Sun on Men’s Skin: Does Sebum Make Your Face Stronger?

The holidays lay before you like that bonus freshly landed in your bank account; exciting, untouched and full of promise. Whether you’re partying in Plett, dashing around Durban’s North Coast or just taking it easy poolside, now’s the time for the big chill. Now is also the time for self-care. Ditch the notion that well-being simply means massage and yoga.

Instead, look to your health and focus on what it needs this summer season. First up? Non-negotiable sun protection.

The Great Sebum Debate: Does It Actually Make Men’s Skin Stronger?

While sebum (oil) concentration in men’s skin is known to be higher than in women’s, it’s a myth that it helps guard against UV. Sure, the more oil, the more hydration. However, UV damage can still happen, and it does, with the results being ageing you more aggressively than you perhaps realise. Back to that sebum supply; yes, it does help with skin health (forming a protective barrier), thanks to how men’s skin is designed.

Sebaceous glands that drip oil into the skin are larger in size. So naturally, a guy’s skin is oilier, not to mention thicker. And, we can’t forget about hormones. Testosterone stimulates sebum production, which is another reason men’s skin is more oily than women’s. Now let’s add some sun to the mix, or rather, quite a bit of exposure considering it’s summer. When those rays hit a handsome face, the sun can actually trigger an injury response. Skin replies by pushing more sebum out to protect itself in the form of hydration. Unfortunately, though, your complexion doesn’t always get the memo, and instead of calming a perceived injury, what you end up with are breakouts.

Make sense as to why men struggle with acne far beyond their teenage years? And so if it’s strong skin you’re after, sunscreen really helps with a lot of heavy lifting. Of course, it’s also a must if you want to age well.

When Skin Meets Sun: Why Every Guy Needs A Body Guard

Perhaps you think that thanks to your extra boost of sebum and your naturally thicker skin, this somehow gives you added SPF protection. The reality is that these “benefits“ may sound like rewards. Still, UV damage cuts right through and ageing signs like deep, pronounced wrinkles, rough texture and stubborn pigmentation are the results.

Not only is it essential that you’re protected from all forms of UV damage, but that your mindset is one of “all day, every day.” This means, whether you’re on the soccer field or in the boardroom, you must have sunscreen on your skin. It’s an all-weather product that goes on regardless of the temperature or occasion.

It’s becoming more crucial as men are statistically at a higher risk of developing. Think of those areas you might never ever consider sweeping on SPF, such as your head if you’re bald or in between your toes. And remember, as those sebaceous glands are larger and your skin is oilier, reapply if you perspire. Sweating can actually “melt” away sun protection, compromising its ability to keep you protected.

So what do I need?

What needs to be stashed in your wash bag this holiday? A fresh bottle of SPF50 – don’t play around – suitable for sports including swimming, and one that is sweat-resistant. And at all times, a tube of sunscreen (SPF 50 is the general recommendation) that works with your skin type, to use in the morning and top up as you go. This is more than just grooming; it’s the epitome of skin health for vibrant skin now and in the years to come.