June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. Skin is the largest organ in the body, but men’s skin health in particular needs more attention. Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is one of only three cancers with an increasing mortality rate for men. Within melanoma cases, young men account for 40 percent of cases, but more than 60 percent of deaths. In fact, from ages 15-39, men are 55 percent more likely to die of melanoma than women in the same age group. According to a study done by the Skin Cancer Foundation, nearly 1 in 2 men surveyed said they had not applied sunscreen in the past 12 months, and only 32 percent considered themselves very knowledgeable on how to properly use it.
Skin health isn’t just about protecting against skin cancers, it is also about getting your skin as fit as you can. Give your skin a workout with cardio, strength, and adequate nourishment, just like you give your body a daily workout. The more fit your skin is, the better it will be able to fight off diseases and signs of aging.
Men: what you can do
- It cannot be said enough: take Wolverine (aka Hugh Jackman)’s advice and wear SPF everyday. Apply a dry finish sunscreen after cleansing and/or shaving in the morning. This is important whether you are in an office with windows, driving in your car, or working outdoors. Adults over age 40, particularly men, have the highest annual exposure to UV rays. This will also help you stave off signs of aging, as 90% of visible skin aging is caused by the sun.
- Check your skin carefully every week for any signs of skin cancer. If you see something, don’t ignore it. Call a dermatologist and make an appointment. Something as simple as calling a doctor as soon as you see an irregularity could end up saving your life.
- Get on a consistent skin workout routine. A couple simple steps in the morning and at night can protect your skin from damage and premature aging. You don’t need an expensive anti-aging cream to keep you from looking older than you actually are. Find a good shave routine and a moisturizer with anti-aging properties and SPF to cut down on steps and step up your protection.
Women: what you can do for your men
- Help your man with checking his skin. Every week, help him check hard-to-see places, like his back, neck, and calves, for early signs of skin cancer.
- Share your information. So often, skin health information is positioned towards women, but it applies to men, too. Send it to your man, so he can be educated on skin health issues.
- If you’re cooking for him, make sure to incorporate skin healthy ingredients such as avocados, blueberries, and salmon to add an extra dose of antioxidants and omega fatty acids to his diet.
Need help finding a good skin workout? Our skin coaches are here to help.