Envy Man Magazine Online

by: caraamaccianti 

Fabulous new swimsuit. Check. Latest designer sunglasses. Check. Exotic location, fruity, frothy drink in hand, and super hot eye candy in direct line of view. Check, check, check. Did you forget something? If you’re like most trend-setting men, sunscreen is the last thing on your list and the last thing you put on. But this season, we’re changing all that—one fabulous hot body at a time.

First the facts.

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 1 million new skin cancer cases occur annually and sunlight—unprotected sun exposure—is the cause of 90% of all skin cancers. Skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma, the number one form of skin cancer (skin cells that have been damaged by sun, repeated sunburn, etc.), squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer (chronic overexposure to the sun is the primary cause which forms tumors on the skin) and melanoma, the deadliest of all skin cancer (starts at the skin with tumors or moles and if not treated with early detection can spread to other parts/organs of the body). The harmful rays that come from not only the sun, but tanning beds as well, are UVA, ultraviolet–a and UVB, ultraviolet-b (sunburn rays). And it’s not just all about the burn. Not only do these rays contribute to cancers of the skin, but they cause dehydration, wrinkles, premature aging, sunspots, freckles, moles, and damage to the eye and retina. And remember, the sun doesn’t discriminate.  Protect yourself year-round.

Prevention.  

Now that we know all of the bad things our “fun in the sun” can do, let’s talk about how to prevent the damage with some easy steps that even the busiest of men can do. Baseball hats, cowboy hats, and actually hats with a brim in general, are a must. So are sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, umbrellas, and avoiding the sun during peak daylight hours. Of course, we must not forget the obvious choice of them all, sunscreen.

Keep in mind that not all sunscreens are created equal. It is important that you get a sunscreen with UVA and UVB Blockers in it. Once the sunscreen is absorbed into your skin, it usually takes about 20 minutes for the sunscreen to start working and doing its job. The chemicals in sunscreen (such as titanium dioxide, octocrylene and the benzophenones) create a barrier and help deflect the harmful rays off your skin. Now granted, not ALL of the rays will bounce off, but most will, as opposed to using no sunscreen at all. Some of the higher-end lines have avobenzone (Parsol 1789, for example) in it which recent research has shown blocks all UVA rays. 

You need to pick a sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 – SPF 45. SPF actually stands for “sun protection factor” and the number equals the amount of time in the sun it will take to burn as compared to standing in the sun at noon, without any protection. For example, scientists say that with an SPF 15 applied, you can stand out in the sun 15 times longer than standing in the same sun without it. But like everything else in life there are rules and other environmental factors to take into consideration. No sunscreen can be completely waterproof regardless of what it claims on the bottle. Think about it, if a sunscreen was waterproof, it would never come off of your skin. Ever. Although most sunscreen packaging says “waterproof,” what they really mean is “water resistant.” It’s always best to reapply after you jump in the water to cool off. You wear only the best clothes, only buy designer water and drink the best vodka. Why not invest in your skin? Remember, your skin is the best accessory you have.

The 20-2-1 Rule.

No, these aren’t odds in Vegas; it’s an easy rule to remember when it comes to protecting your skin. Sunscreen takes 20 minutes after you apply it to absorb into your skin and start working properly. You need to reapply it at least every two hours, and replace your sunscreen every year.  Because of the active chemicals in sunscreen, like a good night at a karaoke bar, they can go bad, and lose their potency. A good rule of thumb for how much sunscreen to apply is at least 1 oz. every two hours. That’s equal to a generous shot glass, but drink the shot first. Reapply your sunscreen often because it is vital in protecting your skin.  You need to reapply it before your skin gets red, burns, or feels dehydrated and/or at least every two hours. And it is, after all, the best excuse in getting that hot summer fling to help you rub in the lotion in those hard to reach and not so hard to reach places.

Face it.

Don’t forget the face. After all, it’s the first thing people notice when they meet you at the poolside bar. Ok, so maybe it’s the second thing they’ll notice but it’s just as important. Since the skin on your face is thinner than the skin on the rest of your body, it is extra special and needs extra, special attention. Use at least an SPF 25 on your face and pick one that is specifically made for the face, which is ultra-sheer, oil-free, has vitamins and antioxidants, and provides sun block with Parsol 1789. These specialized face sunscreens will help to keep you from burning, prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots... and face sunscreens are usually formulated to prevent the burning sensation you get when you sweat as it runs into your eyes. They also tend to have a non-greasy formula and usually cause fewer breakouts than all over body sunscreens and help to provide much needed moisture to your face while blocking the bad rays. Peter Thomas Roth has a great face sunscreen with all of these and an SPF of 30. Using the latest technology and research, Colorescience has developed a translucent powder that takes away the 20 minute wait. This instant sunscreen powder immediately blocks UVA, UVB, and infrared rays with a click and brush of its wand. It is nongreasy and won’t burn your eyes and it fits in your beach bag or your car for easy application on the go. And the best thing guys, the powder has no color, which means only you and your esthetician will know you are wearing it!

Rub it.

So see, just a few extra steps to your daily grooming schedule can mean the difference between enjoying your summer in Key West this year and your face remembering it five years later, with wrinkles and age spots. Now that’s a souvenir you can do without. A little TLC for your skin and just a minute of time is all it takes to protect the hottest asset you own. Besides, healthy skin is the new tan. And nothing is hotter than a man who takes care of his skin. Check. Check.

{EM}