Men are twice as likely as women to develop skin cancer in their lifetime, yet only 12% of men use sunscreen regularly and more than 40% never apply it to their face. This stark disparity in sun protection habits is creating a dangerous gap in skin health, one that dermatologists and public health experts say needs immediate attention .

The numbers tell a troubling story. Up to 90% of all skin cancers are associated with UV exposure, making daily sunscreen use one of the most critical preventive measures available . Yet men consistently fall behind women in adopting this simple habit, leading to later-stage diagnoses and more serious health outcomes.

Why Do Men Skip Sunscreen More Than Women?

The reasons behind this protection gap are complex. Many men grew up in an era when sun protection wasn't emphasized the way it is today, and cultural attitudes around skincare have historically discouraged men from adopting daily routines. Additionally, men tend to have fewer routine skin checks and dermatology visits compared to women, meaning potential skin cancers are often caught at more advanced stages .

Mark Nolan, a radio personality who has become an advocate for skin cancer awareness, experienced this firsthand. Growing up in the 1970s with red hair, freckles, and fair skin that burned easily, he spent summers as a lifeguard with minimal sun protection awareness. "My skin never browned," he recalls. "I was just varying shades of pink whenever I got out into the sun." It wasn't until his early 30s, after covering melanoma stories in his TV news career, that he scheduled his first dermatology appointment .

That first visit revealed multiple precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to skin monitoring and protection. His experience underscores a critical point: much of the skin damage that leads to cancer occurs between ages zero and twenty, meaning adults are often playing catch-up with damage done decades earlier .

How to Build a Sustainable Daily Sun Protection Routine

• Find a sunscreen formula you'll actually use: Whether chemical or mineral, stick or spray, the best sunscreen is the one applied consistently. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher and suggest trying samples before committing to a full product .
• Layer physical barriers with chemical protection: Beyond sunscreen, incorporate wide-brimmed hats, gloves during yard work, and protective clothing on high-exposure days. Physical barriers provide an additional layer of defense that sunscreen alone cannot offer .
• Apply sunscreen during everyday activities, not just beach days: The most common mistake is inconsistency. Sunscreen applied only during vacations but skipped during walks, bike rides, or yard work allows cumulative UV damage to accumulate over time, just as it did for lifeguards and outdoor workers .

Megan Sevilla, a physician assistant at a dermatology practice, emphasizes that perfection isn't the goal. "The goal isn't perfection. It's building habits that reduce the cumulative load," she explained . She also stresses that accessibility is not a barrier. "They're accessible at any drugstore. There's no barrier to starting," she noted .

What Changes When Men Start Taking Skin Health Seriously?

For those with a history of sun exposure, regular skin checks become essential. A full-body skin cancer screening typically takes only five to ten minutes and is straightforward and comfortable . Early detection can mean the difference between a simple office treatment and more invasive procedures.

When precancerous lesions or skin cancers are found, modern dermatology offers precise treatment options. Mohs micrographic surgery, a specialized technique used to treat skin cancer, removes skin layer by layer while examining each layer under a microscope in real time. This approach preserves as much healthy tissue as possible while ensuring complete removal of cancerous cells .

Nolan has undergone Mohs surgery multiple times and describes the experience as far less invasive than expected. "It's much less invasive than you would think," he shared. "When you've got someone like Dr. Garcia doing the work, you're in great hands and you don't feel a thing" .

Beyond individual treatment, public health efforts are beginning to address the male sunscreen gap. The Skin Cancer Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization, has partnered with men's skincare brands to promote daily sun protection as a standard part of men's grooming routines . According to Dr. Deborah S. Sarnoff, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation, "Making sunscreen part of your daily routine is critical" .

Dr. Deborah

The message from dermatologists and advocates is clear: it's never too late to start protecting your skin. Whether you're 12 or 90, whether you have years of sun damage or none at all, building a consistent sun protection habit today can prevent serious skin cancer diagnoses tomorrow. For men especially, overcoming cultural barriers to skincare and making sunscreen a non-negotiable daily habit could save lives.