Review: Top 5 Sunscreens for Men this Summer

Whether we like it or not, sunscreen is a must for all of us — especially in the summer months when we spend far more time soaking up the sun. If you’re spending the day in the sun, reach for an SPF30 or higher and make sure you reapply every hour, or after you’ve taken a dip.

Dermatologists and skincare experts recommend that the average adult apply at least a shot glass full of sunscreen to your body when you’re out in the sun so make sure you lather it on good! Of course, not all sunscreens are created equal and finding one you love can be pretty much trial and error. So, to help take the nightmare out of finding a sunscreen fit for the fellas this summer, we’ve rounded up some products for every skin type.

Cetaphil Sun SPF 30+ Spray

This updated version of the much-loved Cetaphil Daylong SPF30 Face & Body Liposomal Spray is a must-have in any beach bag. The water-resistant sunscreen spray-lotion from Cetaphil is brilliant for getting to those hard-to-reach parts of my body that almost always end up getting sunburnt. It’s also a bonus that it can easily be used on both the face and body without causing any irritation or blocking the pores. Most sunscreens for the body can be quite thick and gloopy, and there’s no way I would put them anywhere near my face. But this gem from Cetaphil is hypoallergenic (meaning it’s kind to sensitive skin) as well as non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores!).

The incredible 2-in-1 product is ideal for those who don’t want to carry too many products around, and is the ideal choice for busy outdoor types. It is very water-resistant, making it great for water babies who love to linger longer in the pool.

Cetaphil Sun SPF 30+ Spray is available from Clicks and Dis-Chem at R229.99 for 150ml bottle.   

Eau Thermale Avène High Protection Spray SPF50

This easy spray-on sunblock offers very high sun protection for sensitive skin. With UVB-UVA protection, this long-lasting broad-spectrum sunscreen is water-resistant and promises optimal skin tolerance. Formulated using Avène’s famous Thermal Spring Water, which is recognised for its soothing, anti-irritating and softening properties, this product won’t dry out your skin or clog your pores. In fact, Eau Thermale Avène says it has an anti-dryness effect that promises up to 6-hours of hydration.

What’s more, the SPF 50+ spray is kinder to the environment. The Avène sunscreen range has been developed to minimize the impact on the marine ecosystem, making it a great choice for those who love the beach. Many ingredients found in sunscreens, like silicone and certain sun filters are not biodegradable and can be digested by marine organisms, which can have a very harmful impact. Through a project called, Skin Protect, Ocean Respect, Eau Thermale Avène introduced a range of suncare that offers optimal sun protection while minimising environmental impact. Find out more here.

Avène High Protection Spray SPF50Available at Click stores and online for R319 200ml. There’s also a version of the product for children.

Optiphi Protect the Canvas Broad Spectrum Sun Protection Cream

Looking for a great facial sunscreen for summer? You’ll love this version from local brand, Optiphi. This light-weight, non-oily, anti-oxidant packed sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection from harmful rays while also helping to fight the onset of premature ageing. This sunscreen feels luxurious on the skin and the moisturising effect it has is hard to beat. It’s especially great to use in summer when the skin needs an added boost of moisture.

The product contains Sunflower Sprout Extract and Caesalpinia Spinos Fruit Extract, which provide protection against Infrared Radiation (IR) and High Energy Visible (HEV) ‘Blue’ Light. Chromanol and Tripeptide-33 in the product help to fight free radicals and protect against UV related oxidative stress. The non-whitening, chemical and physical filters assist in protecting the skin from UVA and UVB radiation while the addition of Lactic Acid adds moisture and a rejuvenating benefit to this sun protection cream.

Grab Optiphi’s Broad Spectrum Sun Protection Cream online for R390.

Heliocare Color Gelcream SPF50

Speaking of facial sunscreens, you can’t get through summer without a good tinted sunscreen. In the world of tinted sunscreens, Heliocare is right up there with the very best. A broad-spectrum sunscreen that helps to prevent the formation of pigmentation as well as other visible signs of ageing caused by the sun, Heliocare’s Gelcream is lightweight and gives you just enough coverage to look like a flawless god on the beach.

Available in two shades (light and brown), this stunning sunscreen has a creamy texture and feels oh-so-soft on the skin. It’s also non-comedogenic but gives you a soft-focus, dewy finish. The product makes use of FernBlock, a natural plant extract from Central America with proven photoprotective properties, together with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection to offer long-lasting protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Find Heliocare Color Gelcream SPF50 at Dermastore for R370.

Nivea Sun Kids Coloured Formula Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from the sun is serious business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun doing it. Nivea’s fun new range of coloured sunscreens puts the fun back into summer for kids and adults alike. The range includes a range of super fun and playful coloured sunscreens including the Nivea Moisturising Sun Spray SPF50+, and the Nivea Kids Protect & Care Coloured Roll-On. Available in blue, pink, and green colours, these sunscreens spray or roll on bright pink and blue but dissolve to be transparent when rubbed into the skin.

Specially formulated for children’s delicate skin, Nivea Sun Kids Coloured Moisturising Sun Spray offers highly effective UVA/UVB protection and immediately protects against sunburn and long-term skin damage. The caring formula helps reduce the risk of sun allergies, while the disappearing colour ensures even coverage and reliable protection. Nivea says the formula is also extra water-resistant to ensure hours of fun in the sun at the beach.

For easy application try the Nivea Sun Kids Coloured Roll-on. With highly effective UVA/UVB protection, this easy-to-apply sunblock has a child-friendly handy roll-on format for easy application. The caring formula for children’s delicate skin helps to reduce the risk of sun allergies and is extra water resistant. Kids will love the novelty of the unique roll-on format, which makes application fun and easy.

Find the range at Dis-Chem, Clicks, and other leading retailers starting at R94.