How to choose the right sunscreen

Here’s a fun task for you.

Ask all the men sitting next to you right now whether they use sunscreen. Chances are, they don’t.
And the number of people who give you that answer will be more shocking than you’d think.

Why? Because most men don’t know what to get or think they don’t need it at all.

Let’s fix that.
We’ll break down what you should actually look for in a sunscreen, and how to use it properly.

Don’t worry!

• ❌You don’t need the most expensive sunscreen
• ❌You don’t need 5 different types
• ❌You don’t need a 10-step routine

What You Need to Look for in a Sunscreen

SPF

SPF is the first thing everyone looks at. But it’s also the one thing most people don’t fully understand.

SPF = Sun Protection Factor

It tells you how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn).

And here’s what the numbers actually mean:

• SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays
• SPF 50 blocks about 98%

However, the numbers don’t mean much if you’re not:

• Applying enough
• Reapplying
• Using it daily

Because even the highest SPF won’t help if you’re barely using it or skipping it altogether.

Broad Spectrum

When a sunscreen says ‘broad spectrum’, it means it protects your skin from both types of UV rays.

• UVB rays cause sunburn
• UVA rays cause tanning, pigmentation, premature ageing, and long-term skin damage

And here’s the part most people don’t know:

UVA rays are present all day, all year. Even when it’s cloudy and even when you’re indoors near windows.

So if your sunscreen doesn’t say broad spectrum, you’re only doing half the job.

Texture

Let’s be honest. Most men don’t skip sunscreen because they don’t care, they skip it because it feels terrible.

• Too sticky. Too shiny. Too oily.
• And sometimes, it leaves that dreaded white cast.

At that point, it’s straight to the back of the shelf till it expires and then is thrown away.

That’s why choosing the right texture matters more than anything else.

If you have oily skin

You need something that:

• Absorbs quickly
• Doesn’t leave a shine
• Feels lightweight

Look for:

• Gel-based formulas
• Water-based formulas
• Matte finish

And just FYI, not all sunscreens make your skin oily. The ones wrong for your skin do.

If you have dry skin

You can get more out of your sunscreen than just sun protection.

Go for:

• Cream-based formulas
• Sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide

This way, you’re moisturising and shielding your skin in just one step. Efficient and effective.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin

You don’t need to avoid sunscreen, you just need to choose better.

Look for:

• Non-comedogenic formulas (won’t clog pores)
• Lightweight textures
• Minimal or no added fragrance

Breakouts aren’t caused by sunscreen itself. They are caused by using the wrong formulation for your skin.

White Cast

This one’s important, especially for Indian skin tones.

A sunscreen that leaves a white or grey cast looks unnatural, feels uncomfortable, and gets skipped.

And anything you skip is useless.

So look for sunscreens that clearly say ‘no white cast’ on the packaging or are designed to blend seamlessly into your skin.

Water Resistance

Your environment matters more than you think.

If you live in a hot, humid place or have an active lifestyle, your sunscreen needs to keep up.

Look for sweat-resistant or water-resistant formulas that stay on for longer periods of time.

Because if it melts off in 20 minutes, it’s not doing much for you.

Once you’ve chosen the right sunscreen, here’s how you should use it

If you think applying a tiny amount of sunscreen is enough, keep reading.

THE CORRECT AMOUNT

About two fingers’ worth of sunscreen for your face and neck.

Same applies to any other exposed skin that’s not covered by your clothes.

Anything less, and you’re not getting the protection mentioned on the label.

The Step Everyone Forgets

You can pick the right sunscreen, apply it perfectly, and still not get full protection if you forget about this one simple truth:

Sunscreens don’t last all day long.

You need to reapply every 2–3 hours if you’re:

• Outdoors
• Sweating heavily
• Wiping your face frequently

This is the difference between sunscreen that feels effective and sunscreen that actually is.

In conclusion…

You need sunscreen. Full stop.

And no, it’s not complicated.

You don’t need a shelf full of products or a complicated routine. You just need:

• The right sunscreen for your skin type
• The right amount
• Consistent use

Because skipping this one step every day is much more dangerous than you think.

While tanning and pigmentation are visible concerns, long-term UV exposure can also lead to serious skin damage, including skin cancer.

Regular sunscreen use helps:

• Reduce cumulative UV damage
• Lower the risk of skin cancer over time
• Protect your skin’s overall health, not just appearance

This isn’t just about looking good. It’s about long-term protection.