Most men don’t think a whole hell of a lot about our skin. And that’s okay. The good news is that you don’t need to spend more than a few minutes a day to keep your skin healthy and strong. The bad news is that you might be amongst the millions of American men who don’t even take those few minutes once a day. With this in mind, today we will review some extremely high level health information for men of all ages.
Common Skin Conditions Found in Men
While certain skin conditions occur more frequently in women, the fact remains that nearly all common skin conditions are experienced by both sexes. Here are a few of the most common skin conditions which impact men’s skin health:
Dry Skin: the most common skin condition for men is dry skin. While this many not seem like it warrants the title of “skin condition”, the fallout of dry skin can be severe and far reaching in rare cases. In the vast majority of cases, dry skin is merely an uncomfortable, unsightly inconvenience.
Acne: likely the most well known and frequently discussed skin condition on planet earth, acne can occur in men of all ages. Symptoms generally include redness and swelling of the skin, clogged pores, zits, blackheads, whiteheads, and more. There is a common misconception that acne is caused exclusively by too much oil on the skin. While this is certainly a potential cause, other causes such as infection, excess sweating, and even hormonal changes can trigger acne.
Psoriasis: the many symptoms of psoriasis are actually caused by the disease speeding up the cell’s aging process. This causes a buildup of skin cells, which in turn creates the telltale thick, scaly, and irritated skin. There are several varieties of psoriasis, all of which may come with different symptoms and treatment options.
Skin Cancer Concerns for Men and Boys
Men have a significantly higher risk than women when it comes to developing skin cancer, particularly melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma impacts the lives of ~100,000 Americans per year. While less harmful forms of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common, they should all be taken extremely seriously.
On the bright side, lowering your risk for skin cancer is achievable through a few simple lifestyle changes. Here are just a few of the ways in which men and boys can help protect themselves from potentially deadly skin cancer:
- Wear sunscreen
- Cover up when possible
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Maintain healthy skin habits, overall
Why Skin Hydration is so Important
Many men incorrectly assume that skin moisturizers are purely cosmetic in application. This could not be further from the truth. Your skin is the largest organ in the body, and it performs numerous vital functions for your health. Without proper hydration, your skin may become weak and brittle. This can lead to lessened ability to combat sun damage, greater chance of sustaining serious wounds, and even the strength of your skin lowering in time.
We like to use the example of a leather belt. A dry, worn, and unmaintained leather belt loses much of its tensile strength. Your skin may not be leather, but the same concept certainly applies. Whether you are a weightlifter, a welder, or just enjoy getting outside on the weekends, you depend on your skin to keep you safe and protected. Hydrated skin = strong skin.
Of course this is all on top of the fringe benefit that you won’t have the hands, feet, and/or elbows of a sunbathing crocodile. We all like to think that we are manly men. But there is nothing manly about having a cheese grater for skin.
Daily Skincare Routine for Active Men
So how exactly can we put all of this into action? Here is a dead simple skincare routine which will protect, strengthen, and keep your skin healthy all year round:
Cleanse with effective, simple soaps. Skincare is as much about what you leave out as what you put in. Many modern soaps are packed with filler ingredients like parabens and sulfates. Opt for soaps without many (or any) unnecessary synthetics.
Shave and/or exfoliate. We’re not going to sit here and tell you to use an apricot scrub every night before bed. However, if you are the kind of guy who grows a beard, using an exfoliating or even a simple face wash after your shower can go a long way towards keeping your skin healthy where it matters most.
Daily moisturization for hands, feet, and elbows. It isn’t glamorous, but we all get dry skin in uncomfortable places sometimes. Take 30 seconds a day after your shower to apply moisturizing cream for men. Your skin will thank you and your significant other probably will too.
HEFF Moisturizing Cream for Men Promotes Strong & Healthy Skin
HEFF is a men’s moisturizing cream developed for dry, cracked hands, elbows, and feet. We believe in providing the strongest possible product for men who work hard. Our non-greasy formula harnesses the power of essential amino acids to heal your skin without leaving any nasty residue! Purchases of HEFF support the United States military through Operation Gratitude and our ongoing military donation program.
If you are in need of some serious dry skin relief, look no further! Our products are available in major retailers across the country, online, or you can feel free to contact us directly with any additional questions.