As we enter Movember, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about men’s health, including skin cancer. While many people grow out their beards and mustaches for the cause, it’s also a great opportunity to talk about why routine skin checks are essential—even under facial hair. Dr. Metterle and Dr. Patel at Luma Dermatology want to remind men that, while facial hair has gained popularity in recent years, it isn’t enough to protect against the sun’s harmful rays or conceal early signs of skin cancer.
Facial Hair Alone Won't Protect You
It’s a common misconception that facial hair like a beard or mustache will block out enough sunlight to protect the skin beneath it. While a thick, dark beard might offer some UV protection, it’s not adequate on its own. The reality is that skin cancers can develop under facial hair, where they often go unnoticed until they’re more advanced.
“Facial hair might obscure your skin, but it won’t shield it from damage or hide the development of skin cancer,” says Dr. Metterle. “We often see patients who have missed early signs of skin cancer because it was partially hidden by facial hair.”
How to Spot Potential Signs of Skin Cancer
It’s critical to check for unusual changes on your skin, even under your beard and mustache. Dr. Patel explains, “I’ve had patients come in with sores or small lumps under their facial hair that didn’t heal and occasionally bled. In some cases, they turned out to be skin cancers that had gone undetected for too long.”
If you notice a sore, a mole, or a dark spot that doesn’t seem to heal within two months, it’s worth a visit to the dermatologist. Skin cancer can also develop on the scalp, where it can be difficult to spot on your own. Dr. Patel recommends doing a thorough self-check once a month or asking a partner to help, focusing on new or changing spots.
Sun Protection is Prevention
Routine skin checks are essential, but so is preventing damage in the first place. “Sunscreen is your best defense,” Dr. Metterle advises. “Applying SPF daily is far easier than dealing with skin cancer treatment down the road.” However, research shows that less than one in five men use sunscreen regularly.
Dr. Metterle suggests replacing your aftershave with a daily moisturizer that has SPF, ideally 15 for everyday use and SPF 30 or higher for extended outdoor activities. “Don’t skip any areas,” she says, “including your forehead, ears, back of the neck, and bald spots.”
Find Sunscreen That Works with Facial Hair
If you have facial hair, applying sunscreen may feel tricky. Dr. Patel recommends looking for a lightweight, fast-absorbing SPF product. “Many brands offer lighter sunscreens that disappear after rubbing them in,” she says. “There are also SPF lines designed specifically for men, and you might even find products that feel invisible.”
A Hat is Your First Line of Defense
Sun protection isn’t just about sunscreen. Both doctors agree that a hat with a wide brim can be a great addition, especially for protecting the scalp. Dr. Patel says, “A wide-brimmed hat is reliable for shielding your face and scalp from UV rays, particularly on sunny days when you’ll be outdoors.”
Schedule Your Skin Check Today
With skin cancer rates on the rise, taking steps to protect and monitor your skin is critical, even for the areas you may not see every day. Dr. Metterle and Dr. Patel at Luma Dermatology encourage everyone to schedule annual skin exams and to perform regular self-checks. If you notice any persistent changes or have concerns, book an appointment at Luma Dermatology. Let’s keep your skin safe and healthy, so you can confidently rock your beard and enjoy the benefits of good skin health!
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