If you want to knock a few minutes off your skincare routine before applying sunscreen (reminder: it should be the last step), grab an SPF moisturizer. The best one is Marlowe No. 128 Face Lotion with SPF 50, and it is the ideal beach companion—lightweight, fast-absorbing, and packed with skin-loving ingredients that protect and hydrate without clogging pores. Not to mention, it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, so you can take a dip without risking a burn.
The oil-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores and cause acne) formula features skin-soothing aloe vera and moisturizing shea butter, keeping skin soft and calm after sun and salt exposure. There is also vitamin A to help fight sun damage, while the fragrance-free formula suits even the most sensitive skin. As a bonus, it leaves no white cast and absorbs quickly, which is essential for beach mornings when you’re on the go and want to avoid looking ghostly. Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing seaside, this multitasking SPF moisturizer has you covered.
Read More: Best SPF Moisturizers
Don’t feel like ditching your daily moisturizer or plan to enjoy watersports while you’re at the beach? Freaks of Nature Peak Performance SPF 50 is the answer. It was created by Kelly Slater, the greatest surfer of all time, so you know it can handle intense activities. In fact, there is no better sunscreen for working out. Peak Performance nails what active guys need in a beach sunscreen: serious water and sweat resistance, zero eye sting, and no harsh chemicals.
I’ve worn it during ocean swims, long runs, and pool laps—never budged once in 80 minutes of water, or 40 of sweating hard. It’s thick but blends in fast, if you stick to a dime-sized amount. It can leave a slight white cast when overapplied or on darker skin, as well as stain clothes if you don’t rinse off thoroughly. Stii, with no fragrance, a reef-safe formula, and packaged in 100 percent recycled plastic—this mineral SPF pulls double duty for your skin and the planet. Even if you prefer your beach hangs with minimal movement, it’ll keep you protected throughout the day (with regular reapplication, of course).
Read More: Best Sunscreen for Men
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Whenever you’re in the sun, you need to cover every inch of your body that is exposed, including arms, legs, and back. This can be an exhausting exercise with lotions, but sprays speed up the process (though, to be clear, you still need to rub it in). Dermatologists also recommend sprays for easy reapplication, though you should still use a standard sunscreen or SPF moisturizer for your initial lather. Neutrogena’s SPF 70 spray fits the bill.
The lightweight mist absorbs almost instantly, leaving zero greasy residue—just a clean, matte finish that doesn’t stick or help sand cling to you. Its non-comedogenic and oil-free formula is safe for sensitive skin, and won’t cause any breakouts like many other sunscreens we’ve tested. The spray design offers even coverage across the body in seconds, even on hard-to-reach spots, which for someone as inflexible as myself includes the legs. It’s quick, convenient, and most importantly, effective.
Read More: Best Spray Sunscreen
One of the most common mistakes when it comes to sun protection (other than thinking you don’t need it, of course) is neglecting the lips. Lips have much thinner skin and contain little to no melanin, which is the pigment that helps shield the rest of your body from UV rays. As a result, they’re especially prone to sun damage, which can cause burning, dryness, and a higher chance of developing skin cancer.
Similar to sunscreen, you need at least SPF 30 for effective protection, which will fight off 97 percent of rays. Many lip balms with SPF ignore this, thinking SPF 20 or even 15 is enough, but not Malin + Goetz. Its lip balm features SPF 30 and feels ultra-soft. Plus, it’s water-resistant for 40 minutes and comes in a super-travel-friendly 0.3 oz container that takes up no space while packing for the beach.
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Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray has become a beach bag essential for me and my sensitive, easily reddened skin. Powered by hypochlorous acid, it helps calm redness, soothe irritation, and support your skin’s natural barrier—all without any sting or irritating fragrance. I spritz it on post-dip or after intense sun exposure to awaken my skin and reduce redness. It absorbs fast and feels like a refreshing reset for your face.
Whether swimming or chilling, you’re going to get sweaty in the sun, and you’ll want something to freshen up your pits a couple of times throughout the day. Salt & Stone’s Santal and Vetiver Deodorant not only smells incredible, but it also offers intense protection with prebiotics that neutralize odor while seaweed extracts moisturize. It holds up incredibly well through water, too. I recently wore it during a seven-mile run in the rain, and it smelled nearly as strong at the end of it as when I first applied. The scent is a subtle, masculine blend of amber sandalwood and cedar with a hint of citrus, evoking a beach-set bonfire.
Read More: Best Deodorants
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Best Scalp Protection for the Beach
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp and Hair Mist
Now 40% Off
Clearly, bald men need to apply sunscreen directly to their shiny domes, since their scalps are the most exposed part of their bodies. But even those with thick, luscious locks are vulnerable because UV rays can sneak in through strands and the parts of your hair. This mist is the perfect solution, offering SPF 30 protection without having to worry about how to massage a creamy sunscreen into your hair. Plus, it’s lightweight and quick-drying so it won’t weigh down your hair or leave it feeling greasy.
Even if you follow all of these steps, your skin will still need some TLC, to soothe sun-exposed skin, which can become irritated or inflamed from extended UV exposure, and to replenish lost moisture since sun, salt, and wind can leave your skin dry and dehydrated. Apply after-sun care will prevent peeling, support skin repair, and keep your skin feeling healthy and comfortable. This lightweight lotion delivers instant cooling relief that rehydrates overheated skin after a long day in the sun. Packed with aloe, cucumber extract, and seaberry oil, it calms redness, eases soreness, and kickstarts the recovery process. The non-greasy formula absorbs fast and leaves behind a clean, fresh scent that won’t overpower your post-sun chill.
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When thinking of skincare, your mind doesn’t jump immediately to towels, but they are a factor. While not a skincare product, per se, the towel you bring to the beach can have a major impact on your skin, and the wrong one can do a lot of damage. Velour towels may feel plush, but they trap moisture and heat, making them a breeding ground for bacteria, causing breakouts, redness, and other blemishes. Microfiber dries fast, but its synthetic texture can irritate sensitive skin and hold onto oils.
But not Brooklinen Beach Towels. These are 100 percent cotton, so they gently absorb moisture without irritating your skin. The natural fibers also allow your skin to breathe, helping prevent rashes or breakouts after sun exposure. Plus, they simply look amazing, evoking the vibe of a 1950s beach day in the best way possible.
Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
