The latest RealSelf data reveals more men are researching nonsurgical cosmetic treatments in 2019, with interest up six percent compared to 2018. Male interest in surgical cosmetic procedures increased slightly less during the same time period, up four percent compared to a year ago.
The most researched treatments among men in 2019 are dental treatments like Invisalign and the surgical procedures tummy tuck and rhinoplasty. However, injectables and treatments designed to restore the skin are seeing the highest year-over-year interest growth.
As Europeans cope with a record heatwave suffocating much of the continent, the importance of sun protection cannot be overstated.
Why should we be careful? How to choose and apply sunscreen properly? Euronews gathered a few tips from dermatologists.
Why sun protection matters
There is no such a thing as a healthy tan, dermatologists say.
“A tan is actually a sign that our skin has been harmed by UV radiation and is trying to defend itself against further damage. This kind of damage can, in turn, increase your risk of developing skin cancer,” the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) warns.
There were over 140,000 new cases of melanoma of the skin across Europe In 2018, according to the Global Cancer Observatory, a majority of which is due to extensive sun exposure.
“In more than four out of five cases skin cancer is a preventable disease,” BAD said.
How to choose a sunscreen
“Look for one that is SPF 30 or higher,” Dr. Doris Day, a New York-based dermatologist, told Euronews. SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and indicates how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn.
Day said sunscreen should also be broad spectrum, meaning that it protects the skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, both of which can cause skin cancer.
It is preferable to pick a water-resistant sunscreen, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
“The actual formulation of gel, lotion or cream is a personal preference, with gels being better for those who are more athletic and those with oily skin while creams are better for those with dry skin,” Dr. Day said.
There are essentially two types of sunscreen and they each have their pros and cons.
“Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays,” AAD explained. “These formulations tend to be easier to rub into the skin without leaving a white residue.”
“Physical sunscreens work like a shield, sitting on the surface of your skin and deflecting the sun’s rays,” AAD noted, adding: “Opt for this sunscreen if you have sensitive skin.”
How to apply sunscreen
Rule number one is that sunscreen should be applied generously.
“Studies have found that most people apply less than half of the amount required to provide the level of protection indicated on the packaging,” BAD said.
“Areas such as the back and sides of the neck, temples, and ears are commonly missed, so you need to apply it generously and be careful not to miss patches.”
While the amount required may vary depending on the type of product, AAD says most adults will need to use the equivalent of a ‘shot glass’ of sunscreen to fully cover their body.
Not only do you need to apply more sunscreen, but you probably also need to apply it more often. “Up to 85 per cent of a product can be removed by towel drying, so you should reapply after swimming, sweating, or any other vigorous or abrasive activity,” BAD recommends.
Last but not least, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen thoroughly.
“Studies show that if you are right handed you will apply more sunscreen to the right side of your face and, to the left side if your face if you are left-handed,” Dr. Day noted.
“Be sure to apply a generous layer to the entire face, I prefer starting with the outer face and ending with the nose, to make sure everything is covered. It’s also really important to cover the scalp or partline of your hair and the sides of the neck and also the chest,” Dr. Day continued.
Why sunscreen alone is not enough
“Even more important than sunscreen is being sun-smart,” Dr. Day said.
“This means: avoiding midday sun when possible, staying in the shade when possible, wearing a hat, sun protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen and reapplying sunscreen every few hours,” the dermatologist added.
“An easy way to remember is the shorter your shadow, the more dangerous the rays of the sun. At noon, your shadow is essentially zero because the sun is right above, that’s when the UVB rays are strongest and you have the highest chance of sunburn.”
Clothing also offers excellent sun protection. When possible, wear “a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses,” as per AAD’s recommendations.
Sun protection under extreme heat
Under extreme heatwaves like the ones currently seen in Europe, it becomes even more important to be sun-smart.
“Stay hydrated since you can lose a good amount of water through your skin in the form of sweat,” Dr. Day said.
“ If you have headaches, change in vision or body temperature go to a doctor right away since this could be a sign of sun poisoning and could be life-threatening,” she added.
Thanks to an overwhelming number of creams, cleansers, masks, moisturizers and other beauty goodies available in the market, finding the right skin care product seems like a Herculean task.
But that doesn’t mean you should stop making an effort altogether. Your skin is the largest organ of the body and its first line of defense against pathogens. Building and following an effective skin care routine is crucial to strengthen your skin’s barrier against harmful bacteria, UV rays and free radicals. Consistent and proper skin care also helps tackle common skin concerns like acne, blemishes, dryness, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dull and uneven complexion, among other things.
This is why taking care of your skin is as important for men as it is for women. “Men need to pay more attention to their skin because they are just as susceptible to sun damage and its effects on skin health over time as women are,” says Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in non-invasive aesthetic rejuvenation.
So, gentlemen, if your ‘skin care regimen’ consists of washing your face with a bar of soap and a splash of spicy aftershave then you need to step up your skin care game!
Know your skin
Even though there are a few key differences between men and women’s skin — for example, men’s skin is more oily and thicker than women’s skin — “the basic elements of an effective skin care plan remain the same,” states the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The first thing you need to do is identify your skin type — whether it’s dry, normal, sensitive, oily or combination skin. This will help you pick the right skin care products that cater to your skin’s needs. “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,” suggests AAD. “However, beware of products labeled ‘unscented,’ as many of these contain masking fragrances that can still irritate your skin,” it adds.
Men’s Skin Care 101
Once you’ve figured out your skin type, follow these dermatologist-recommended tips to get your healthiest, happiest skin ever:
Cleanse your face. Wash your face in the morning and before bedtime with a mild cleanser. Avoid using soap on your face as they often contain harsh ingredients that can strip your skin of essential natural oils. “Incorporate a mild, exfoliating face wash to decongest pores and to help treat the causes of folliculitis in the beard area,” says Dr. Nussbaum. Take a dime-sized dollop of the cleanser and rub it all over your face in light, circular motion. Rinse with cool water and gently pat dry. Try Cetaphil’s Extra Gentle Daily Scrub, ClarinsMen Active Face Wash or Dove’s Men+Care Deep Clean+ Face Scrub.
Shave in the shower. “Shave immediately after showering or in the shower. This allows steam to soften the skin and hair in areas to be groomed,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “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,” suggests American Academy of Dermatology. Never shave against the grain and change your blade after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation, notes AAD. It’s also important to use skin-soothing shaving cream. Dr. Nussbaum recommends Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel.
Don’t skip moisturizing. Your skin loses natural moisture every time you wash it. This is why applying a moisturizer right after cleansing or shaving is essential to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. “I have noticed that men who start using moisturizer and sunscreen get a dramatic improvement in the appearance of their skin within weeks,” notes Dr. Anna Guanche, a California-brd board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Bella Skin Institute. Try Bulldog’s Original Moisturizer, Bleu de Chanel 2-In-1 Moisturizer For Face And Beard or Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment.
Exfoliate once a week. Exfoliate once or twice a week to slough off the build-up of sebum, dead skin cells and other impurities. “Gentle exfoliation also helps with hyperpigmentation or brown spots, reduces acne breakouts and keeps the skin appearing fresh and bright,” says Dr. Guanche. Try Baxter Of California Facial Scrub, Malin+Goetz Jojoba Face Scrub or DTRT First thing First Face Scrub. If you want to further deep clean your pores, “apply a clay-brd mask, like Revision Skincare’s Black Mask, once a week. Leave it on for around ten minutes before you shower, then rinse it and follow with your usual shave,” suggests Dr. Nussbaum.
Swap the aftershave with an antioxidant serum. “Instead of a traditional aftershave, use an antioxidant-rich serum like SkinBetter Science Alto to brighten your complexion and counteract the day’s sun effects,” says Dr. Nussbaum. Meanwhile, if you’re prone to ingrown hairs, “apply a glycolic-brd toner right after shaving,” recommends Dr. Guanche. Try The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or Clinique For Men’s Exfoliating Tonic.
Wear sunscreen every single day. Whether it’s cloudy, sunny, rainy or snowing, wear sunscreen before stepping out of the house, without any exception. “Even your morning run and walking to lunch count as sun exposure,” Dr. Nussbaum points out. For maximum protection, slather sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going out. “It’s important to make sure that your back of the neck, ears and exposed scalp are also covered,” says Dr. Guanche. “And don’t forget to apply sunscreen under your beard as well,” she advises. “I have caught quite a few skin cancers hidden in bearded areas. While beard does a great job of covering your skin from the sun, the harmful UV rays are still able to penetrate into your skin ,” the dermatologist explains. “I recommend Anthelios by La Roche Posay and Elta MD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Tinted Sunscreen,” she says. For men who have very oily skin, Dr. Nussbaum recommends Olay’s Sun Face Sunscreen Serum + Shine Control with SPF 35. In addition, “use hats and collars to cover up while you’re outdoors, especially during peak hours (between 10am and 2pm) — when the sun is brightest and extremely damaging to the skin,” tells Dr. Nussbaum.
Establish a nighttime skin care routine: Just like your morning skin care routine (cleanse, shave, moisturize and apply sunscreen), a bedtime skin care regimen is also significant for repairing and nourishing your skin. At nighttime, after cleansing your face, apply a lightweight retinol serum or night cream like SkinBetter Science’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream, suggests Dr. Nussbaum. “Retinol promotes skin cell turnover, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and gives you a youthful complexion,” explains the skin care expert. Also, invest in a good eye oil or eye cream. “Most men start to show signs of aging around the eyes first,” tells Dr. Nussbaum. “A lightweight eye cream or eye oil with active ingredients helps smooth out fine lines around the eyes, soothes redness and reduces puffiness in the under-eye area,” she explains. Try Brickell’s Restoring Eye Cream, Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel or Ernest Supplies’ 360 Protective Eye Serum.
Use a lip balm. Always carry a lip balm with you and apply it whenever your lips feel dry or chapped, suggests Dr. Guanche. “If you notice any color changes, specifically if there are areas on your lips that are whiter than the surrounding area, you may want to visit your local dermatologist for an evaluation,” she adds.
Eat healthy. When it comes to effective skin care, paying attention to what you’re putting in your body is as important as what you’re putting on your skin. So stock up on antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, tomato, avocado, walnuts, strawberries, dark chocolate, bell peppers, olive oil and fatty fish. And cut back on junk food as it tends to dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to breakouts. Also, “make sure you drink lots of water every day,” suggests Dr. Guanche. And watch your alcohol intake, especially sugary alcohol, as it makes your skin dull and dehydrated. Oh, and don’t forget to get six to eight hours of restful sleep!
Go for annual check-ups. “Be sure to see a dermatologist annually to monitor skin and spots as they change, this is important at any age, especially if you are active outdoors or have a family history of skin cancer,” says Dr. Nussbaum.
Other than that, “use a gentle, hydrating body wash that cleanses skin without stripping it of its natural moisture,” says Dr. Nussbaum. And “consider laser hair removal for hair growth management on larger, more difficult to reach areas of the body,” she suggests. “It has permanent effects and simplifies man-grooming considerably,” the dermatologist points out.
Lastly, whether you choose a minimalistic 4-step skin care routine or an elaborate one involving a variety of products, the important thing is to stick to it (even on those days when you’re too busy or too tired). Just be committed and consistent — and watch your skin transformed for the better!
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. But the good news is that if caught and treated early, you’re very likely to survive a diagnosis. The five-year survival rate for patients who develop melanoma and have it detected early, for instance, is 98 percent.
In order to check for potentially cancerous moles, dermatologists recommend that patients get an annual mole check performed. This can help your doctor to keep an eye on any irregularly shaped or suspicious moles and to make sure that you are clear of skin cancer.
But if you are at a higher risk of developing melanoma or want a more thorough examination, you may want to consider trying out a relatively newer technology known as mole mapping.
Earlier this year, Outside magazine ran a story that went viral, thanks in part to its clickbait-y title “Is sunscreen the new margarine?” The writer argued that, based on nascent and controversial research that challenges North America’s current sun exposure guidelines, the sun’s mood-boosting power, and physical health benefits like reducing blood pressure, outweigh its dangers. With approximately one out of seven Canadians affected by skin cancer, the story’s premise conflicts with what we’ve long been told by the medical community, making it feel reminiscent of another public health issue. “It read like an anti-vax article,” says Dr. Jennifer Beecker, national chair and spokesperson for the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) sun awareness program. “There were a lot of factual errors, while some things were a strange interpretation of the data.” The data in question spotlights vitamin D, the nutrient and hormone that can be made by the body after exposure to UV rays from sunlight. Because sunscreens shield our skin from those very same UV rays, some have worried that slathering on SPF is negatively affecting our vitamin D levels, though the results of an Australian study suggested otherwise. There’s also the argument that many of us are pretty poor at properly applying sunscreen let alone using the required amount, so we’re getting vitamin D regardless.
The concern around vitamin D makes sense, as it’s long been considered a panacea for all manner of diseases and ailments. “It’s like the fish oil of the nineties,” says Dr. Beecker of the supplements that have been held up as a magic bullet. But recent studies are finding they may not make a significant difference to our overall health, she says. Studies like a recent one published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), which found that significant doses of vitamin D supplements given to more than 25,000 participants didn’t lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease or certain cancers. (In light of the NEJM study, the CDA updated its position on vitamin D and sun exposure this spring, claiming “It is unsafe and unnecessary to increase sun exposure in order to maintain vitamin D levels.”) Or another study published in medical journal The Lancetthat found that vitamin D supplementation doesn’t “prevent fractures or falls, or have clinically meaningful effects on bone mineral density.”
Meanwhile there’s no shortage of stats and evidence to support that wearing sunscreen can significantly reduce our chances of getting melanoma. Dr. Beecker says that even with sunscreen, people are getting way too much sun, which could be one reason Canada’s skin cancer stats are high despite how little sunlight we get per year. It’s also because at this time of year, it’s pretty hard not to get excited about feeling the sun on your skin after a winter of going from couch to cubicle— and back. “As soon as the sun comes out, everybody kind of runs outside,” she says. But with a little chill and a few adjustments (think: avoiding sun during peak hours, wearing sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses), we can have the best of both worlds. “We want people to be outdoors, but have common sense and be responsible.”
It works like this: People place stencils on exposed skin and head outside to soak up some rays. When that mission is complete, they remove the stencils to reveal “semi-permanent” designs in paler skin tones.
The practice originated with a French artist named Thomas Mailaender, Inked Mag reports. His “Illustrated People” series involved placing photo negatives onto models’ skin, then shining an ultraviolet light onto them. The process created contrast on the skin. A portrait of a man on a horse was burned onto a woman’s back; an image of a child was singed into a man’s right arm.
It wasn’t long before #sunburntattoo posts were bubbling up on Twitter and Instagram — and we are not just talking tan lines here, people.
Just as drivers can feel rusty navigating the roads after the first snowfall of the year, it can take a little while to remember to get into a sun-protection habit when winter turns to spring.
In my clinic this month, I’ve noticed another sure sign of spring: sunburns and tan lines are showing up already.
I don’t need to educate Islanders on the benefits of the sun — it makes the Island a very fertile and beautiful place. Getting outdoors and enjoying the warmer temperatures is a great mood booster, too.
Sunshine does have its downside, however, including several health conditions connected to the sun’s UV radiation.
Here’s some advice on protecting yourself.
The risks:
Vision damage
The sun can cause significant damage to eyes including photokeratitis, or eye sunburn — ouch! UV exposure is also suspected to cause overgrowth of tissues on the surface of the eye or pterygium — its symptoms can range from mild discomfort to impaired vision. Cataract development is also worsened by UV exposure.
When choosing sunglasses, go for ones offering 100 per cent UV protection, both UVA and UVB. The more area of your vision and face they cover, the more protection you’ll get.
The most important way sunglasses will protect your eyes: when you are actually wearing them! I keep a few inexpensive pairs stashed in various places so I’ll always have a pair when I need them.4
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. There are factors that put some people at higher risk of melanoma, including genetic mutations, type of skin complexion and the types of moles you’re born with.
However the one risk factor you have the most control over is exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Non-melanoma skin cancers
Squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are not as deadly as melanoma — however they are much more common. They often require surgical removal and this can cause big problems when occurring in delicate areas like the face.
For squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, cumulative UV exposure increases your risk — meaning even usual sun exposure over the years can add up and lead to cancerous changes. For basal cell carcinoma, intense sun exposure and sunburn is the biggest risk.
Aging
Aging is not a disease and it is of course inevitable — but many outward signs of aging can be chalked up to sun exposure, particularly exposure to UVA rays.
Patients do ask me for help with signs of aging like sun spots and wrinkles. However our health system does not cover treatment for these non-cancerous changes to the skin. Some people choose to pay out-of-pocket for facial treatments to reverse sun damage.
My best advice to minimize the effects of aging is included in this article: protect your eyes and skin with sunglasses and sunscreen, and avoid too much time in the sun. This advice doesn’t help as much after the fact, so start now!
Protect yourself
Avoidance: UV radiation is more intense midday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., peaking between noon and 1 p.m. Avoiding direct sun during those peak hours in particular will go a long way in reducing the above-mentioned risks. Beach tents or umbrellas offer both sun protection and relief from the heat. Consider a shade for your deck or outdoor area.
Sunscreen: Use it liberally and use it often! Here are a few sunscreen tips:
Choose sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher.
Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Don’t forget your lips! Keep SPF 30+ lip balm handy. Reapply often, especially after eating.
Have someone help you get those hard-to-reach spots.
Check the expiry date on your bottles — sunscreens often expire between seasons.
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies younger than six months old since they could rub it in their mouth or eyes — better to opt for clothing and shade.
Coverage: In addition to sunglasses, think brimmed hats and loose, long-sleeved summer tops. There are many swimsuit options, especially for children, that come in long-sleeved styles — these are a great idea for long days at the beach when sunscreen can get worn off by sun and sand.
Find the balance
There are lots of health benefits, both social and physical, to being outdoors in the nicer weather. Using some of the strategies above can help minimize your risks of UV exposure while still enjoying the season.
Long-term results from the phase 3 IMMhance study of risankizumab (Skyrizi) in patients with psoriasis indicated that a significant number of patients receiving risankizumab maintained complete skin clearance at week 94.
“Results show that Skyrizi has the potential to provide long-term relief from the signs and symptoms of psoriasis,” said Marek Honczarenko, MD, PhD, vice president, immunology development, AbbVie.
In this study, patients who reached a score of clear or almost clear on the static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA 0/1) at week 28 were randomized to either continue on risankizumab or placebo. Of those with continuous treatment with risankizumab, 73% achieved a sPGA of 0 and 72% reached a 100% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 100).
Global climate change has taught us to make lifestyle changes, but there are still other health risk we’re just learning about now.
These folks are having fun in the sun — but they could be risking their health in the process.
