THE ONE SKINCARE mistake I see dudes make most is assuming SPF is only for sunny days at the beach. If you’re stepping outside, whether that be to walk down the block or reenact Frodo’s entire 2,000-mile stroll to Mordor, you need to be wearing sunscreen—year-round. This is because UV rays can be just as harmful as the fire inside Mount Doom by damaging skin and advancing signs of aging, like wrinkles and dark spots.
Not to mention, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Skin Cancer Foundation reports that over 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with two people dying from the disease every hour. It’s by far the most common type of cancer, as more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all the other cancers combined, and overexposure to UV rays is the most common cause.
So much for the sun solving your seasonal depression. Claire Chang, MD, says that the sun is dangerous to the skin because its ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin cell DNA and creates harmful molecules known as ROS (reactive oxygen species), both of which increase the risk of skin cancer. The sun also breaks down collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, leading to wrinkles and fine lines.
Sun exposure can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes, regardless of temperature or activity, which is why you need sunscreen for working out as much as you need SPF for winter. But you can exhale; this is all easily preventable with one simple habit: applying sunscreen. Of course, not all SPF products are created equal, so there are a few things to keep in mind before committing to your own personal savior.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios is Dr. Witkowski’s personal favorite and go-to sunscreen, not just for himself, but for his family. It is also the sunscreen I apply on my four-year-old child’s skin for a day at the beach or a long bike ride,” he says.
It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients: ceramides to strengthen the barrier, niacinamide to calm and even skin tone, and glycerin to lock in moisture. The application is lightweight and fast-absorbing, and its formula offers broad-spectrum, antioxidant-rich protection, including Senna alata to fight oxidative stress and signs of aging. It's water-resistant for 80 minutes, gentle on sensitive skin, and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, according to Dr.
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