Dermatologists Agree: You Need to Use Sunscreens All Day, Every Day

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IF YOU THINK sunscreen is only for the beach you’re wrong, very wrong. Even if you’re stuck sitting in your office, UV rays can penetrate your office window and cause just as much damage—and don't even get us started on the additional skin damage from your desktop's blue light. UVA rays are a year-round concern for skin aging and cancer. Period.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there were over 5.4 million non-melanoma cases of skin cancer in over 3.3 million Americans last year. Worse, it's the most common type of skin cancer (with 1 in 5 Americans developing the disease, annually) that's totally preventable. The sun, in all its goodness, can also be extremely harmful.

Best Sunscreens

"Ultraviolet radiation leads to DNA damage of skin cells and reactive oxygen species that subsequently increases the risk of skin cancers," says Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York, NY. Dr. Chang explains that wrinkles and fine lines are also caused by your own collagen being broken down by the sun's exposure.

We’re not trying to freak you out too much, here. The good news is that sun damage and skin cancer is totally preventative–with the right tools like a good sunscreen. Our panel of Men's Health Grooming Editors of advisors have been testing over 100 sunscreens in the past year to find the best UV-protecting creams, serums, and sprays to put on this spring and summer–and year round.

What to Consider

UVA and UVB Protection

First and foremost, the best sunscreens offer broad-spectrum coverage (both UVA and UVB). "Wearing a good broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection is critical is protecting your skin against free radical damage caused by sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancers and worsened aging of the skin like wrinkles and dark spots," says Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD, board certified dermatologist, and co-founder of Skintap.

SPF 30+

Dr. Chang says the best sunscreens must have an SPF level of 30 or more, which can protect your skin up to 97% of the sun's harmful UVB and UVA rays. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and refers to the amount of protection it provides against one type of ultraviolet radiation. "SPF 30 should take 30 times longer to burn than without sunscreen," she explains. "Sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine and reapplied every 2-3 hours."

Water Resistance

Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, says the absolute best sunscreens should be water resistant. They'll last longer on your skin whether you're working out, or just sitting next to a window.

Play Everyday Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

After a year of comprehensively testing sunscreens, our editors and advisors landed on Supergoop's marquee lotion as the best for everyday use. Dr. Camp put our consensus succinctly. "It meets the American Academy of Dermatology's SPF requirements, is water resistant, and offers broad spectrum coverage," he says. "Plus it is not sticky or greasy, and it's hydrating and fast-absorbing."

Supergoop's Play Everyday lotion lives up to its name. We wore it to the beach, the office, and at the gym, and found that it stayed on our skin for hours, and had a pleasant, neutral smell that really made it ideal for every day use.

Though some of our testers with darker skin tones noticed a slight white cast after application, the residue wasn't visible enough to negate the lotion's other benefits. It's difficult to find one sunscreen that's ideal for every body, but we found that Supergoop's Play Everyday Sunscreen Lotion was the most effective on the most people we've tested this on.

UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46

If your face is especially sensitive, you'll probably need a separate sunscreen for your mug. Four of our grooming contributors and five dermatologists we've consulted with have all recommended Elta MD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum sunscreen as a reliable facial sunscreen. Zinc Oxide is its key ingredient, which works as a physical barrier to deflect UVA and UVB rays from your skin.

"It's great for rosacea or acne-prone skin, because it contains ingredients that promote healthy-appearing skin, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid," says Dr. Camp.

Plus, our grooming contributor Cristina Mayor loves that it barely leaves a white cast, and because of its oil-free formula, has a smooth, silk-like application. Yes, it's sweat resistant, though our testers found that the formula rubbed off during water sports, so it's best to invest in a true water-resistant sunscreen if you're beach or pool bound.

Read more: Best Facial Sunscreens

Multi Vitamin Clear Coat SPF 50

This ultra-smooth finish sunscreen comes out of the tube as a crystal clear gel and rubs onto your face with ease. There’s absolutely no white cast and it leaves your skin looking semi-matte with a filter-like finish that blurs pores and evens skin tone. On top of that, it also contains powerful antioxidants Vitamins C and F which help to reduce free radical damage, bio-fermented clary sage to help even skin tone and chia seed to help bolster skin’s strength.

Our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce raves about it, saying that it’s the perfect everyday sunscreen because “there’s absolutely no residue left behind, even in facial hair, which is no small feat for a sunscreen. On top of that, the velvety finish makes your skin look smoother like an IRL filter.”

Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+

Come summer time, you'll probably want a low-cost, highly effective sunscreen that you can lather on at the beach. In that case, your best bet is grabbing Banana Boat's tried-and-true sunscreen spray, which has an impressive 50+ SPF, and is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 hours. Our testers have tried this at the beach, on hot summer hikes, and were impressed that Banana Boat's Ultra Sport spray held up under the hottest, sweatiest conditions. Plus, our editors noted that it won’t bleed down into your eyes when you're sweating up a storm.

And because it's a spray sunscreen, application is easy. But just make sure you apply evenly and liberally and rub in the spray for maximum effectiveness. Also some of our testers found that the Banana Boat's Ultra Sport Clear caused them to break out when using on their faces, so it's best to use this on your body if you're planning to be active outdoors for hours. But when it comes to value, this drugstore sunscreen is worth its weight in gold.

Read more: Best Drugstore Sunscreens

Total Package Replenishing Body Lotion

We know it’s important to wear sunscreen every day on parts of your body that are exposed to sun (which is why it’s even more important in the spring in summer when we tend to be less covered up), but we also know that no one wants to show up to the office feeling and smelling like they’re just coming back from the beach. This innovative sunscreen lotion feels exactly like the daily body lotion you wear to keep your skin moisturized, but just happens to have mineral-based SPF 30 in the formula. Apply it right after your morning shower to not only lock in hydration but protect your skin as well.

The texture of this lotion is way more like a typical body lotion than the greasier sunscreens you’re used to using, which is exactly the point. Packed with moisturizing cupuacu butter and grapeseed oil, it really does leave your skin feeling moisturized for hours, plus it’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin (additionally because the sunscreen portion of the formula is mineral-based). Overall, it’s the best option we’ve found for days when you need sunscreen but also have to get on with your normal life instead of relaxing by the pool.

The Bod Guard Invisible Gel Sunscreen

If the the classic, tried-and-true sunscreens aren't working out for your skin's needs, we recommend this gel-based formula from upstart Dune Suncare. Winner of our 2023 Men's Health Grooming Awards for best sunscreen, our editors loved its light, smooth formula that's also hydrating.

In short, our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce says of Dune, "This gel protects your skin from the sun without any white cast or greasiness, but also contains ingredients like antioxidant Vitamin E to help further protect your skin from sun damage and Hibiscus Extract to keep it hydrated."

Plus, it's water resistant for up to 40 minutes, which is enough protection time for a plunge at the pool or beach. Even though it's a chemical formula, The Bod Guard has a pleasant, sea salt scent.

Hydro Boost Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion

Finding an affordable sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast can be tough, since most of the best sunscreens we've tried for darker skin tones were also pretty expensive. Neutrogena's Hydro Boost sunscreen was a welcome exception. Our editors found that its lightweight, non-greasy formula left an invisible sheen on our skin, and absorbed almost immediately. Plus, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which makes this great for the beach.

Dermatologist Robert Finney, MD, also recommends the Hydro Boost sunscreen for patients with sensitive skin, since it contains hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin hydrated but still not greasy or sticky. We did find that it had a chemical smell, which could be off putting for some.

Read more: Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones

Refreshing Water Hydration Stick

Looking for an ultra portable sunscreen? We recommend Coola's new Hydration Stick, which looks and applies like a deodorant stick, and has SPF50 protection. It goes on easily, and has a dewy finish that's not sticky. Testers who had combination and oily skin found that the Water Hydration Stick didn't cause any breakouts, and it left a barely noticeable white cast.

Because of its slender design, it's easy to stick in your dopp kit, making it great for travels. Though we found that you can get through one stick pretty quickly, and given that it's $30 for.8 oz, Coola's hydration stick is pretty expensive. But because all of our positive testing notes, we think it's worth the price.

Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide

There are lots of reasons to use mineral sunscreens over their chemical counterparts. Since the former sits on your face, rather than being absorbed in your skin, it creates a thick layer that offers more protection and less irritation. However, it also tends to be thick, and can leave a nasty white cast.

Not so with Blue Lizard's mineral sunscreen, which has all the benefits of some of the best mineral sunscreens we've tested, but has a relatively lightweight formula that doesn't feel so goopy and sticky. Plus, while it does leave a slightly white cast, it isn't as noticeable as the other mineral sunscreens we've tested. Plus, this broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen is sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Oh, and the coolest part? The bottle changes color in UV rays to remind you to reapply sunscreen.

Read more: Best Mineral Sunscreens

Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen

"This is one of the brand's best-selling SPF moisturizers for acne-prone skin," says Dr. Camp, "this oil-free sunscreen protects from the sun and absorbs excess oil that can clog pores."

In detail, according to Dr. Shirazi, the Anthelios is "formulated with ceramides to support the skin barrier, Niacinamide to help reduce inflammation and discoloration, glycerin to hydrate." Dr. Garshick also adds: "This lightweight sunscreen is easy to apply and fast-absorbing, making it a great option for daily use. It also contains Cell-Ox Shield Technology and antioxidants. It is broad-spectrum and can be used by all skin types."

In addition, the brand’s use of prebiotic thermal spring water also makes it a good choice for those with acne-prone skin. And at this price, it's a no-brainer.

Read more: Best Acne Sunscreen

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Y. Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York, NY.

• Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology in New York, NY.

• Dr. Robert Finney, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.

What Is the Best Sunscreen for Everyday Use?

In general, you want to find a sunscreen formula that is lightweight, fast-absorbing, water-resistant and doesn't have a strong fragrance so you can easily add it to your daily skincare routine. After testing over 50 sunscreens, our editors found that Supergoop's Play Everyday Lotion offered the best protection, water-resistance, and smell.

How to Apply Sunscreen

People miss 10 percent of their face when they’re applying SPF, one of the most common sites for skin cancer, according to a study presented at the British Association of Dermatologists’ Annual Conference.

So, what’s a guy to do? You guessed it: Applying sunscreen thoroughly, liberally, and often is the first step.

For full coverage, try portioning out your sunscreen for each section of your body—you should total about the contents of a shot glass, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

When men portioned out their sunscreen before applying it, they used 51 percent more sunscreen and covered 83 percent more skin, one 2014 study found.

Heather Rogers, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, recommends using this guideline: Make sure you’re hitting any area that’s perpendicular to the sun, like the top of your head, shoulders, and tops of your feet, because they get a more direct hit of the rays. Plus, make sure to reapply after every two hours, or after a swim or sweat session.

Mineral sunscreens—which work by reflecting, scattering, and blocking UV rays—don’t need extra time to activate. But chemical sunscreens, known as “chemical absorbers” because they convert UV rays into heat, need 30 minutes to set into your skin.

Read more: Ways You're Using Sunscreen Wrong

Why Trust Us?

For the past five years, Men's Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research. Men's Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.

Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men's Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving. Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, who consulted on this story, has been testing sunscreens for the past decade, so he absolutely knows what he's talking about.

Shop More of Our Favorite Sunscreens

Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin | Best Sunscreen Sticks | Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens | Best Moisturizers With SPF | Best Drugstore Sunscreens

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