Men’s skin needs sunscreen too! Why and what do you recommend?

“I don’t need sunscreen! and many men go out with bare skin even in summer when ultraviolet rays are strong. However, sunscreen is an essential item for men’s skin as well. In this issue, we will introduce the reasons for this, basic knowledge of sunscreen, and recommended items.

Supervision

Cosmetic Dermatologist, Specialist in Japanese Society of Anti-Aging MedicineNatsumi Miwa

Graduated from Kitasato University School of Medicine in 2013. After completing her training at the University of Tokyo Hospital, she worked as an internist and dermatologist at a clinic in Tokyo. From May 2017 to June 2020, she worked at a cosmetic clinic in Tokyo as a director. She has been the director of ”LonaLona CLINIC" since July 2020. She is active in a wide range of activities including lectures, TV, radio, magazines, and the web.

Men’s skin needs sunscreen! What is damage caused by ultraviolet rays?

We have all experienced the redness and burning of sunburned skin. In addition to sunburn and redness, UV rays can cause wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. The reason why clear skin is now preferred over wheat skin is not only because of the trend, but also because UV damage is now widely known. Let’s take a closer look at what kind of damage is actually caused.

Damage from UV rays (1) “Sunburn is skin inflammation! It causes instantaneous damage.”

Ultraviolet rays that irritate the skin are broadly classified into two types, A-wave and B-wave, and each has a different effect on the skin. The wavelength called “B-wave (UV-B)” damages the surface of the skin, causing sunburn and redness. In fact, sunburn is a state of rapid inflammation, which is extremely damaging to the skin. The UV rays destroy cells, causing redness and pain. Applying sunscreen is a way to prevent skin burns.

Damage Caused by Ultraviolet Light (2) “In fact, 80% of aging is caused by ultraviolet light. It causes wrinkles and sagging.

While B-waves cause redness, ultraviolet rays called “A-waves (UV-A)” have a very long wavelength and damage the dermis layer, the deeper layer of the skin. This damage accumulates and gradually destroys collagen and elastin, which support elasticity, causing wrinkles and sagging. Aging caused by ultraviolet rays is also called “photoaging,” and it accounts for a staggering 80% of the causes of aging. It is important to remember that the effects of ultraviolet rays are not temporary, but long-term damage that can lead to aging in the future.

Damage from UV rays (3) “Sometimes, it causes chronic skin problems such as dryness and acne.

Skin that is damaged by UV rays and has a disrupted barrier function is prone to dryness, acne, roughness, and other skin problems. Men who have not been able to alleviate their skin problems during the summer even though they have been focusing on skin care may be experiencing skin problems caused by UV rays. In summer, when ultraviolet rays are particularly strong, and even in winter, damage from UV rays can accumulate, so it is recommended to use sunscreen year-round to prevent skin problems.