“As a dermatologist, my opinion is that the #1 problem in men’s skincare can be summed up in one word: NEGLECT.” -Dr. Susan Evans, MD, Expert Contributor to the Dr. Oz Show

Men’s health goes beyond working out and eating right. If you’re not taking care of your skin, you’re disregarding a major portion of your health. Your skin is different from women, with distinct needs, but it definitely has needs! This article is your sign to listen to the women in your life (and hopefully your dermatologist) telling you to get on top of a skincare routine if you haven’t already. 

Get cosmetics and beauty treatments out of your mind if that’s stopping you from owning your own skincare routine. Preventative care and health is what we’re about. More than half of the skin cancer cases are men, with the highest incidence in non-Hispanic white men. It comes down to protecting the skin. 

Protect Your Skin

First, visit your dermatologist once a year for a thorough check-up, more than that if you have a history or family history of skin cancer. Second, use sunscreen! Men in their 20s and 30s are usually active, participating in outdoor activities, lounging by the pool, or working outside. 

“Institutes of Health show that, among adults, males between the ages of 18 and 24 are at the highest risk of UVR exposure. For the past decade, this group has consistently reported the highest percentage of sunburns, with 50.03% reporting sunburn in 2010. This group was also the least likely group to usually or always protect themselves from the sun by using sunscreen, with only 13.7% of males 18 to 24 years old reporting usually using sunscreen in 2010. While research to date has primarily focused on the sun protection and tanning behaviors of young adult females, the attitudes and behaviors of males were poorly understood.”1

Point blank. Sunscreen. Everywhere skin is exposed. And yes, that even means on the top of your head if you’ve begun balding. Arguably, your scalp is even more sensitive than other areas of concern. 

We Recommend: For the best in sun protection, try SkinMedica Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 30.

Sunscreen will help protect the skin from harmful UV rays, and preventative measures in caring for the aging of the skin is a concern, too. Aging is inevitable. When products tout “anti-aging” benefits, what they really mean is, “Here’s how you can gracefully age. For the disinterested male, keep it simple. Use a good cleanser, an exfoliant, an antioxidant serum, and a good moisturizer. Premature aging, blemishes, dry skin, and complications of shaving like ingrown hairs are all easily avoided if you take the time to take care. 

Take Care When Shaving

Shave using a manual razor with a single blade. The double and triple blades promise to give you a very close shave; this sounds good, but the closer you shave, the more likely you are to have those hairs curling below the surface of your skin resulting in razor bumps and infected hairs. Shave in the shower, if you can. When your face is very wet, you minimize the likelihood of developing razor burn from too much friction. After shaving, moisturize! Why is it that men find moisturizing their skin feminine? It’s not! Men’s skin is thicker, tougher, and more prone to chafe or crack; it needs extra moisture. Exfoliate! Keep up a daily habit of light exfoliation to further prevent a build-up of dead skin cells and in-grown hairs. My partner’s life changed when he tried using exfoliating gloves. We get them for less than $5, usually at Homegoods or Primark. 

1. Shave using a single blade to prevent in-grown hairs
2. Moisturize
3. Exfoliate

We Recommend: Try Dermalogica Soothing Shave Kit to shave with comfort and ease. Follow with Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash to gently exfoliate and unclog congested pores. Finish off with Neostrata Lotion Plus, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that’s formulated with 15% glycolic acid to improve skin texture. 1-2-3…done! 🙂

Sources: 

1. Melanoma incidence and mortality, United States—2012–2016. (2019). U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Briefs, 9. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/uscs/about/data-briefs/no9-melanoma-incidence-mortality-UnitedStates-2012-2016.htm#:~:text=Based%20on%20data%20from%202012,men%20and%2031%2C845%20among%20women.