Perhaps you’re an outdoorsy kind of guy — spending lots of time in the sun, exposed to the elements. Or you’re the casual, more indoorsy type. Maybe you’re clean-shaven or sporting a full beard. No matter your style or lifestyle, taking care of your skin is important.
A lot of men have the common misconception that skin care needs to be really complicated, but it doesn’t have to be, You can have a simple regimen that’s easy to follow as part of your daily routine. As compared to women, the skin of men has more collagen and elastin that makes their skin thick and firm and, hence, the signs of aging appear much later as compared to women. Therefore, it is important for men as well to take care of their skin by following a cleansing routine, say experts.
Dermatologists have listed pointers for skin care for men to follow.
Know your skin type:
This is the first step to schedule your skincare routine. Take a tissue test and see if you have dry, oily or combination skin. Generally, people with oily skin tend to have oil on their t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Check this using a tissue paper and get to know your skin type.
Skin types
There are roughly four skin care types:
Normal skin can tolerate a variety of different skin care products without any harsh results.
Dry skin can be red and flaky in areas, especially when exposed to cold, winter elements. You may also have this type if you remove the natural oils from your skin by washing or scrubbing your body excessively. If you have this skin type, you’re more prone to getting eczema.
Sensitive skin reacts to different products in a variety of ways. If you break out in a rash or experience itchiness, redness or burning when trying new skin care products, you might have this skin type.
Oily skin causes your face to appear shiny or bright. You tend to breakout or have issues with acne more easily if you have this skin type.
You can also have a combination skin type, in which the center of your face may be oily, but other parts of your face, like your cheeks, can be dry.
Choose products as per skin type:
Since there is a difference between the skin of males and females, the products are made specifically keeping in mind all those factors. Make sure to use skin care products mindfully.
Follow a cleansing routine:
Men should wash their face at least twice a day using a mild face wash that suits their skin. As the skin tends to get oily throughout the day and block the pores, it is important to follow a regular cleansing routine. Watch out if it dries your skin and changes the products accordingly.
Exfoliation:
All that dirt and oil accumulated on the face results in blackheads or whiteheads and forms a layer of dead skin. Exfoliation sheds off this layer and brings out a smooth, healthy skin. In case you have an oily skin, use a salicylic acid-based scrub. A glycolic face wash is also a good buy as it cleanses as well as exfoliates.
Do not forget SPF:
SPF should be an important part of your skincare regime as it protects the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun that leads to sunburn, tanning and gradually leads to early aging. For men, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is a great option and should be used daily. Reapplying the skin care is the second step to increase its effectiveness.
Moisturise:
After thorough cleaning and exfoliation, it is important to moisturize your skin to keep it soft and supple. A moisturizing cream provides the right amount of moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. A hand cream, body lotion are some good options. Moisturizers keep water in the skin so it stays hydrated, plump and full. Hyaluronic acid is the ingredient that draws water in and keeps it there. But you also want to look for ceramide-enriched moisturizers.
Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves
There’s nothing quite like that burn right after a good shave, and while that might feel refreshing at first, it’s actually hindering your ability to stay moisturized because it dries out your skin.
“Alcohol-based products are traditionally meant to act as an antiseptic and help prevent infection, but it can be very irritating to the skin. Using a moisturizer is more helpful than an alcohol-based aftershave for most people,”
If you shave, there are some additional tricks
Shaving is one of the most common concerns for men. While you should avoid alcohol-based aftershaves, there are other things to consider, too.
Your facial hair will be softer after a warm or hot shower, so cleanse first.
Use a gentle, bland shaving cream or oil to prevent rashes or ingrown hairs.
Shave in the direction of your hair growth to reduce irritation. If your skin is irritated or dry, using an electrical razor with safeguards can help.
When you’re done shaving, apply a gentle moisturizer to your skin. If you have dry skin, an oil-based product can be used as well.
If you typically get ingrown hairs, use an exfoliant (like a gentle face scrub) on your skin a couple times a week to remove dead skin cells.
Conclusion
We’re all busy guys trying to balance work and family while having some semblance of a social life. The last thing we want to do is spend too much time on our skin care routine.
Well, there’s good news. You don’t need to follow a crazy, complicated skin care regimen to achieve great-looking skin. By forming a few simple habits and using skin care products designed for men, you can start taking better care of your skin immediately.
