In the 21st century, gender norms are continuing to be overturned. But those on the newly recognized parts of the gender spectrum aren’t the only ones benefiting; men are freer than they ever have been to be themselves. And this means undoing old stereotypes, like the assumption that men don’t need to or shouldn’t take care of their skin. The reality is, they do and they should.
Estheticians, who don’t work in healthcare and perform work ultimately designed to improve the beauty of their client, can help identify dangerous skin problems early on. Because men visit doctors significantly less than women do, and are proven to be less likely to wear sunscreen, a visit with an esthetician could mean the difference between skin cancer detected early, and bouts with painful and dangerous treatment, or even death.
A visit to the spa is not usually associated with early detection of skin cancer, but these beauty experts can also help promote good skin health in men. Estheticians can explain the need for men to apply sunscreen daily, to properly moisturize and clean their skin, and to consult a dermatologist for frequent testing.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, men from ages 15-39 are 55 percent more likely to die of melanoma than women, and it is shown to be the fifth most common type of cancer in American males.
Good skin care practices, both cleaning and seeing experts in care like estheticians and in treatment like dermatologists, can help men lead long, productive lives.
And the reality is, more men than ever are seeking proper skin care. Men now form just under half of regular spa attendees, at 47% according to the International Spa Association. Spas are changing their marketing to include motifs that are friendly to male attendees, rather than traditional advertising that is catered specifically to female clientele.