Why Men Should Wear SPF Every Day

Did you know? Men are at a higher risk of skin cancer than women, with 1 in 27 men developing melanoma in their lifetime compared to 1 in 40 women. Yet, only 18% of men use sunscreen on their face daily. Skipping SPF isn't just about sunburn - it significantly increases risks of skin cancer and premature aging.

Key Reasons to Use SPF Daily:

• Skin Cancer Prevention: Daily SPF use reduces melanoma risk by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma risk by 40%.
• Anti-Aging: Up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by UV exposure.
• Year-Round Protection: UV rays penetrate clouds, so even in the Netherlands' overcast weather, 80-90% of UV rays still reach your skin.
• Men's Unique Skin Needs: Thicker skin, bald scalps, and missed spots like ears and neck make men more vulnerable to UV damage.

Quick Tips:

• Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
• Reapply every 2 hours, especially after sweating or swimming.
• Cover all exposed areas, including your ears, neck, and lips.

Start now: Incorporating SPF into your routine is simple and vital for long-term skin health.

How UV Rays Damage Your Skin

Understanding how ultraviolet radiation affects your skin is essential for protecting it from serious health risks and premature ageing.

What UVA and UVB Rays Do to Your Skin

The sun emits two types of harmful ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB rays. Each type impacts your skin differently, which is why using broad-spectrum protection is so important.

UVA rays account for 95% of the UV radiation reaching Earth's surface. These rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing indirect DNA damage that leads to wrinkles, age spots, and a loss of elasticity. They can even pass through glass.

UVB rays, while representing just 5% of UV radiation, carry more energy. These rays primarily affect the outer layers of your skin, causing sunburn and direct DNA damage. UVB exposure is a key factor in the development of skin cancer.

Dr. Shawn Demehri, from the Center for Cancer Research at Mass General Cancer Center, highlights the severity of UV radiation:

"UV is the strongest carcinogen to humans, even stronger than cigarette smoke".

The effects of UVA and UVB rays are compounded when combined. As Dr. Saira George from MD Anderson Cancer Center explains:

"UVA partners up with UVB to cause more serious problems, like skin cancer".

This damage is cumulative, meaning every exposure adds to your lifetime risk. In fact, up to 90% of visible skin changes commonly attributed to ageing are caused by sun exposure. Even more alarming, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

These risks persist year-round, regardless of weather conditions, making daily sun protection a must.

Why You Need SPF in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, many men mistakenly believe that cloudy weather provides adequate protection from UV rays. However, this misconception leaves them vulnerable to significant skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Even on overcast days, 80-90% of UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and reach your skin. While UV levels may be about 34% lower on cloudy days compared to clear ones, this reduction is not enough to eliminate the risk of harmful exposure.

Research conducted in the Netherlands revealed that men’s skin reacts more intensely to UV rays than women’s. Combined with the fact that men are less likely to use sun protection, this creates a higher risk of skin damage.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology offers advice that is highly relevant to Dutch conditions:

"Think UV, not heat - UV radiation is not related to how hot or cold it is. You can still get burnt on cool or cloudy days.".

Daily exposure to UV rays, whether on sunny or cloudy days, leads to DNA damage, inflammation, and photoaging. The risks go far beyond wrinkles and sunspots. By age 50, men are more likely than women to develop melanoma, and they are also more likely to die from melanoma.

This underscores the importance of wearing SPF every day, regardless of the weather or your outdoor plans. Regular exposure, even in cloudy conditions, contributes to premature ageing and increases the likelihood of skin cancer.

How to Choose the Right SPF Product

Finding the right SPF product means considering a few essential factors to ensure it fits your lifestyle and provides reliable protection.

What to Look for in SPF Products

• First and foremost, make sure the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection - this shields you from both UVA and UVB rays. For everyday use, experts recommend using SPF 30 at a minimum. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, SPF 30 filters out about 97% of UV rays and is suitable for all skin types. If you plan to spend extended time outdoors, look for products with SPF 30 or higher and water resistance for added durability.
• Your skin type is key when selecting a sunscreen. For oily skin, a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula works best to avoid clogging pores. If you have dry skin, sunscreens enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can offer added moisture. For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide gentle protection.
• If you're active or spend time in water, choose a water-resistant formula to ensure your sunscreen stays effective during sweat or water exposure.
• When deciding between mineral and chemical sunscreens, it often comes down to personal preference and skin sensitivity. Mineral sunscreens physically block UV rays with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, offering immediate protection. However, they can feel thicker and may leave a white cast, especially on darker skin tones. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV radiation and are typically lightweight and transparent, though they need 15–20 minutes to activate after application.

Dr. Susan Taylor, President of the American Academy of Dermatology, highlights the importance of practicality:

"Purchasing a sunscreen you will use is the most important factor in sun protection".

How to Use SPF Every Day

Incorporating SPF into your daily routine doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few simple steps, you can protect your skin effectively while keeping your mornings smooth and stress-free. Here's a straightforward guide on how to apply sunscreen correctly and ensure you maintain that protection throughout the day.

How to Apply SPF Correctly

Getting the most out of your sunscreen starts with applying it the right way.

• Apply it 15–30 minutes before stepping outside. For your face and neck, aim to use about half a teaspoon of sunscreen. Many people don’t use enough, which can lead to less protection than expected. As Dr. Susan Y. Chon from MD Anderson's Department of Dermatology explains:

"Most people blame their sunscreen when they get sunburned, but the problem usually isn't the sunscreen. It's that the user isn't reading the label and applying the sunscreen properly."

• When applying, distribute the sunscreen in small dots across your skin, then gently tap to spread it evenly. Make sure to cover areas that are often overlooked, like your ears, the back of your neck, the back of your hands, and along your hairline. Don’t forget your lips - use a lip balm with at least SPF 30 for added protection. Face-specific sunscreens are also a great option since they’re lighter and less likely to irritate your skin.
• To make SPF application part of your daily habit, keep your sunscreen or day cream with SPF somewhere visible and convenient - placing it near your toothbrush is a great way to remind yourself. As Dr. Anna Lien-Lun Chien emphasizes:

"Wearing sunscreen is one of the best - and easiest - ways to protect your skin's appearance and health at any age."

• Once you’ve applied it properly, the next step is ensuring your skin stays protected throughout the day.

AOC Protective Day Cream

Finding a daily skincare product that does it all can be tough. That’s where AOC Protective Day Cream could step in - its a product designed to provide efficient, all-in-one protection for men on the go.

What Sets AOC Protective Day Cream Apart

AOC Protective Day Cream isn’t just another SPF product. It combines broad-spectrum UV protection with essential skincare benefits in a lightweight, easy-to-use formula. This cream doesn’t stop at shielding your skin from the sun; it also nourishes and supports your skin throughout the day.

Its lightweight, fast-absorbing, and water-resistant formula makes it ideal for active lifestyles. Whether you’re cycling through Amsterdam’s busy streets or spending a weekend exploring the outdoors, this cream stays in place without leaving a greasy residue. Plus, it’s enriched with vitamins C and E, which help combat signs of aging while you go about your day.

As Dr. Maral Kibarian Skelsey, dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Georgetown University Medical Center, explains:

"The biggest risk factor for skin cancer is unprotected exposure to UV rays, so anyone who spends a lot of time working in the sun needs to be extra-vigilant."

This cream provides reliable UVA and UVB protection. It eliminates the need for separate moisturisers, anti-aging serums, and sunscreens, offering a practical and cost-effective solution.

Furthermore, as a locally produced product, it not only reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping, but also supports local businesses. AOC Protective Day Cream is designed to integrate effortlessly into your daily routine, with sustainability as a key priority.

Rebecca Young, Farmworker Justice Director of Programs, highlights the importance of daily SPF use:

"It's not a beauty issue. It's not about looking good, it's about the protection that sunscreen offers."

FAQs

Why is daily SPF use especially important for men?

Men face a greater risk when it comes to skin cancer, with research indicating they are twice as likely to die from it compared to women. This heightened vulnerability stems from a combination of factors, including lower sunscreen usage among men and biological differences, such as a higher susceptibility to UV-induced immune suppression.

What’s the easiest way for men to include SPF in their daily routine without spending extra time?

Incorporating SPF into your morning routine doesn’t have to be a chore. One easy way to streamline the process is by opting for a moisturiser with SPF. This way, you’re combining hydration and sun protection in a single step, saving you time and effort. For proper coverage, go for an SPF of at least 30 to ensure your skin is well-protected.

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens, and how can men choose the best one for their skin?

Mineral sunscreens rely on active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sit on the surface of your skin, creating a barrier that reflects UV rays. They tend to be thicker in texture and are a great choice for sensitive skin, as they’re less likely to cause irritation. In contrast, chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. These formulas are usually lighter and easier to spread evenly.

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