Summer toiletry bag for men: from sunscreen to perfume

Vacations, weekend getaways, days at the pool or beach... Travel is more common in summer, and a must-have in your suitcase is a toiletry bag . Whether mini or full-size, there are certain products we can't forget, not only to look better, but also to maintain the health of our skin and hair. During these months, factors such as the sun, chlorine in the pool, sea salt, heat, air conditioning... can take their toll, in the form of burns, dehydration, or irritation. Which ones are essential? It depends on how much you're willing to invest in your care, but there are basics such as hygiene products (body wash, shampoo, deodorant) and some beauty products (sunscreen, razor, moisturizer, etc.) that should have a place in your toiletry bag.

40% of Spaniards still perceive tanned skin as beautiful or healthy, yet dermatologists never tire of repeating that any tan causes skin damage. During the presentation of ISDIN's new sunscreen products, dermatologist Paloma Borregón warned that "skin has a memory, and even the darkest phototypes can suffer from melanoma. That's why I always say, if you only use one cream, make it sunscreen . The sun emits various types of radiation: UVB is responsible for burns and sun damage; UVA doesn't burn but causes photoaging and skin cancer; infrared produces free radicals and aging; and blue light is responsible for skin aging."

In summer, we're much more exposed to the sun, so sunscreen is a must-have. It's best to choose one product for the body and another for the face . Body protection is usually achieved with creams or sprays, while for the face, it's preferable to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type, in a cream or even a stick. It's essential to use a product with SPF 30, 50, or 50 plus, depending on your skin type, and a broad-spectrum product (one that protects against all radiation).

Hair also suffers a lot in summer from the sun's rays, sea salt, chlorine in swimming pools, heat... Dermatologist Carolina López , specialist in trichology and hair medicine at DEMYA Bonjanini team, recommends, in addition to protecting hair with specific products ( hair sunscreens exist, and you can also use caps, hats and scarves), " rinsing your hair well with fresh water after each swim in the pool or the sea ."

And as soon as possible, you should wash your hair with a gentle shampoo appropriate for your needs. Also, if you have long hair, it's a good idea to use moisturizing products like a mask, and other products that help detangle it, like leave-in conditioners, serums, or oils.

Cleansing your face is one of the most important steps in your beauty routine. Only clean skin will be able to properly absorb all the products you apply next. And washing your face with just water isn't enough . Dr. Ana Molina , a dermatologist at the Spanish Group of Aesthetic and Therapeutic Dermatology (GEDET) and scientific communicator, explains: "Let me give you the example of dishes. Would you wash them with just water? No, because the grease and dirt would stick. Well, the same goes for your skin: on its own, it doesn't effectively remove sebum, makeup residue, environmental pollutants, or sunscreen." Since sunscreen will be your ally this summer, you shouldn't forget a good facial cleanser that's gentle and respectful of the skin barrier.

In summer, various circumstances cause skin dehydration : high temperatures, sun exposure, air conditioning, swimming in the pool or the sea... Drinking water is necessary, but it is not enough to keep the skin hydrated. This is what pharmacist Gema Herrerías , an expert in dermopharmacy, states in her new book 'Skin Code': " Although it is often thought that drinking more water directly improves skin hydration, there is no scientific evidence to confirm this ." Therefore, it is necessary to hydrate the skin with creams that reinforce the barrier function and that include both hydrating active ingredients (hyaluronic acid) and other occlusive agents (shea butter or oils), which prevent moisture loss.

The skin on your body also needs hydration, and above all, repair, after a day at the beach or pool. After showering, it's a good idea to apply a moisturizing body lotion or aftersun . These products are specially formulated to soothe, deeply hydrate, prevent flaking, regenerate, and even help prolong your tan.

Your summer toiletry bag also includes a razor, unless you decide to grow a beard in the summer. It's true that many men relax during these months and prefer to give their skin a break. Beards can have some benefits, for example, protecting from the sun's rays . However, they also have drawbacks: they're hot, can irritate the skin , and if it's thick, it causes facial sweat, and can even cause pimples. Don't forget that if you grow a beard, you'll need to add some additional products to your toiletry bag (such as a specific serum and cleanser).

In summer, unless you opt for a shaved head, which is undoubtedly very comfortable, the wet look is the best option. In addition to being stylish, this hairstyle helps control frizz and keep bangs and those unruly hairs in place. Simply apply a gel or hair gel to wet hair and comb it back, or part it if you prefer.

You can also add an eye cream to your makeup bag, as this area tends to suffer a lot in summer. It's essential to wear sunglasses to protect your skin, but applying a specific cream will also maintain hydration and, in the process, prevent aging and improve both dark circles and puffiness . Rosa Roselló , training director at Druni, explains why this can make a difference, especially if you're over 30. "The skin around the eyes is five times thinner than the rest of the face, has less collagen, fewer sebaceous glands, and less fatty tissue. All of this makes it an extremely fragile area and vulnerable to the signs of aging . At this time of year, the skin around the eyes needs extra hydration and protection. Heat and sun exposure accelerate collagen breakdown and promote the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, many people sweat more or use facial sunscreens not adapted to the area, which can irritate this delicate area."

Perfume is the ultimate weapon of male seduction, and in summer, it's a must-have in your beauty bag. During these months, it's preferable to opt for fresh scents, although it's a very personal choice, and everything goes as long as you use it well, applying the right amount . To get the most out of your fragrance, use it after showering (even better if you also moisturize your skin), on your pulse points (wrists, behind the ears, knees, elbows, etc.), and don't rub it in.