Skincare Tips For Men: How To Prevent Razor Burn And 5 Other Common Skin Problems
The skin is the largest organ of our body and acts as our first line of defense. It's exposed to chemicals, infections, cuts, scrapes and sunlight, which trigger common skin problems for men. Similar to women, men deal with issues like aging, pigmentation, sensitivity, and acne — even in adulthood.
Skin health is shaped by a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices making every man's skin different from the next. Men's skin is thicker and tougher, with more collagen and sebum due to high levels of testosterone, according to The International Dermal Institute. These differences in skin make men more susceptible to certain skin problems, ranging from razor burn to jock itch.
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Dr. Terrence Keaney, a Dove Men+Care dermatologist in Washington D.C, helps Medical Daily break down the most common skin issues men face, and quick treatment solutions.
The Problem: Razor Burn
Most men who shave will experience a case of razor burn, medically known as pseudofolliculitis, which can lead to an irritating rash accompanied by infected blisters and pimples. This skin condition can also occur after shaving the legs, armpits, and other body parts to remove hair. Keaney explains razor burn is caused because hair in the lower neck comes out at a sharp angle, and when shaved closely can pierce the skin.
"The body reacts against that hair as if it is an infection," he told Medical Daily.
The Solution: Cleanse Before Shaving
There are several ways to minimize the the prevalence of razor burn, such as fully cleansing the face before shaving. This will remove any hairs that are trapped against the skin's surface so they sit up straighter, according to Keaney.
The Problem: Sunburn
Sunburn tends to be more common in men than women for one simple reason: they're less likely to apply sunscreen regularly. A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found the majority of Americans are not regularly using sunscreen to protect themselves from UV rays. More alarmingly, about 44 percent of men admitted to never using sunscreen on their face, and 42 percent said they never used it on other exposed skin.
Keaney notes this makes men twice as likely as women to get non-melanoma skin cancer due to poor skincare habits.
The Solution: Apply Sunscreen
Men should apply sunscreen every day they're outside. The sun can emit harmful UV rays any time of the year. For example, 80 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays can penetrate our skin even on cloudy days, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
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The Problem: Acne
Men's testosterone production leads to an increase in oil secretion throughout the body. Sebum production acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin, but it also provides the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. "[M]en's skin also has a thicker epidermal layer than women's, with larger pores that clog with dirt more easily, which acne breakouts can be a consequence of," said Keaney.
The Solution: Use Gentle Cleansers
To minimize acne, Keaney recommends using gentle cleansers on both the face and body. This will remove excess debris, while keeping the skin moisturized.
The Problem: Rosacea
Rosacea is a common problem in men that can appear on the chin, cheeks and forehead. However, previous research has found men are twice as likely to experience an enlarged nose, in a condition known as rhinophyma, or subtype 3 (phymatous) rosacea.
Keaney points out one of the primary triggers of rosacea is sun exposure, since men are less likely to adopt sun protective behaviors.
The Solution: A Skincare Routine
Men can keep their rosacea under control by adopting a proper skincare routine. This includes moisturizing, and applying sunscreen for protection from the sun. Moreover, a look at lifestyle habits can help determine what causes flare-ups. Medication may be necessary to keep rosacea at bay.
The Problem: Athlete's Foot
Warm weather means the feet get more exposed to the ground via wearing flip flops or just going barefoot. The feet are particularly susceptible to fungal infections, which can cause athlete's foot. According to Keaney, it's caused by a common yeast affecting the skin, where the bacteria lives in warm, dark, moist places.
Although people blame public showers as increasing infection risk, Keaney warns there's not much scientific data to support this claim.
"It’s more caused by the combination (of) environment and how particularly susceptible the individual is to contracting it," he said.
The Solution: Nonprescription Antifungals
Men plagued with athlete's foot can find comfort in nonprescription antifungals that come in the form of creams, lotions, solutions, gels, sprays, ointments, swabs, or powders applied to the skin. Treatment can last one to six weeks. It's best to wait 24 hours before wearing shoes again.
The Problem: Jock Itch
Similar to athlete's foot, jock itch thrives in warm, dark, moist places on the body, like the groin. Fungi may or may not cause an infection, but it can spread from person to person, or by shared use of contaminated towels or clothing, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Keaney cautions, “Recurring jock itch typically spreads from feet to the groin.”
The Solution: Antifungals
Antifungals can help with jock itch. Moreover, Keaney suggests men to minimize sweating by using powders that help wick away moisture from the skin. Preventing jock itch is as simple as keeping the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks clean and dry.
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