of the neck.

Reapplication is recommended every 2 hours and after excessive sweating or swimming. If you shave in the morning, apply the sunscreen after shaving.

Most men overlook certain areas when applying sunscreen, and these spots are the most vulnerable to sun damage. The most common ones include:

• Ears and the back of the neck
• Hairline and parting
• Back of the hands
• Around the eye area and lips
• The skin beneath a beard or stubble

The most common sunscreen mistakes include using an insufficient amount, skipping it on cloudy days, not reapplying and using an expired product. Always check the expiry date before using a new bottle. It is also a good idea to apply sunscreen in tandem with other sun protection measures like wearing a cap or using sunglasses.

Choosing the best sunscreen for men is not as difficult as it seems. Just look for a broad spectrum product with an appropriate SPF value. Apply it correctly and reapply throughout the day for maximum protection. These simple measures will go a long way in protecting a man’s skin from premature ageing and damage.

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