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Ultimate Guide To Sun Protection For Men
Though many people think of sun protection as being important mostly for women, it’s just as important for men to take steps to protect themselves from the sun. Whether you’re spending time outdoors enjoying the sunny days at the beach, camping, golfing, or participating in any outdoor sport, it’s important to think about sun safety. Sun exposure could contribute to the development of skin cancer and signs of premature aging, so it’s more important than ever to think about sun protection.
What is Sun Protection?
Sun Protection, or sunscreen, is broadly described as protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Different wavelengths exist, of which UVA and UVB are the most dangerous and can damage unprotected skin faster than it can naturally heal itself. UVA penetrates deep into the skin and causes the breakdown of collagen resulting in premature aging, wrinkles and age spots. UVB is responsible for the burning of skin and is the leading cause of skin cancer. By wearing sunscreen and other protective clothing, you can reduce the risk of skin cancer, sunburns, lasting damage and premature aging.
How To Protect Yourself From The Sun
When out in the sun, you will want to take the necessary precautions to keep your skin safe. Here are a few basic tips:
- Wear a Hat – Try to go for a hat with a wide brim or one that covers your ears and back of your neck for added protection.
- Cover Up With Clothing – Wear light, long-sleeved shirts, pants and other protective clothing.
- Stay in the Shade – Whenever possible, try to stay in the shade when outdoors to mitigate exposure to the sun.
- Apply Sunscreen – If you’re going to be spending any time outdoors, make sure to apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is recommended. It’s also important to remember that the sun’s rays can still penetrate through windows even while you’re indoors and cause skin damage. That’s why it’s a good idea to use some sun protection on your face even indoors.
How Sun Protection Prevents Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Nearly 5 million Americans are affected each year. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Sun protection plays a key role in the prevention of skin cancer and premature aging, as well as skin damage. Sunscreen has been shown to reduce the risk of developing melanoma, and many other forms of skin cancer by over 80 percent when used regularly and in conjunction with other sun protection methods.
By wearing sun protection, you reduce the amount of UV radiation your skin is exposed to and increase your chances of preventing the risk of developing skin cancer. Sun protection and skin cancer prevention is a necessity, not just a matter of convenience.
Conclusion
It’s truly essential for all men to include sun protection in their daily routine. Sunscreen is also an important part of any skincare routine because it helps protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays. SPF should be applied even on cloudy days. Additionally, other protective measures such as hats, sleeves, and staying in the shade are necessary too to ensure men protect their skin from the dangers of the sun. Taking the proper steps can go a long way in preventing serious skin damage and possibly even skin cancer.
