As much as it pains us to say this, men simply aren’t as diligent about sun protection as their female counterparts. Ask 10 men why they skip this step, and you’ll get 10 different answers. Most will apply it when they’re planning to be at the beach or by the pool, but as a part of an everyday routine, men have a long way to go in terms of making this a habit. If you, or the man in your life, are sunscreen averse, read on. There are several compelling reasons to make it part of your daily skin care routine.
The Sunburn Cancer Connection
Avoiding a sunburn just makes sense. Most men say this is why they use sunscreen, and memories of past burns weigh on their mind when making a “yes” call for slathering. Aside from the obvious pain, peeling, and sleepless nights that come with sunburns, according to Cancer Research UK, “getting sunburn, just once every two years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer.” Statistics already show that men over 50 are at increased risk for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, in part because of their historical refusal to wear it daily.
Sun Damage Ages You
Despite the fact that men have thicker skin, which has more collagen in it, repeated sun exposure can break the skin down. The result? Lax, drooping skin without that youthful elasticity. After age 30, men and women begin losing collagen, so being diligent about sun protection makes a big difference in how long your skin remains taut and wrinkle-free. Of course, you can seek medical support and buy products that increase your body’s natural collagen production, but why not keep what you have intact longer by simply adding sunscreen to your daily routine? Prevention, after all, is far cheaper than restoration.
Discoloration – Both Dark and Light
Have you ever noticed how even a baby’s skin is? The color is often completely uniform. Now, take a look in the mirror. See any red or brown sections? That discoloration, also known as hyper-pigmentation, occurs when your skin cells create melanin. When UV light reacts with your skin, it tells the body to generate melanin as a form of defense or natural sunscreen. Unfortunately, excess melanin has a way of settling into patches that are affectionately known as age spots or liver spots (even though your liver has nothing to do with their formation). Those dark patches may all blend together when you’re young, but they can leave unattractive traces on your skin as you age. Some topical treatments like vitamin C help break up the melanin over time, and laser therapy can zap it away, but once again, sunscreen can prevent it from happening in the first place.
Pick Your Protection
Implementing a sunscreen regimen doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really just a matter of finding a product that provides adequate protection and feels aesthetically pleasing. Physical sunblock prevents rays from penetrating the skin completely, so picking one with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreen doesn’t fully block the sun, but these products are often more appealing because they dry down with leaving a white cast behind. Before you settle on one or the other, give them both a try to see what works for you on a daily basis. Sunforgettable by Colorescience may suit your lifestyle and needs better since it comes in a powder form and is applied with a brush. Whatever you choose, make sure you put it on … and reapply it often to ensure your precious skin is protected at all times.
To wearing sunscreen and saving your life,
Team Reflect
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