There are certain things all men should do on a consistent basis to slow the process of aging — a big one being sun protection. No matter what the season is, shielding your skin from the sun should be a top concern. The smartest way to do that? By investing in some quality moisturizers with SPF. Using an SPF (preferably SPF 30 or greater) on a daily basis can significantly protect your skin from the sun's UVA and UVB rays that can cause different types of skin complications later in life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Face moisturizer is already essential in any guy's grooming routine, but to up the ante even further, opt for a moisturizer with SPF. Another seemingly superficial (but also major) benefit: A 2016 study from Johnson and Johnson's Skin Research Center found that roughly about half of the participants who used daily moisturizers containing SPF saw improvements in the appearance of their sunspots, while 41 percent of them said they saw their skin clear up after a year of use.
Ahead, we feature some of our favorites and the best moisturizers with SPF so you can keep your skin fresh and protected all year long.
The Grey Daily Face Protect SPF 50
The Grey makes one of the best, highest protectant SPF formulas available for everyday use while also being a lightweight cream for rapid absorption and a nongreasy feel. Most others that have SPF 50 tend to feel heavy on the face and leave an oily finish, but not this one. The peptides in here also help boost your body's natural skin's defense during the day and at night, even against blue light, helping to slow the signs of aging.
Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense SPF 50
Guys who are prone to acne should definitely use SPF, as unprotected sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Enter Dr. Dennis Gross, a brand that specializes in producing quality skin care products for people with special skin conditions, especially acne. This moisturizer is hydrating with anti-aging properties and it reduces dark spots on your face while still feeling light, it also includes hyaluronic acid, and it's noncomedogenic. Besides moisturizing your skin, it will work to prevent wrinkles.
Kiehl's Facial Fuel SPF 20
For quick touch-ups and for days when you might find yourself in and out of the sun, it's nice to have a reliable, high-quality moisturizer with SPF close at hand. This Kiehl's moisturizer provides solid protection via SPF 20. The lotion, which contains Vitamins A and C as well as caffine, is designed to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and it won't feel greasy on your face.
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30
While so many face sunscreens out there tout their sheerness, Dermalogica's moisturizer is one of the few SPF products we've tried that doesn't leave a visible white cast after application. What's more, it includes a proprietary formula that gives protection from blue light (skin-damaging rays from computer and smartphone screens) and reduces redness and dryness. With an SPF of 30, this moisturizer is sutibale for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Face Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion
Not only does Neutrogena's sunscreen contain ingredients found in more expensive sunscreen products, but this moisturizer works great for guys who spend a lot of time outdoors, thanks to its sweat-wicking properties. And if you're a frequent outdoor runner, this sunscreen won't burn your eyes. It's perfect for all outdoor activities as it is both sewat and water resistant, and it won't rub off as you wipe the sweat from your face.
Oars + Alps Daily Anti-Aging Facial Moisturizer SPF 37
With a broad spectrum of SPF 37 that protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays every day, this facial moisturizer by Oars + Alps also helps stop common signs of aging. On top of that, it keeps your face hydrated throughout the day without the oil and grease. It's vegan and cruelty free and made with premium ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidents, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B5 to help combat signs of aging.
Jaxon Lane Rain or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30
Another crowd-pleasing sunscreen, Jaxon Lane's latest product also contains skin-soothing ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and green tea. It won't irritate sensitive skin, and it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts. It's hypoallergenic with ingredients like green tea extract for unclogging pores and the antioxident ginsing root, which reduces signs of aging.
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
The thickest sunscreen on our list, Supergoop's cream moisturizer is ultra hydrating without blocking your pores and includes SPF 40. We found that applying this after cleansing leaves a dewy finish. Besides providing SPF protection, Supoergoop also works to filter out blue light and pollution, while working to keep your skin healthy and looking its best.
Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF 50
Murad's mineral-based sunscreen is a bestseller for a good reason: It doesn't clog pores, it goes on light, and just a little bit of it goes a long way. A great option for men with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It also provides protection from blue light damage, claiming it blocks 91 percent of light from screens, as well as pollution. It's slightly tinted to help even out skin tones.
Vacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30
If you're worried about buying sunscreens that could potentially destroy the reefs, then Mineral Lotion SPF 30 by Vacation might be the one for you. This sunscreen, formulated with reef-friendly, non-nano zinc, follows the EU regulations for nanoparticles and the Hawaii reef-friendly mandate.
Alastin Skincare Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen
This water-resistant sunscreen from Alastin Skincare moisturizes the skin and protects it from harmful, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays. It also helps calm the skin with key botanicals, such as cucumber and aloe leaf extract.
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer SPF 25
This tinted moisturizer not only gives you a broad spectrum of SPF 25, but it also provides lightweight, natural-looking dewy coverage that hydrates skin for up to 24 hours.
Mantl Invisible Daily SPF 30
Co-created by Queer Eye's Karamo Brown, Mantl's sunscreen is specially formulated for guys who are balding, so this moisturizer is just as effective on your scalp as it is on your face.
Aesop Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Lotion SPF 15
With so many man-made grooming products on the market today, sometimes it's best to find one that is based on a natural alternative. Aesop's Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Lotion SPF 15 is a mineral-based protectant and one of the best natural options available.
Since it is s zinc-based product, this lotion may leave a slightly white shadow, similar to your childhood of youth when you used to have slathered sunscreen on your nose, courtesy of your mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
SPF stands for sun protection factor, and it is a measurement of the amount of solar energy that will cause a sunburn on protected skin vs. the amount for unprotected skin. The higher the SPF number, the more protection a product provides.
No. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, SPF does not have any relation to the amount of time spent exposed to the sun, it's a measurement of protection from a certain amount of exposure. While there is some correlation between time spent in the sun and the amount of exposure, other factors come into play, such as the time of day you are out in the sun. You get a far less amount of sun exposure in the early morning as opposed to being out in the sun in the middle of the day.
While SPF is important, it's not the only thing you should consider when choosing a sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends looking for a product that provides "broad spectrum" protection, as it will protect you from both the UVB rays that cause sunburn and UVA rays that contribute to skin aging and wrinkles.
By making it a priority to use a daily facial moisturizer with an SPF, you can be sure to look young and keep Father Time at bay.
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