Men’s Health Month

June 2022

When it comes to skin care, men have traditionally kept it simple. However, more men are now pursuing healthier, younger-looking skin, making it a great time for men to evaluate their skin care routine and learn more about how to take care of their body’s largest organ. Although there are key differences between men and women’s skin – for example, men’s skin is thicker than women’s – the basic elements of an effective skin care plan remain the same.

First, it’s important that everyone, including men, identify and understand their skin type:

• Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use
• Normal skin is clear and not sensitive
• Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough
• Oily skin is shiny and greasy
• Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others

Understanding your skin type will help you learn how to take care of your skin and select skin care products that are right for you.

To help men develop healthy skin care routines, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

• Consider product labels and ingredients. The skin care products you choose will depend on your skin type. If you have acne-prone skin, look for cleansers and moisturizers that say “oil free” or “non-comedogenic,” as these won’t clog your pores. If you have sensitive skin, use mild, “fragrance free” products, as products containing fragrances can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. However, beware of products labeled “unscented,” as many of these contain masking fragrances that can still irritate your skin.
• Wash your face daily and after exercise. Because regular bar soap often contains harsh ingredients that can be drying to the skin, wash your face with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm – not hot – water.
• Watch your shaving technique. For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well or shave too closely to your skin. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, use a single- or double-blade razor instead and do not stretch your skin taut while shaving. Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after each swipe of the razor, and change your blade after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.
• Moisturize daily. Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and younger. For the best results, apply moisturizer to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering or shaving while the skin is still damp.
• Check your skin regularly. New spots or moles that itch, bleed, or change color are often early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Men over age 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than the general population. However, when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
• Wear sunscreen whenever outdoors. To help prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer, before going outdoors, apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including your scalp, ears, neck and lips. For best protection, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. You can also protect your skin by seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.

Every man’s skin is different, and there is no “one size fits all” approach to skin care. If you aren’t sure what skin type you have, or if have questions about how to take care of your skin, see one of our dermatologists!

Melanoma Strikes Men Harder

Researchers have found yet another way that men and women differ. Melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, affects the sexes differently.

Men are more likely to die of melanoma than women. This is true at any age. White adolescent males and young adult men are about twice as likely to die of melanoma as are white females of the same age.

By age 50, men are also more likely than women to develop melanoma. This number jumps by age 65, making men 2 times as likely as women of the same age to get melanoma. By age 80, men are 3 times more likely than women in that age group to develop melanoma.

Why melanoma seems to strike men harder

One reason may be that men know less about skin cancer. A survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology in 2016 found that fewer men than women knew the following facts:

With less knowledge, it’s natural that men are less likely to protect their skin from the sun.

Sun protection can lower men’s risk of getting melanoma

While sun protection alone cannot explain why men are hit harder, we know that it can reduce the risk of getting melanoma.

Men who dislike applying lotions and creams can still protect their skin from the sun. When outdoors, even on cloudy days, men can:

• Put on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Seek shade whenever possible
• Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
• Stay out of the sun when the sun’s rays are strongest (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

It’s a proven fact that sunscreen also helps. Sunscreen can protect skin not covered by clothing.

To encourage men to wear sunscreen, there are sunscreens formulated just for men. To get the needed sun protection, the AAD recommends wearing sunscreen that offers SPF 30, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance.

Featured Products

ISDIN K-Ox Eyes

Combat bags, puffiness, and dark circles in one stroke, restoring youthfulness to your expression. Provides visible results in just 28 days of use. K-Ox Eyes now features a cooling ceramic applicator to refresh skin during application, with the same beloved formula that offers a firming effect and protects skin from moisture loss, leaving the eye area feeling smoother and visibly more rejuvenated.

Benefits:

• Helps visibly reduce puffiness and dark circles.
• Gives a firming effect which visibly rejuvenates the under-eye area.
• Helps to even skin tone while restoring skin elasticity.

EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF

EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 shields the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Zinc oxide provides protection from UVA and UVB rays to prevent sun and aging damage. The lightweight formula goes on white and dries to a clear finish without leaving skin greasy.

Benefits:

• Gentle enough for the whole family
• Formulated with SPF 45 for head-to-toe protection
• Sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Applies and easily rubs into wet skin