Take Care of Your Skin and Improve Overall Health for Men’s Health Awareness Month
- Posted on: Jun 15 2021
At Asarch Dermatology, we’re celebrating Men’s Health Awareness Month by encouraging men to prioritize their health. Keep reading to learn tips on establishing a skin care routine for men and how you can live a healthier lifestyle.
Determining Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is the first step towards achieving a men’s skincare routine that promotes healthy skin. Our dermatologists can help if you need assistance determining your skin type. Before establishing an appropriate skin care routine for men, determine which of these skin types you have:
- Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin often appears red, and your skin might burn, itch, or feel dry.
- Normal skin: Normal skin feels well-balanced, with no signs of oiliness or flakiness.
- Combination skin: Combination skin is both dry and oily in certain areas. If your skin is oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and normal-to-dry everywhere else, you might have combination skin.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin feels tight, and you might have flaky, itchy, or rough patches.
- Oily skin: Oily skin has excess oil, which can cause your skin to appear shiny or greasy. You might also notice enlarged pores and are more prone to blemishes and breakouts.
Developing a Skin Care Routine for Men
To help you develop a men’s skincare routine that is perfect for your needs, follow these tips from our dermatologists:
Always Read Product Labels
The product labels and ingredients found in skin care products can be confusing, but knowing which key words to look for can simplify the process. If your skin is oily or you are prone to developing acne, it’s important to use products that won’t clog your pores. Look for skin care products with the phrases “non-comedogenic” and “oil-free.” Products labeled “alcohol-free” and “fragrance-free” are ideal if you have sensitive skin. Skin treatment for men with products containing vitamins E, A, C, or antioxidants can promote younger-looking skin and protect your skin from everyday damage.
Never Forget Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays is the easiest way to prevent the early signs of aging and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Look for sunscreen or moisturizer that contains at least SPF 30 and make sure to apply it every morning. Choose a product that is labeled “broad-spectrum,” which protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Moisturize Your Skin Daily
Apply moisturizer every day to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and achieve soft, healthy skin. Try to apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp, such as after shaving, showering, or bathing.
Wash Your Face Every Day
Diligently washing your face in the morning, at night, and after exercise is an important component of skin care for men. Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs and wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser that won’t irritate or dry out your skin.
Shave Carefully
For an easier shave, it is best to keep your skin and hair moist. Prepare your skin for shaving by wetting the skin and hair before applying moisturizing shaving cream. To avoid ingrown hairs or irritating razor bumps, shave in the direction that your hair grows. Reduce skin irritation by changing your razor blades or using a new disposable razor after every five to seven shaves.
Perform Regular Skin Checks
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, men who are 49 or younger are more likely to develop melanoma than any other type of cancer. By age 50 and older, men are significantly more likely to develop melanoma in comparison to women. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, but early detection greatly increases survival rates. That is why skin care for men should always involve examining your skin on a regular basis and visiting a dermatologist if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Get into the habit of checking your skin from head to toe about once a month. Once you become familiar with the appearance of the moles, freckles, and spots on your skin, it will be much easier to identify anything that appears out of the ordinary. This includes any moles or spots that bleed, itch, increase in size, or change color. Make an appointment at Asarch Dermatology right away if you notice anything that appears suspicious. We also recommend scheduling a skin cancer screening at our office once a year.
Make Lifestyle Changes to Improve Health
Skin care for men is just one component of overall health; it is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle. Celebrate men’s health awareness month by following these healthy lifestyle tips:
- Lower your risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
- Drink alcohol in moderation and avoid heavy drinking.
- Exercise regularly.
- Learn healthy ways to manage and reduce stress.
- Eat a diet that’s rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid foods high in sodium, sugar, trans fats, and saturated fats.
Schedule Your Consultation
Adopting these habits can help you enjoy healthier looking skin and improved overall health. Our dermatologists can also help you create a simple skin care routine or find a skin treatment for men that promotes healthy skin. To schedule your appointment, contact us today at Asarch Dermatology.