Introduction
However, unlike women, the concept of a skincare routine for men has barely made it into men’s vocabulary, let alone their grooming kits. Most men tend to stick to a basic routine of shaving and using shower gels and body spray sets purchased from the supermarket’s bargain shelves as last-minute Valentine’s gifts.
Well, if exfoliating and moisturizing sounds like mystifying the ‘Bermuda Triangle’s ‘mystery, then this guide is here to convince you otherwise. You stand to gain from the best skincare for men and reaping the benefits is surprisingly easy.
Is A Man’s Skin Different from A Woman’s?
No, it’s not. However, since men have thicker hair follicles, they produce higher amounts of sebum, testosterone, and collagen levels than women and need a better and more advanced men’s skincare routine.
Moreover, men’s genetic makeup, daily habits, and the environment affect their overall internal and external health. For example, spending a lot of time outdoors means getting exposed to harsh sun rays regularly, making a skincare routine for men essential for their overall wellbeing.
Also, men have wrinkles, acne, dark spots, and other skin blemishes. Therefore, adapting to the best skincare for men will make sure their skin is protected from environmental toxins and harsh chemicals their skin is exposed to every day.
Do Men Need A Daily Skincare Routine?
Yes, they do. It does not matter how old you are, anyone can benefit from developing a proper skincare routine for men. Skincare practices help keep your skin radiant, supple, and younger for longer – it also helps to ward off irreversible sun damage.
Products like moisturizers, for instance, help lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, preventing them from making you appear older than you are. They also help prevent the tight feeling your skin gets as you wash your face every morning.
Moreover, the men’s grooming industry is projected to surpass the $60-million mark by 2030 meaning, more men are giving up the outdated skincare ideas and embracing self-care through the best skincare for men.
Studies also show that skin issues can affect your self-image, relationship, and productivity. Therefore, you need to embrace a simple grooming routine – it’s never too late to develop one.
The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Men
Have you been looking for a proper men’s skincare routine to help you get rid of the irritating acne and dark spots? Well, take the complexity out of skincare with this solid guide to the best skincare for men.
1. Know Your Skin Type
The first step to developing a proper skincare routine for men is learning your skin type.
Your skin type defines the products and ingredients you need to use to help breathe new life into your skin. It also informs the choice you need to make to ensure better skincare, like the food you need to consume.
The major skin types include:
- Normal
- Dry
- Oily
- Sensitive
- Combination
According to recent studies[1], most men tend to have oily and thick skin, mainly due to testosterone levels. Most men’s skincare products on the market are also formulated to cater to oily skin.
However, if you have flaky dry skin, you need to seek ingredients and products that address that.
You might also have the combination type. If so, ensure to get products formulated to cater to that. As for those with sensitive skin, most skincare experts recommend seeking the assistance of a professional to get the right product suited for your skin type.
2. Cleanse
Much like hopping into the shower, the best skincare for men starts with soap to get rid of the gunk and residue. However, ensure you do not use the same body wash for your mug. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using a non-abrasive facial cleanser for your best skincare for men.
For a proper cleanse, ensure you wash your face twice daily, in the morning and before retiring to bed. Over-cleansing dries your skin out too significantly or sets your sebaceous gland[2] into overdrive, generating excess oil.
The only exception should be when you sweat substantially during the day and need to get rid of the accumulated residue and oil more often.
Directions
- Apply lukewarm water to your face
- Use your fingers to apply the cleanser
- Gently run in circles and let it sit for two minutes
- Rinse off the cleanser with cold water to close off your pores
- Pat your face dry – do not rub your face dry since it stretches the skin, introducing premature wrinkles
3. Exfoliation
Another important skincare routine for men is exfoliation. It helps to remove dead skin cells from your skin. Ideally, the skin gets rids of the cells on its own, but it does not shed completely, therefore, you need a reliable and high-quality face scrub to work its magic.
Exfoliation is particularly essential if you have oily or combination skin, or are prone to acne and dark spots. You should exfoliate three times a week. Going overboard on the scrubbing can cause irritation and excess oil production.
Directions
- Wet your face with lukewarm water
- Dap a small amount of face scrub to your face
- Gently rub the scrub in circles, focusing on areas where dead skin and build-up occur – your forehead, nose, cheeks, and neck
- Rinse with cold water
- Pat your face dry
4. Serum
Most guys do not have a clue about serums, and no this is not the venom kind of serum. So, do not fret. It will not turn you into a supervillain.
A facial serum is one of the most consequential parts of the men’s skincare regimen. It helps prevent oxidative stress caused by free radical damage, fine lines, and crow’s feet that typically make you look older.
Use a facial serum, mostly Vitamin C serums twice daily. Ensure you put it over your face in the morning and before bed to help replenish your nutrients.
5. Moisturize
Before you pour yourself that hot cup of coffee or hop into the shower, be sure to take four glasses of water.
It is estimated[3] that people lose about one liter of water each night, meaning you need to replenish the lost fluids. Consuming the recommended eight glasses of water a day can help improve your skin, but if you need an extra boost, then add a moisturizer to your daily routine. It will help keep your skin firm and supple and prevents premature aging.
Directions
- Apply the moisturizer over your entire face, while your skin is still damp. That way you’re your product will trap moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated
6. Mask
If your skincare routine for men were a smoothie, the mask would be the avocado, or whatever your booster is. In any case, some masks are formulated from avocado extract.
It might seem girly or spa-like to apply a mask on your face, but it supplements your core skincare regimen.
A mask is typically like a serum and it delivers more concentrated ingredients, targeting specific skin issues. The ideal face mask for men, especially for novices, is the clay mask. It cleanses deep into your pores (twice more than the regular facial cleanser) and gets rid of the built-up oil, debris, and dirt.
7. Sunscreen
Last but not least, SPF. Most men think sunscreen is for the summer vacations or when you are out swimming. However, sunscreen is a must-have men’s skincare product. It helps prevent flaky, wrinkled, and discolored skin.
With global warming hitting an all-time high, exposure to the detrimental ultraviolet rays is becoming a major issue, making sunscreen vital to your health – nothing ages and damages your skin faster than sun rays.
Ensure that you also get a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 or 30.
Directions
- Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before getting exposed to sunlight. It offers the product ample time to absorb into the skin to protect it
- If you also want to age like George Clooney or Hugh Jackman, then you want to slow down the aging process by applying a hydrating eye cream twice a day
Bottom Line
Your skin is exposed to several irritants every day. It is, therefore, crucial to take care of it past the basic shower so that it remains radiant and supple for years to come.
Using the best skincare routine for men will help you look younger and gain some confidence boost.
However, to ensure you get the most out of your grooming ritual, be sure to find out if you are allergic to certain ingredients, read product labels before making any purchases, repeat your skincare regimen day and night, see a dermatologist once every year, and be patient with your skin – it takes time to achieve the perfect look.
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