What should men know about maintaining good skin health?

From the Guidelines

Men should prioritize their skin health by following a daily routine that includes moisturizing, protecting against excessive sun exposure, and using appropriate skincare products, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. To maintain good skin health, men should:

• Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness and irritation
• Protect their skin from excessive sun exposure by using SPF 30 UVA and UVB protective sunscreen and seeking shade during peak hours
• Use emollients or soap substitutes to maintain skin hydration
• Apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before being in the sun and reapply after swimming or strenuous exercise, as suggested by 1
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds, and wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses to minimize sun exposure, as recommended by 1 Additionally, men should:
• Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin
• Apply a moisturizer appropriate for their skin type immediately after washing to maintain hydration
• Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water, eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and get sufficient sleep to support skin repair
• Use sharp razors, shaving cream, and aftershave with alcohol-free ingredients like witch hazel to prevent irritation when shaving By following these practices, men can maintain their skin's protective barrier, prevent moisture loss, shield against UV damage, and support their skin's natural regeneration processes, ultimately reducing the risk of premature aging and skin cancer, as supported by 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The effects of the sun on your skin. As you know, overexposure to natural sunlight or the artificial sunlight of a sunlamp can cause sunburn. Overexposure to the sun over many years may cause premature aging of the skin and even skin cancer. Therapy with tretinoin gel may make your skin more susceptible to sunburn and other adverse effects of the sun, so unprotected exposure to natural or artificial sunlight should be minimized. Use caution in the sun. When outside, even on hazy days, areas treated with tretinoin gel should be protected An effective sunscreen should be used any time you are outside (consult your physician for a recommendation of an SPF level which will provide you with the necessary high level of protection).

Men should know that sun protection is essential for maintaining good skin health. This includes:

• Using an effective sunscreen with a recommended SPF level
• Protecting treated areas from natural or artificial sunlight
• Avoiding excessive exposure to wind or cold
• Being cautious of premature aging and skin cancer due to overexposure to the sun
• Following a gentle skin care routine, including washing skin gently with a mild soap and avoiding harsh scrubbing 2

From the Research

Importance of Skin Health for Men

• Men experience higher rates of skin cancer than women, making skin health a crucial aspect of their overall well-being 3
• Despite the risks, men are less likely to use sunscreen and engage in other sun-protective behaviors compared to women 3, 4

Sunscreen Use and Sun Protection Practices

• A study found that only 17% of men reported using sunscreen daily, while 38% reported using it weekly 3
• Another study revealed that men's preferred sun protection methods included avoiding sun exposure during peak hours and wearing sunglasses 4
• Compliance with sunscreen advice is generally low, with only 4.4% of adults fully complying with all sunscreen recommendations 5

Barriers to Sunscreen Use

• Lack of time to reapply sunscreen is a significant barrier to sunscreen use, particularly among young adult males engaged in outdoor activities 6
• Men may also be unfamiliar with certain sunscreen products, such as towelettes, which can affect their willingness to use them 6

Demographic Characteristics and Sun-Protective Behaviors

• Demographic characteristics, such as age, income, and education level, can influence men's participation in sun-protective behaviors 3, 7
• High-risk behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing seatbelts, may also be associated with lower levels of sun-protective behaviors 7

Increasing Sun Protection Behaviors among Men

• Campaigns to reduce skin cancer should focus on increasing men's interest in daily sunscreen use and adherence to wearing sun-protective products 3
• Allowing breaks every 2 hours for sunscreen application and developing more convenient sunscreen delivery systems may help increase sun protection behaviors among men 6