Bald can be beautiful whether it’s by choice or faulty genetics. But it requires a different approach then if you sported a full mane. It’s exposed skin after all so think of as an extension of your face and give it the same level of care. And between so much outdoor time, daylight hours, and a strong summer sun, you’ll need to go the extra mile with UV protection. To help you on your way to your best bald, we asked Dr. Adam Geyer, Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist to give us a, um, head’s up on the ideal upkeep.
A Different Approach
It might be an obvious point to make, but your bald head is basically a big target for the sun’s rays. “It’s more susceptible to skin cancer and accelerated aging because of the direct way in which UV rays hit the top of our head rather than tangentially on the face,” explains Dr. Geyer. “Because of the increase in photo-aging, the skin of the scalp usually remains more coarse and thickened than the skin on the mid and lower face, which thins with chronologic aging.”
Take Cover
Dr. Geyer calls out excessive sun exposure as the biggest concern for baldies. “Chronic exposure to UV rays can create a spectrum of problems from an increase in the number of brown spots to an increase in redness of the scalp, as well as multiple hits to the DNA in the cells of the scalp, which can lead to skin cancer.” For all those reasons, he strongly suggests regular usage of sunscreen. A lightweight, water-resistant, broad-spectrum (so sweat doesn’t negate your careful application) formula is your best bet.
Get a Routine
Thoroughly cleanse your head with either face soap or shampoo that targets the scalp to “keep oils and skin cells from accumulating on the surface of the skin,” says Dr. Geyer. And he warns just like when the skin on your face gets dry, especially in the winter, when flaking or itching or both develop, add regular moisturizer usage to your regimen. As already discussed, sunscreen is an essential step for all hairless wonders. But before you slather that on, “use of an antioxidant serum under a sunscreen every day to help to keep the skin tone more even and minimize the formation of brown spots.”
Check out some of our favorite products above, from left to right: Kiehl’s Deep Micro Exfoliating Scalp Treatment ($20), Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo ($28), Kiehl’s Facial Fuel UV Guard ($38), Anthony High Performnce Facial Cream ($45), Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Moisturizer ($46).
