We have come a long way from those times when it was unusual to associate men with skincare. Today, we understand the importance of protecting your biggest line of defence (your skin) against multiple environmental factors, especially sunlight.
Whether your work requires you to travel a lot or be outdoors, or you are someone who goes hiking or trekking regularly, or you play with your kids in the backyard every afternoon, you need the right amount of protection against the sun. At the same time, you will surely want to keep your skin bright, taut, and youthful.
That is the reason why it is so important to incorporate an SPF moisturizer for men in your skincare regime. Let’s take a look at the multiple benefits involved.
How SPF Moisturizers Help Men
There is no denying that men have tougher skin than women and that you need a decent dose of vitamin D from the sun for optimal bone and muscle health.
However, not having any barrier between your skin and the big ball of fire in the sky can be harmful. So, here are the reasons why you need an SPF moisturizer for men.
1. Protects against UV Rays
Excessive and unfiltered exposure to UV radiation can damage your DNA and mutate your genes. This can even increase your propensity for contracting skin cancer.
Men with light complexions are at higher risk than those with dark skin tones, as the latter have more protective melanin in their skin. A good SPF moisturizer for men can protect you against harmful UV rays and keep you healthy in the long run.
2. Prevents Untimely Ageing
Being exposed to too much sun can cause your skin to develop wrinkles, age spots, fine lines, crow’s feet, and spider veins prematurely.
It can also become leathery or dull. Men’s moisturizer containing sun protection factors can seep deep inside your skin and prevent early signs of ageing from appearing. An SPF moisturizer for men can retain the elasticity of your skin and ensure a youthful appearance.
3. Keeps Sunburn at Bay
Sunburn is quite common in men who frequently go surfing, swimming, hiking, camping, or trekking. You can also get it if you have outdoor hobbies like gardening, birdwatching, nature photography, or fishing.
Working on a construction site or farm also increases your exposure to the sun. And sunburn doesn’t just cause unsightly red patches, but also irritation and itchiness. Using an SPF moisturizer for men can prevent that.
4. Ensures Even Texture and Tone
When you don’t use an SPF moisturizer for men, the exposed parts of your skin are likely to take on a different texture and tone compared to those hidden under clothes.
Parts exposed to sunlight tend to get red, blotchy, freckly, and rough. This can pose a problem when you choose to wear an outfit that reveals more skin than you usually do. Hence, for an even skin tone and texture, use a moisturizer with sunscreen daily.
5. Hydrates Skin
SPF moisturizers for men that contain humectants (absorb water), emollients (natural oils), and moisturizing agents will create a moisture barrier between your skin and the sun. This means, your skin will stay hydrated, soft, and plump all day.
Flakiness or dryness will be a thing of the past even during the harshest of winters. Your skin will feel smooth and you won’t have to deal with itchiness or irritation.
6. Protects against Pollutants
An SPF moisturizer for men doesn’t just keep you safe against the sun’s harmful rays, but also other airborne pollutants and the wind.
It creates a barrier between your skin and different environmental elements so they cannot directly impact, contaminate, or dry out the exposed parts.
Choose SPF Moisturizers Carefully
Remember that every man is different and has unique needs in terms of skincare. So, consider your skin type and the average amount of time you spend in the sun before picking an SPF moisturizer for men.
For instance, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you need a solution that is light, non-greasy, and doesn’t clog up your pores or lead to a breakout.
If you have dry skin, you will ideally need a moisturizer that is high in emollients to keep your skin smooth and soft for a long time.
Similarly, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you need a moisturizer with a higher SPF than someone who stays in most of the time. As mentioned above, your hobbies and lifestyle also determine the kind of SPF moisturizer you will need.
Conclusion
Including an SPF moisturizer for men in your daily skincare routine can not only protect you against skin cancer and genetic damage, but also signs of ageing, sunburn, and pollutants.
Depending on the amount of sun you usually get, use hats and umbrellas as well for added protection. Long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy, youthful, and even-toned too.