Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous skin disease that not enough people are talking about. Most people brush it off as nothing more than dry skin, but its symptoms are clear enough to differentiate it from other everyday skin concerns.
While more men are in tune with their skin’s needs today than ever before, the typical skincare routine for most men has long consisted of a bar of soap used indiscriminately over the body and face. On the other end of the spectrum, the temptation to opt for the most expensive products on the shelf is also strong among men.
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals recently hosted a panel discussion that aimed to explore the role of raising awareness in driving behavioural change and teaching children of all genders about skin care. The discussion highlighted the importance of being active role models to children by consistently taking care of our own skin. Sherinne Winderly facilitated the discussion, which included panellists such as Dr. Bradley Wagemaker, Kate Kearney, and Richard Laskey.
“Greater awareness is needed to do away with the long held views among men that taking care of one’s skin with the right products and methods does not take away from your masculinity,” says Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals. “With a disease like actinic keratosis, detection is key, and this means taking the time to care for and understand one’s skin.” Social media has been an important and valuable tool when it comes to sharing the latest health information, not to mention removing the stigmas associated with certain health conditions and diseases.
Kate Kearney, Lifestyle and Content Creator says, “By working together, we can achieve more, reach more people, and impact more lives. People depend on social media platforms for information. As a content creator, my aim is to produce content that everyone can benefit from, the discussion emphasised creating platforms to discuss challenges like AK is the first step towards a future where everyone has a better understanding of suncare,”
Reducing the risk involves not only protecting exposed skin from the sun, but also being aware of helpful measures such as Nia-Sol. When taken at the recommended dose, Nia-Sol provides 500mg of nicotinamide, 10mg French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, and 100UI of vitamin D3 per day.
When it comes to encouraging more men to take self care and skin routines more seriously women play an important role too. Whether she’s a mother, sister, friend or spouse, it’s common knowledge that women are often the ones to notice when something is wrong, and push the men in their lives towards better habits and healthier activities.
To find out more about actinic keratosis, visit the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)’s website at cansa.org.za.