When it comes to taking care of their skin, a typical man from yesteryear would probably limit it to washing their face with soap and shaving. However, if the billion-dollar market for men’s personal grooming products is any indication, this stereotype is well on its way out the door. More and more men are now pursuing skincare, and research shows that skin issues often affect self-image, relationships, and performance of the men who have them. It is a great idea for men to evaluate their self-care routines and incorporate a clear skin regime that will help them gain healthier, younger-looking skin, boosting their self-confidence and self-worth.
Regardless of whether you’ve only just started being concerned about skincare, or are on the fence about it, or have been skipping on skincare your whole life, it’s time to make some changes. To repair, protect, and pamper your skin, here are a few basic adjustments you need to make in your routines that will have long-lasting results.
Let’s Talk About Skin
The skin is your body’s largest organ and it is important you learn to take care of it the right way. Men’s skin differs from women’s skin in many ways, for instance, male skin is thicker than female’s, and it is important that you plan an effective skincare plan accordingly.
It is fairly important that you correctly identify and learn about your skin type so you can treat it accordingly. Here are a few simple ways to identify your skin type:
- If your skin stings or burns after using most regular products, you may have sensitive skin
- If you mostly enjoy clear skin that is not sensitive to normal products is considered normal
- If your skin tends to get flaky, itchy or rough regularly, you probably have dry skin
- If your face gets shiny and greasy as the day wears on, you have oily skin
- If your skin is dry in some areas and oily in others, you have a combination skin
Once you know and understand your skin type, it will assist you to look after your skin properly and select the right skincare products.
To help develop a healthy skincare routine that suits your skin and your lifestyle, consider following these basic tips:
Look at product labels and ingredients before making a purchase
Don’t blindly follow advertisements or just pick something off the shelf because it has appealing packaging. You must choose skincare products according to your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you should look for dermatologically tested, mild and fragrance-free products. The scent or fragrances used in these products can irritate and dry out your skin. Do read the labels to ensure there are no known irritants in the ingredients. If you are prone to acne or breakout problems, choose oil-free products like cleansers and moisturizers. Look at the labels for the words “non-comedogenic,” as this means the product won’t clog your pores and cause acne.
Keep It Clean
Wash your face at least a couple of times a day. You should also always wash it after exercise to get rid of sweat. If your skin dries out easily, ditch regular bar soap for mild facial cleansers. It is also important not to wash your face with hot water. Lukewarm or cold water is best.
Take Care While Shaving
Your shaving technique may be causing your skin problems. For the sake of convenience, many of us use multi-blade razors. While multi-blade razors work well in that they shave close to your skin, they can cause razor burns, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. To avoid these conditions try switching to a single or double-blade razor. Make sure you wet your skin and hair properly before you shave and abstain from stretching your skin taut as you shave. Use a shaving cream that contains moisturizing agents and always shave in the direction of hair growth. Most importantly change your blade frequently to minimize irritation.
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Hydrate Your Skin
Use a good quality moisturizer daily. For best results, moisturize your face and body soon after you shower or shave so that the skin is still damp. Moisturizing your skin traps water in your skin thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and making your skin look more youthful.
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Use Adequate Sun Protection
Sun damage causes wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen to all exposed skin before you go outside. There is nothing sexy about leathery sun-damaged skin. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.
Everyone’s skin is different, so don’t expect that a regimen that works for your friend will necessarily work for you. It is a good idea to consult a dermatologist to get guidance.
