Let’s just say it: most men (not me) are still, somehow, bad at skincare in general and SPF in particular. And when it comes to sunscreen? Absolutely hopeless. You don’t even need to ask a dermatologist, just canvas your friends and they’ll all tell you the same thing: the majority of men do not wear an SPF.
I did this just recently at the office with my male colleagues was enlightening. The consensus was that they either never thought about it, or believed that men’s skin is magically more resilient. Spoiler alert: it’s not.
I can’t bring myself to believe that men aren’t wearing sunscreen on purpose — they’re just uninformed. Like, no one told them what to use, how to use it, or why they should care. And that’s fair. Skincare can be intimidating. But SPF doesn’t need to be.
A lot of the blame for this can be pointed at marketing. Sunscreen ads for years looked like spa commercials featuring women. Not exactly targeted at men. But that’s no excuse. SPF isn’t optional. It’s a non-negotiable step in your daily routine, no matter the weather. UV rays don’t care if it’s cloudy or if you’re not at the beach — they’re clocked in, ready to prematurely age you and increase your risk of skin cancer.
SPF is quick to apply. Because let’s be honest: if you can wash your face, you can apply sunscreen. It takes 15 seconds — less time than it takes to load a podcast. And in return, you get protection against sunspots, dark patches, fine lines, and yes — looking like a dried-up raisin before you hit 50.
To help you get started, I’ve rounded up a few high-performance SPF options that I’ve been using — products that actually get the job done, minus the white cast or greasy finish.
Repair Sunscreen SPF50+, 111SKIN
Lightweight and non-greasy, this SPF protects against UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution. It also helps repair sun damage and calm redness with Arabian Cotton extract. AED 425
Solar Protective Crème SPF50, DIOR
High-protection body sunscreen with a smooth, fast-absorbing texture. Offers high SPF protection, hydrates the skin with a subtle monoi scent and no greasy residue. AED 190
Protective Lip Balm SPF30, AESOP
Yes, lips need protection too. This vegan lip balm has UVA/UVB filters and is free from silicone and beeswax, with a lasting, non-sticky finish. AED 85