Choosing the Best Sport Sunscreen for Men: A Comprehensive Guide

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Last updated May 5, 2023

Choosing the Best Sport Sunscreen for Men: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're anything like me, you like the outdoors -- hiking, biking, golf, beach trips, etc. But you know what's not so great? Sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. That's where a good sport sunscreen steps in to save the day (and your skin!).

Sport sunscreen is specifically designed to protect your skin from those harmful UV rays that can wreak havoc on your body. And let's be real, as men, we don't always prioritize skincare. But with the right sunscreen, you can have your cake and eat it too - enjoy the great outdoors while keeping your skin healthy and looking good.

With so many options available in the market, choosing the right sport sunscreen for your needs can be a daunting task. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect sport sunscreen that provides the best protection for your skin.

The most critical factor to consider when choosing a sport sunscreen is the level of protection it provides. Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 or higher. SPF stands for sun protection factor and measures how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 provides 97% protection against UVB rays, while an SPF 50 provides 98% protection.

Another crucial factor to consider is water resistance. If you're active you're likely sweating or your floating in the ocean, a lake or a river, so you'll need to look for a sunscreen that is water-resistant for at least 80 minutes. Depending on your activity levels, the time of year and just how much of a sweater you are, this will ensure you're protected from the harmful rays that may otherwise turn you into a tomato.

To help you make an informed decision, we tested several sport sunscreens for men and identified the ones that provide the best protection and are easy to apply. In the next section, we'll share our top picks and explain why they are the best choices for active men who want to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.

Best Sport Sunscreens for Men

As outdoor enthusiasts, we know how important it is to protect our skin from harmful UV rays while enjoying our favorite sports. That's why we've rounded up the best sport sunscreens for men that can withstand sweat, water, and intense physical activity. These sunscreens not only provide broad-spectrum protection but also nourish and hydrate the skin, making them perfect for active men who want to stay protected and look their best. Here are our top picks for the best sport sunscreens for men.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 60

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We highly recommend purchasing La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 60 for men who are looking for a reliable and effective sunscreen. This product is perfect for those who have sensitive skin and are looking for a sunscreen that is fragrance-free, oil-free, and oxybenzone-free.

Pros

  • Provides excellent sun protection with SPF 60
  • Formulated with Cell-Ox Shield Technology + Antioxidant Protection
  • Easy to apply and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue

Cons

  • May feel a little oily when first applied
  • Not eligible for international shipping
  • May cause irritation for those with very sensitive skin due to the high alcohol content

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 60 is a great choice for outdoor activities such as sports or hiking. It is water-resistant and sweat-resistant, so it stays on even during intense physical activities. The sunscreen is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it easy to apply and reapply throughout the day.

This sunscreen is also great for those with sensitive skin, as it is fragrance-free and oil-free, and it does not contain oxybenzone, a chemical that can cause skin irritation. The Cell-Ox Shield Technology + Antioxidant Protection helps to protect against the harmful effects of UV rays and environmental aggressors.

Overall, we believe that La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 60 is a great investment for men who want to protect their skin from the sun's harmful rays while enjoying outdoor activities.

EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Sport Lotion 61GEXTCcP6L.jpeg

We highly recommend this sunscreen because it provides full-body zinc oxide protection against UVA and UVB rays, is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and has a non-greasy, oil-free formula.

Pros

  • It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
  • The zinc oxide formula provides broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays.
  • The non-greasy, oil-free formula is easy to apply and does not leave a residue.

Cons

  • The lotion can be difficult to spread evenly on the skin.
  • The formula may leave a white residue on the skin, especially for those with darker skin tones.
  • The price point may be higher than other sunscreens on the market.

We recently tried the EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Sport Lotion and were impressed with its performance. The lotion is easy to apply and does not leave a greasy residue on the skin. We loved that it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or swimming. The zinc oxide formula provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays, which is important for protecting against skin damage and skin cancer.

One downside we noticed is that the lotion can be difficult to spread evenly on the skin, which may result in uneven coverage. Additionally, the formula may leave a white residue on the skin, especially for those with darker skin tones. Finally, the price point may be higher than other sunscreens on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the product justifies the price point.

If you are looking for a high-quality sport sunscreen for men, we highly recommend the EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Sport Lotion. Its non-greasy, oil-free formula, water-resistant formula, and broad-spectrum coverage make it a top choice for outdoor activities.

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen 61Q2lgmyKgL.jpeg

If you're looking for a high-quality sunscreen for men, EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen is definitely worth considering. We highly recommend this product for its sheer, lightweight, and oil-free formula that provides excellent sun protection while keeping the skin calm and protected.

Pros

  • Provides excellent sun protection with 46 SPF
  • Sheer, lightweight, and oil-free formula is perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin
  • Dermatologist recommended

Cons

  • May be a little expensive for some
  • Contains Octinoxate, which may not be suitable for everyone
  • Not waterproof

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen is a great choice for men who are looking for a sunscreen that provides excellent sun protection without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. The formula is sheer, lightweight, and oil-free, making it perfect for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. We love that it's dermatologist recommended, which gives us peace of mind that it's safe and effective.

One of the things we appreciate most about EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen is its high SPF rating of 46, which ensures that your skin is well-protected from harmful UV rays. The formula is also enriched with zinc oxide, which helps to calm and protect the skin.

While EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen may be a little expensive for some, we think it's worth the investment for those who are serious about protecting their skin from the sun. It's important to note that the formula does contain Octinoxate, which may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, it's not waterproof, so you'll need to reapply it throughout the day if you're going to be spending time in the water.

Brickell Men's Element Defense Moisturizer with SPF45 for Men 51++vf8HPQL.jpeg

Brickell Men's Element Defense Moisturizer with SPF45 for Men is a fantastic product for men of all skin types who are looking for a natural and organic sunscreen that provides excellent protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays. It is easy to apply, non-greasy, and doesn't leave any white residue on the skin.

Pros

  • The light, non-greasy formula is easy to apply and doesn't leave any white residue on the skin
  • Provides excellent protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays with natural zinc oxide SPF45
  • Contains natural and certified organic ingredients, including sunflower oil and green tea, which help to soothe, strengthen, and replenish the skin

Cons

  • The product may be seen as "runny" when used
  • May leave a shiny film initially, but later dissipates
  • Not a moisturizer and does have that sunscreen smell

Brickell Men's Element Defense Moisturizer with SPF45 for Men is a great product for men who are looking for a natural and organic sunscreen that provides excellent protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays. The light, non-greasy formula is easy to apply and doesn't leave any white residue on the skin. It contains natural and certified organic ingredients, including sunflower oil and green tea, which help to soothe, strengthen, and replenish the skin. However, the product may be seen as "runny" when used and may leave a shiny film initially, but later dissipates. It is also not a moisturizer and does have that sunscreen smell.

Overall, we highly recommend Brickell Men's Element Defense Moisturizer with SPF45 for Men to anyone who is looking for a natural and organic sunscreen that provides excellent protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays.

JACKET Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+ 613UWdyNmPL.jpeg sport sunscreen for men, JACKET Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • SPF 50+ Blocks UV Rays
  • Water Resistant Sunscreen for Athletes
  • Anti-Aging Sunscreen

Cons

  • May be a bit expensive for some
  • May leave a slight masculine scent

We've been using JACKET Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+ for a while now, and we're impressed with its performance. Here are some of the things we like about it:

First, the SPF 50+ blocks UV rays effectively. The zinc oxide, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene create superior protection from damaging rays of both the UVA and UVB spectrum. Plus, it won't leave you with the white “clown” look that everyone is trying to avoid with zinc only sunblocks.

Second, it's a water-resistant sunscreen for athletes. Be confident that you are protected, even when you get wet. JACKET will stay on through a heavy sweat, or even a big kahuna surf session for maximum skin sun protection for your face and body.

Third, it's an anti-aging sunscreen. JACKET is designed to lighten and fade sun spots or “age spots” caused by sunlight. When we are out in the sun, ultraviolet rays create damaging free radicals which hurt the DNA in our skin cells. JACKET contains a host of antioxidants that prevent free radical damage and repair previous damage caused by the sun.

Finally, JACKET contains safe natural ingredients. Green Tea is a natural sun protector & strong antioxidant, Alpha Arbutin is a natural herbal ingredient responsible for fading sun damage spots away, Pomegranate Extract is one of the most potent antioxidants to clean up free radicals, Cucumber Extract is known to reduce puffiness around the eyes, Vitamin C Extract is known to help hyper pigmentation and reduce wrinkle depth, Aloe, Vitamin E, Sunflower Oil are included to hydrate, sooth and repair.

Overall, JACKET Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sport sunscreen for men. Its broad spectrum coverage, water resistance, and anti-aging properties make it an excellent option for anyone who spends time outdoors.

Sport Sunscreen Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing a sport sunscreen for men, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

SPF Level

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how effectively the sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPF levels provide slightly better protection, but the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is only about 1%.

Broad-Spectrum Protection

Make sure the sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause long-term skin damage and premature aging.

Water Resistance

If you plan to be in the water or sweat heavily, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. The label will indicate how long the sunscreen remains effective while swimming or sweating. Note that no sunscreen is completely waterproof, and you should reapply after getting out of the water or sweating.

Non-Greasy Formula

Choose a sunscreen that is non-greasy and doesn't leave a residue on the skin. This will make it more comfortable to wear during physical activity and won't clog pores or cause breakouts.

Easy Application

Consider the application method of the sunscreen. Some come in spray bottles, while others are lotions or sticks. Choose a sunscreen that is easy to apply and won't leave streaks or missed spots.

Size and Portability

Consider the size and portability of the sunscreen. If you plan to carry it with you during outdoor activities, choose a size that is easy to pack and won't take up too much space.

FeatureWhat to Look For
SPF LevelAt least 30, higher levels provide slightly better protection
Broad-Spectrum ProtectionProtects against UVA and UVB rays
Water ResistanceIndicates how long sunscreen remains effective while swimming or sweating
Non-Greasy FormulaDoesn't leave a residue on skin or clog pores
Easy ApplicationChoose a method that is easy to apply and won't leave streaks or missed spots
Size and PortabilityChoose a size that is easy to pack and won't take up too much space

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best sport sunscreen, you don't want to mess around. You need a tough-as-nails shield that can handle your sweat-soaked victories and wild adventures. Remember, go for a sunscreen with a high SPF to block those harmful UV rays, and don't forget the water resistance, because no wave or cannonball can stand in your way. Whether you're trying break 100 on the golf course, hitting the trails, or getting dominated by the surf, your skin deserves the ultimate protection. So, gear up, lather on that sunscreen, and conquer the great outdoors like the fearless champions we are! Stay protected, stay cool, and keep on shining, my fellow sun warriors!

We research and review the best skincare products for men. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission.