5 Tips for Men to Protect Their Skin Year-Round

Studies show that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but did you know men are often more likely to be at risk? In populations younger than 50 years of age, incidence rates of skin cancer are higher in women than men, but by age 65, they are twice as high in men as women, and by age 80, they are three times as high in men.

Here are a few tips to help your partner protect their skin and stay healthy all year long:

Make sure you start each day that you will be working outside by applying sunscreen to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, ears and arms.
Keep SPF 30 or higher on hand during all months of the year, not just the summertime.
When purchasing sunscreen, ensure it is broad-spectrum and protects against UVA and UVB radiation. Be sure to reapply at least every two hours.
Plan outdoor activities before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. since UV radiation typically peaks midday.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and even a long sleeve t-shirt. It’s wise to have a lip balm with at least SPF 15 to protect your lips.

It is also a good idea to ask your partner for help checking for signs of cancer. Look for any changes in the skin, irregularity in current moles, marks on their skin and asymmetry in moles. Questions to ask while you check: