Men’s skincare is an important aspect of grooming and personal hygiene. While historically, the skincare industry was biased towards women; the trend has shifted towards men being equally concerned about their skin and appearance in recent years.
Oilier and Thicker
Men’s skin differs from women’s and requires different products. First and foremost, you must understand the skin type and its requirements. Men’s skin is generally oilier and thicker than women’s skin, and the pores often slightly larger.
Therefore, using skincare products specifically designed for men achieve better results than those intended for women’s skin. A basic skincare routine for men should include cleansing, toning, moisturising, and sun protection, adding serums to target specific skin concerns if required.
A Gentle Face Wash
Men should use a gentle face wash or cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of essential oils. An oil-based cleanser works well for this. Also, choose a product that is suitable for the skin type. Men with very oily skin should consider double cleansing with a secondary water-based cleanser (after the oil-based one), which reduces excess sebum and mattifies the skin, making it look less shiny.
Men who have dry skin and shave regularly can also try using an oil-based cleanser instead of a shaving cream, as it prevents razor burn and ingrowing hairs. Toning and Hydration Toning keeps the skin’s pH level balanced, thus maintaining healthy barrier function. It also hydrates and preps the skin to absorb everything else applied afterwards. The third step in a skincare routine is to moisturise. Men should use a lightweight, non-greasy and easily absorbed moisturiser. Choose a product suitable for your skin type that hydrates without clogging pores.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Moisturising keeps the skin soft and supple and also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Men should use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
Sun damage may cause premature ageing, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Apply the sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours if exposed to the sun for long periods. This is my single biggest anti-ageing tip.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to using the right products, men can also make some lifestyle changes to improve their skin. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep maintains healthy skin.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also affects the skin, causing premature aging and dullness. If you need help setting up a male skincare routine, please get in touch; I’ll be happy to help.
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