Everyone, from dermatologists to skincare enthusiasts, knows that harsh sun rays can adversely affect the skin owing to the harmful UVA and UVB rays. However, sensitive skin tends to bear a slightly bigger brunt. Inherently, sensitive skin is more prone to inflammation, flare-ups, and redness. Exposure to high heat can make this skin type even more vulnerable to distressing skin concerns. Compared to an elaborate regimen, people with sensitive skin ought to prioritise sunscreen as a part of their daytime skincare routine. While preventing premature ageing and reducing hyperpigmentation are welcome advantages, applying sunscreen religiously protects the skin from irritation and prevents the aggravation of existing skin conditions, if any.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin is naturally prone to inflammation, which can manifest in different ways like patches of dryness, extreme breakouts, and redness. People with sensitive skin also have to be careful while choosing skincare and grooming products as certain formulations or ingredients may not be suitable. While skin sensitivity is commonly apparent on the face, it can also affect the skin on the body as well as the underarms
Benefits of Applying Sunscreen On Sensitive Skin
- Protects from Harmful UV rays: During the daytime, the skin is exposed to two common forms of sun rays, UVA and UVB. Both affect the skin in different ways. UVA rays have a longer wavelength, allowing them to easily penetrate through glass and deep into the layers of skin. UVB rays have a smaller wavelength which can’t penetrate through glass but can damage the topmost layer of the skin. Applying sunscreen to exposed skin protects the skin from sunburns, redness, and tanning.
- Keeps Skin Hydrated and Moisturised: There are multiple sunscreen formulas for sensitive skin which focus on hydrating and soothing the skin while repairing the natural moisture barrier. This increases the skin’s resistance to sun damage. Lotion and cream-based sunscreen for men are great options for people with dry skin. If you have oily and sensitive skin, buy sunscreen for men in gel form that absorbs easily into the skin without clogging pores.
- Reduces inflammation: Since sensitive skin tends to be inflammation-prone, sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 helps shield the skin from UVB rays that are responsible for redness and sunburns. Sunburns can cause itching and irritation which the sunscreen can help soothe owing to its formula.
- Prevents rapid ageing of the skin: While the effects of UVB rays have been established, UVA rays are responsible for rapid ageing, skin damage due to free radicals, and hyperpigmentation. A sunscreen for men that has a PA (Protection Grade) with at least 3 ‘+’ signs will protect the skin from signs of premature ageing like fine lines, melasma, and sun spots.
How To Choose Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin?
Sun filters: This is a crucial aspect one needs to keep in mind while shopping for sunscreen for sensitive skin. There are two types of sun filters, mineral and chemical. Mineral sun filters like titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, Tinosorb m, and Tinosorb s sit on top of the skin and prevent harmful sun rays from entering the skin. Chemical filters like avobenzone and octocrylene absorb the sun’s rays, turn them into heat and release them from the body.
Formula: Multiple factors determine the formula of a sunscreen for men. Creams, lotions, and gel sunscreens are better suited to sensitive skin for their soothing, repairing, and hydrating properties. Aside from the base, look for sunscreens that are fragrance and perfume-free as any form of fragrance can be potentially triggering for sensitive skin. Don’t forget to also look for moisturising and nourishing lip balms with a minimum of SPF 30.
Ingredients: It’s important to see the label carefully to see what ingredients are present in a sunscreen formula. Niacinamide is an active ingredient that suits all skin types to control oil production and prevent hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C fights off free radicals and boosts sunscreen’s performance. Cica or Asiatic Centella soothes irritation and inflammation. Hyaluronic acid and panthenol are great moisturising properties which soften and hydrate the skin.
Finish: Sunscreens for sensitive skin also come in different finishes like matte, dewy and illuminating. You can choose one based on your skincare preference.
How To Apply Sunscreen On Sensitive Skin?
- Follow the two-finger rule when applying sunscreen. Dispense the product across the length of the middle and index finger to cover the face, neck, and ears. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen around the eyes, too but avoid applying close to the lashline.
- For the body, it’s recommended to use a shot glass or two tablespoons’ amount to cover the exposed areas of the body.
- Apply sunscreen a few minutes after the previous skincare step. This will help the sunscreen absorb into the skin without slipping and sliding.
- If you’re spending more time out in the sun, make sure to reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours.
While it may be challenging to take care of sensitive skin, sunscreen for men is a crucial skincare essential that can solve a horde of skincare issues as compared to a lengthy skincare regimen. We hope this guide helps you choose the best sunscreen for men for sensitive skin.
