People in relationships are more likely to protect their skin in the summer. Why?
As we move through the summer months, applying protection from the sun becomes increasingly necessary. A recent study published by the Oxford University Press discovered that individuals in relationships were more likely to care about sun protection if their partners were also concerned about it. In fact, the study showed that partners who discussed sun protection together were most likely to use some form of sunscreen. What does this mean for individuals who are single? Can a relationship really lead to better skincare and ultimately better health? Let's take a deeper look:
Couples tend to motivate each other. As the study states, married couples who are relationship-centric tend to discuss concerns with each other. Couples who are focused on avoiding skin cancer are more likely to find ways to prevent it together. This typically leads to a more regimented and involved skincare routine. However, this doesn’t mean that single people can’t find ways to practice self-care in the summer. When going out in the sun, it’s best to cover up as much as possible by wearing sunglasses that block out UV rays, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher and minimize sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest.
Relationships instill a sense of responsibility. In addition to motivating each other to use sun protection, those in relationships are more likely to feel a sense of responsibility for their partner. When someone is in a relationship, they tend to “influence” their partner in certain areas including exercise and diet, which can also ultimately lead to better skin. Social ties lead couples to engage in behaviors that protect the other person. For example, the couples that participated in the skincare study were shown to have engaged in regular skincare screenings with their partner. But keep in mind this behavior doesn’t just extend to romantic relationships. Any social ties we have to another person can positively impact the way we care for ourselves, our skin and others.
Gender plays a role. Part of the study was to determine if wives played a bigger role in discussing skin cancer-related concerns and if they were the key motivator in skin protection. Is there a reason why wives would be more concerned about their partner than themselves? Maybe. According to the Melanoma Foundation, men are more likely to develop skin cancer than women. One-third of U.S. adults get sunburned every year, and most of them are white males. What’s more, only 14 percent of men use sunscreen when they go outside. In this scenario, having a female spouse may encourage partners to be more cautious with their skin. For unmarried individuals, simply buying skincare items like moisturizer or makeup with SPF and reapplying throughout the day will help minimize chances of sunburn.
Ultimately, relationships can be a contributing factor to better skin and skincare – especially in the summer. However, those that are single can also practice habits that will protect their skin if they continue to motivate themselves and take the time to practice self-care. How do you think your relationship status affects your skincare?
