From Skin Cancer to Hair Loss, the Odds Seem to Be Stacked Against Men. So, What’s a Guy to Do? Top Six Reasons to See a Dermatologist
Men’s Health Week June 15-21
Men have long been foreigners to the concept of taking care of their skin, but that has dramatically changed in the past decade or so. We see men every day in our offices for everything from acne to hair loss, and skin cancer to cosmetic procedures like BOTOX® and fillers. And they feel good about looking great afterwards.
Men’s Health Week, (this year celebrated from June 15-21), is the week leading up to Father’s Day each year. It is meant to encourage men to get the various health screenings they need and to become better partners in their own health.
Here are the top reasons men should make an appointment today to see a dermatologist.
#1 Reversing Your Losses
No one says you just have to stand there and watch your mane go down the drain. While some hair loss and shedding are normal, if you see your hair thinning or hairline receding, there are steps many of you can take to help slow down or reverse hair loss. And we can help.
FDA-approved pharmaceutical treatments for Androgenic Alopecia (male-pattern hair loss), such as Minoxidil and Finasteride, used alone or in combination, have helped to slow or reduce this common cause of balding, and in some men, prompt cosmetically significant new hair growth.
Red-Light Lasers therapy and Plasma Therapy for hair loss, are showing promising results. Our dermatologists can even make referrals for hair transplants for the right candidates. Our team has some of the greatest hair-restoration specialists. Talk to us.
#2 Skin Cancer
Men are likely to get more sun exposure over their lifetimes than women. They tend to spend more time outdoors, are more likely to work outdoors, and don’t use as many skincare products with sunscreen that could afford some protection from ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). In fact, on average, only about 14% of men are likely to use any sunscreen at all when outdoors for more than an hour.
Skin cancer is largely caused by exposure to UV rays, and the effects are cumulative. Men are more likely to get skin cancer on the back of their neck, tops of their ears, on their shoulders, backs and heads (particularly balding heads) than women.
Men are also 55% more likely to die of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), and the majority of cases of melanoma occur in white men over 55.
The good news is: The survival rate for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is 99% when detected and treated early. The bad news is: it drops all the way to 15% in its more advanced stages. Nothing can replace a thorough annual total-body skin cancer exam by our dermatology professionals. In between your yearly exams, self-examination to stay on top of any changes to existing moles and lesions, or to be aware of any new ones that pop-up, is another way you can help catch problems early.
Avoid sunburns from excessive sun exposure, indoor tanning, peak exposure times between 10 am and 4 pm (especially noon – 1 pm) and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher every day. For outdoor activities, a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be reapplied every 2 hours, or sooner after swimming or sweating. If you’re playing a round of golf, apply sunscreen before you tee off and again on the 9th hole.
Remember, the best anti-aging cream is sunscreen. Using it, and avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible, will pay off with healthier skin and better overall health.
#3 Clean Skin Makes Shaving Easier and Reduces Skin Breakouts
Not only does good hygiene and the right skincare products help you feel more attractive, shaving a clean face reduces the chances of redness and ingrown hairs.
In addition, an exfoliant helps remove excess dirt and oil from your pores, making it easier to get a smooth shave. Try using a shaving cream or gel that contains moisturizing ingredients and invest in a good razor.
Washing your face at night helps keep the oil from sitting in your pores which can cause breakouts, blackheads, and oily or dry areas on your skin. Advanced Dermatology has dermatologist-tested and recommended skincare products for every skin type. Talk to us to find out what type would be best for you.
#4 Summer Heat and Dehydration Can Age Your Skin
The sun is relentless and can leave your skin dry, irritated, inflamed, and cracked. To counter dry, flaky, scaly skin, Advanced Dermatology recommends:
- Drink plenty of water - The more water you drink, the more likely your skin cells will stay hydrated.
- Avoid long, hot showers - Too much hot water can strip away your skin's natural oils. Try lukewarm showers instead and limit them to 10 minutes.
- Use the correct products - Products that contain alcohol can be drying. Opt for a mild cleanser formulated to not block pores. Advanced Dermatology can help you select the right one for your skin type.
- Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunscreen – oh, if you haven’t gotten the message, yet, sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more, applied properly, can help you be healthier and look younger longer.
#5 Sweating the Big Stuff
If you suffer from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) that disrupts normal activities, a number of treatments, including injectable treatments such as miraDRY® and BOTOX® are just a few of the options. If you experience episodes of excessive sweating at least once a week for no clear reason, and you feel it is having an effect on your social life or normal activities, come see us.
#6 Turning Back Time
Today, men are interested in rejuvenating the appearance of their skin in record numbers. Increasingly, they’re asking about injectables like BOTOX® for wrinkles, fillers like Juvéderm® to smooth their skin and restore natural volume, and Kybella® to help firm up their jawlines.
In addition to injectables, our cosmetic dermatology team has dozens of effective, non-invasive and minimally-invasive skin rejuvenation and skin resurfacing options available, from HydraFacial® treatments to chemical peels, microneedling to laser and energy treatments, for men who want to reduce the visible signs of aging, but aren’t ready to commit to cosmetic surgery.