"Men who strongly adhere to traditional masculine norms are less likely to use sunscreen and are more likely to believe myths about tanning."
We often hear that men don’t wear sunscreen. Have you ever wondered why?
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology explored a explanation: Traditional masculine norms might be getting in the way.
Masculinity & Sun Protection
Researchers surveyed 961 men across the U.S., measuring:
- Their sunscreen habits
- Their beliefs about tanning, aging, and sun damage
- Their alignment with traditional masculinity norms
And the results?
Men who strongly adhered to masculine norms were:
- 44% more likely to not use sunscreen regularly
- 74% more likely to believe that “getting a tan protects against sun damage”
- Less likely to care about youthful-looking skin
Why It Matters
Despite having a higher risk of melanoma than women, many men still:
- View skincare as “feminine”
- Feel uncomfortable asking another man to apply sunscreen to their back
- Don’t prioritize UV protection in their routine
Gender norms may be the real barrier.
How to Rethink Sun Protection for Men
To change the behavior, we need to shift the message:
- From: “Sunscreen is skincare.” To: “Sunscreen is survival gear.”
- Focus on health and longevity, not just beauty.
- Normalize easy-to-use, zero-fuss products
UVELLA’s Take
At UVELLA, we believe sun protection is for everyone—no matter your gender identity.
That’s why our products are:
- Non-greasy and fast-absorbing
- Designed to fit seamlessly into any lifestyle
- Backed by science—not stereotypes
Scientific Reference
- McKenzie, C., Rademaker, A. W., & Kundu, R. V. (2019). Masculine norms and sunscreen use among adult men in the United States: A cross-sectional study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 81(1), 243–244.
Reviewed by:
Jungyoon Ohn, MD, PhD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
