Sunscreen is a must for men too: thick skin is no shield

"My skin is thick, I'll be fine." That's roughly how many men feel about sunscreen. It's true that men's skin is thicker and richer in collagen. But that thickness doesn't act as a shield against the sun's ultraviolet rays. Sun damage builds up little by little every day, and its effects are usually noticed years later.

How much do men actually use sunscreen?

A survey of more than four thousand adults in the US found that men who regularly applied sunscreen to their face when outside for more than an hour on a sunny day were only about half as common as women who did. The same study also found that a significant share of sunscreen users didn't know whether their product was broad-spectrum.

What does the sun do to your skin?

Ultraviolet rays wear down collagen, the skin's support network, trigger dark spots and strain the skin's repair system. In a randomized study in Australia, adults who used sunscreen every day showed less progression of skin aging signs over four and a half years than those who used it occasionally.

Another study following the same community reported that years later, melanoma occurred less often in regular sunscreen users. These findings show that sun protection matters not just for appearance but for long-term skin health.

Sun damage builds up a little every day. Protection works when it's done a little every day too.

How much should you apply, and how?

• Use about two finger-lengths of product for your face and neck.
• Apply it about fifteen minutes before going outside.
• If you're outside for a long time, reapply every two hours and after sweating or swimming.
• Don't forget your ears, the back of your neck, the sides of your neck and the backs of your hands.
• Bald men or men with thinning hair should protect their scalp too, or wear a hat.
• You need protection on cloudy and winter days too; ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds.

Sun protection with a beard

A thick beard shades the skin underneath to some extent, but it doesn't fully protect it. Your upper cheeks, nose, forehead and the area around your eyes get no protection at all. For bearded men, fluid, gel or spray sunscreens are more practical because they can be applied without making the beard sticky.

The sticky, shiny problem

The most common reason men avoid sunscreen is greasy textures that leave a white cast and look shiny. Today there are plenty of mattifying, light, fast-absorbing options. If you have oily skin, try gel or fluid textures; if you have dry skin, try creamy textures with moisturizing ingredients. If you want to skip your morning moisturizer, a sunscreen with moisturizing properties can turn two steps into one.

When should you see a dermatologist?

If you notice a new mole or spot, or one that changes in shape, color or size, bleeds or doesn't heal, see a dermatologist without delay. Regular skin checks are an important habit, especially for men who work outdoors, have had a lot of sun exposure or have a family history of skin cancer.

Helpful as you build this routine

EcoProbiotic MenCare range ↗

Moisturising01Prebiotic Face CreamA thin layer morning and evening; on shaving days, right after you shave. Moisturises the skin and supports its barrier.View ↗Weekly care02Prebiotic Volcanic Clay MaskOnce or twice a week, for ten minutes. Absorbs excess oil and leaves the skin matte and clean.View ↗