Why Should Men Wear Sunscreen?
For many men, sunscreen is something that only comes out on holiday. The reality is that UV exposure happens every day, whether you're working outdoors, playing sports, driving, or spending time with family.
Sunburn can cause redness, pain, blistering, itching, and skin sensitivity and repeated exposure increases your risk of long-term skin damage.
Men are 69% more likely to die from skin cancer than women, despite the fact that 86% of skin cancer cases are preventable. Skin cancer rates continue to rise globally, with skin cancers accounting for around one in three cancer diagnoses worldwide.
Daily sunscreen use isn't just about reducing the risk of skin cancer. It also helps protect against premature ageing. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that up to 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure rather than the natural ageing process. Wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone, and loss of skin elasticity are all strongly linked to sun exposure.
If you're unsure about the impact of the sun on your skin, compare areas that are regularly exposed, such as your face, neck, and forearms, with areas that are usually covered. The difference might surprise you.
How to Protect Your Face from the Sun
Your face receives more sun exposure than almost any other part of your body, making it particularly important to protect.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and strong UVA protection. In the UK, this is typically shown as a UVA star rating or the UVA logo displayed within a circle. The DIC SPF 30 Sun Protection spray comes with a 5-star UVA rating, the highest available.
Apply sunscreen every morning as part of your daily routine, even on cloudy days. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through cloud cover, and UVA rays are present year-round.
If you're spending extended periods outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours and more frequently if you're sweating heavily or towel drying. Wearing a hat and sunglasses can provide additional protection and help reduce UV exposure to the face, scalp, and eyes.
How to Protect a Bald Head from the Sun
A bald head can be one of the most vulnerable areas of the body when it comes to UV exposure. The scalp receives direct sunlight and can burn quickly, particularly during summer or when participating in outdoor activities.
Apply sunscreen generously across the entire scalp first thing in the morning and reapply regularly throughout the day. It's easy to miss areas towards the back of the head, so ask someone to help if needed.
Don't forget commonly missed areas such as the ears, nose, neck, and hairline. These are among the most frequent sites for skin cancers to develop.
Consider wearing a hat too. It remains one of the most effective forms of sun protection.
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly
Think of sunscreen as a protective layer that needs to cover every exposed area of skin evenly. Missing patches can leave skin vulnerable to UV damage and sunburn.
Apply sunscreen approximately 15 minutes before going outdoors to allow it to form an even protective layer. A second application shortly after can help ensure complete coverage, particularly on areas that are easy to miss.
Reapply regularly throughout the day, especially if you are swimming, sweating, exercising, or drying yourself with a towel. Even water-resistant sunscreens gradually wear away and need to be replaced.
Commonly missed areas include the ears, scalp, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and backs of the hands.
What Is the Best Sunscreen for Men?
The best sunscreen for men is the one you'll actually use consistently.
Many men avoid sunscreen because they dislike products that feel greasy, leave a white residue, take too long to absorb, or have strong fragrances. Finding a product that suits your preferences is often more important than chasing the highest SPF available.
Look for a sunscreen that feels comfortable on your skin, absorbs quickly, and fits easily into your daily routine. A lightweight SPF 30 sunscreen is often a good starting point for everyday use and provides excellent protection when applied correctly.
Higher SPF products can offer additional protection but may feel heavier depending on the formulation. The most important factor is applying sunscreen generously and reapplying when needed.
Common Sunscreen Mistakes Men Make
Many men only apply sunscreen when it's hot, but UV rays can damage skin throughout the year. If the UV rating is over 3 then you should take steps to protect your skin. In the UK, this can be over 150 days a year.
Other common mistakes include applying too little product, forgetting areas such as the ears and scalp, failing to reapply after sweating, and relying solely on sunscreen without using hats, clothing, or shade.
Sun protection works best when it forms part of a broader approach that includes sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, and sensible exposure habits.
In Summary
Sun protection doesn't have to be complicated. A quality SPF 30 sunscreen, applied generously and used consistently, can help reduce your risk of skin cancer, prevent premature ageing, and keep your skin healthier for longer.
Whether you're working outdoors, cycling, playing football, gardening, or simply enjoying time outside, protecting your skin today can make a significant difference in the future.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about sun protection.