As a man, skincare might not be the first thing that comes to your mind. You might often think that moisturizers, cleansers, toners, etc. are only for women. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. With more and more men around the world realizing the importance of a daily skincare routine, the market for skincare products has opened up and is vastly growing.
Often, this is a pure vanity-driven thing – I mean who doesn’t want to look like suave when they are at events or in the office. But it’s not always all about the vanity. It’s also about retaining healthy skin that doesn’t cause you problems in the long term. Skin issues such as acne, for example, can affect those of all ages – so it’s good to know how to treat it and how to prevent it from getting worse.
It’s clear that sticking to a regular routine will help to keep your skin refreshed and rejuvenated for longer. It can also help with the ageing process – even if you are rocking the silver fox look. To get the clearest possible skin, alongside using high-quality products, you should also follow a healthy lifestyle, working out when you can and eating well every day (say goodbye to regular takeouts). Clarins have outlined some of the other ways that you can look after your skin in The Ultimate Men’s Skin Care Guide for Clear and Smooth Skin.
Everyone wants to live a healthy life and look the best that they possibly can – no matter if you are a young businessman or a retired shopkeeper. But when it comes to skincare products, how do you know which ones are right for you? It’s important to first understand what skin type you have.
Most Common Skin Types
The most common skin types are oily, normal, combination and sensitive. Each skin type holds a different treatment and if the wrong products are used, could result in inflammation and irritation. To help you determine what type of skin you have, you can do one of two things. You could either wash your face and leave it for about an hour – seeing what your skin is like afterwards (e.g. if it’s lacking in moisture, chances are you have dry skin) or you could use blotting paper. For the latter, you should gently pat your skin before holding the paper up to the light. If it’s covered in oil, for example, you most likely have oily skin. If you are still unsure as to which type of skin you have, you can book an appointment with a dermatologist who will give you more in-depth advice.
Skincare Products
There are specifically designed products out there that are designed to rehydrate your face, remove the excess oils and help with skin sensitivity – which is especially important for those that shave every day. The product that you choose, of course, will be a personal preference. But once you know what type of skin you have, you can start to research what products are good quality and those that are worth the price tag. To get a good indication of this, you should read customer reviews – this will give you a better idea of how good they really are, rather than just relying on the product description.
Always Wear Sunscreen
It’s important to always wear sunscreen when you are heading out for a day in the outdoors. Men’s skin generally can tan a lot better than women’s; and although that might initially seem like a good thing, in the long term, if you don’t protect it, it could result in your skin becoming damaged. Everyone knows that the sun puts out harmful UV rays – so you should purchase appropriate sunscreen for your skin type. As skin cancer is a growing concern for men, you should also purchase lip balm with SPF built-in. Whatever you can do to lower the chances of getting cancer, the better after all.
Did You Know?
- Men’s skin tends to be oilier than women’s. This can often result in breakouts, causing men to try and find products that help with inflammation.
- Men are more likely to have bags under their eyes due to their (often) stressful careers. When you work long hours in the city or you work nights, chances are you are likely to get bags under your eyes. This can be solved by using specially designed eye cream.
- Men’s skin is a different texture to women – therefore you might have to use creams that are a little harsher and less sensitive (this varies person by person, however).
Everyone Needs To Talk More About Skincare For Men
As mentioned above, many people believe a skincare routine is for women only. Frequently put into the beauty category, many men feel strange moisturizing their skin every day or applying face masks. But if you want healthier and clearer skin, these thoughts need to be destroyed. You need to go out there and purchase skincare products! Don’t feel as though people are judging you – you are more likely to be credited for looking after your skin. Besides, it will help you in the long term to fight infections, prevent ageing and stop breakouts from happening. So, treat yourself and follow a routine that suits your lifestyle. Taking care of your skin is also a good way of relaxing after a long day at work and can be used to refresh you in the morning before you head out.
The Time of Year Makes a Difference
This is an important point to remember. In order for your skincare routine to be effective, it’s essential that you remember that the seasons can affect your skin. Your routine in the summer might be different from that in the winter and there is nothing wrong with that. You just need to ensure that you adapt it to what the weather is like outside. For example, in the summer you should gently exfoliate, shave lightly and cleanse your face every day. In the winter, however, you can switch to balms, use hydrating face masks and use a chemical exfoliant.
Final Thoughts on Skincare
So, there you go. Those are just some of the reasons why it’s important for men to look after their skin. It doesn’t matter what age you are – it’s never too early or late to start a skincare routine. Just remember, however, to not overdo it – you don’t want your skin to be red-raw or anything. As the industry continues to grow, so will the popularity of using the products – therefore, it’s good to research before you buy. Often as there are still fewer skincare products for men available and they are seen as more luxurious, the prices will be expensive. So Google before diving in and purchasing them. This way you can get high-quality products for a fraction of the price.
With male skincare, you need to leave all inhibitions at the door and start slowly. As you start to understand the products and the market, your confidence will grow. Your overall attitude will then (most likely) change and you can develop a routine that suits you. Not everyone is the same – some may focus on their skin in the morning, whilst some may have a more in-depth routine in the evening after work. It will be your personal preference. Just remember – don’t neglect your skin! Take action and start to see results within weeks of using the product.
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