Ask the Men’s Health Expert –

When it comes to health, fitness, grooming, and any other subject we cover in Men’s Health, most guys have similar questions. So instead of racking our brains for what we think you want to know about skin, we dug through the archives and compiled every skin-related question guys have asked over the years. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for?

Q: The sunscreen aisle confuses me more and more every year. What should I be looking for?

A: No single product can do everything, so you’ll need at least two different sunscreens to fend off the summer sun. For everyday face and neck protection, a recently FDA-approved sunscreen called Anthelios SX can’t be beat. It contains Mexoryl, a UVA-blocking compound that retains its effectiveness longer than other sun-stopping chemicals. As for the SPF, choose 15 or 30. “Anything greater than that has limited to negligible benefits,” says Charles Crutchfield, M.D., a professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota medical school. “In fact, the FDA is considering banning any numbers higher than 45.” The only downside to Anthelios is that it doesn’t come in spray-on or waterproof versions yet, and you’ll need both at the pool or beach. “Sprays guarantee better full-body coverage,” says Dr. Crutchfield. Buy a bottle of Bullfrog Marathon Mist for good UVA/UVB protection and excellent staying power against water and sweat. Plus, unlike some other waterproof sunscreens, Bullfrog is oil-free, so it won’t irritate your skin.
Full Q & A Article: Men’s Health online