So many men wouldn't be caught dead standing around the water cooler discussing their skin and skin care routines. But whether they want to admit it or not, men need to have at least a basic skin care regimen to keep their complexions clear and their skin healthy. So, it's time we start talking about it.
We're going to talk about basic care. There's really no need for any major muss or fuss. Chemical peels or weekly masque treatments aren't necessary (but they never hurt, either).
Skin care is important, even for those of the manly-man persuasion, so we're going to talk about it out loud. Men suffer the same skin care woes and troubles as women. Things like acne, sensitive skin, and razor burn can all be tackled with a little bit of smart elbow grease.
Know Your Skin
You may think you don't really care what your skin type is, but you should trust us on this one. You really should. This step doesn't require you to have any major advanced degree, nor does it require you to have a tea leaf reading session. Knowing your skin type will help to make the whole rest of this process run smoothly and successfully. Just think about your skin, and maybe peer into the mirror for a few seconds.
If you have
- Normal skin it stays pretty clear and isn't sensitive
- Dry skin it is flaky, itchy, or rough
- Oily skin it produces excess oil so it is shiny and greasy
- Combination skin it is dry in some areas and oily in others
- Sensitive skin it has a tendency to break out, react to products, or sting or burn
Knowing your skin type will allow you to make good choices when it comes to what products you should or shouldn't use, or how to help yourself if you run into a bit of skin trouble in the future. If you've been having trouble with your skin, try reading the product labels and ingredients. If you have acne-prone skin, you should look for "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic" products because they won't clog your pores. If your skin is on the sensitive side, use mild "fragrance-free" products to avoid possible irritants.
Basic Facial Routine For Men
Just because your skin needs proper care doesn't mean it has to be difficult or time-consuming. Follow these few simple steps twice a day, and the hard part's over.
- Cleanse. Now is not the time to grab your average, boring, dry bar of soap. While some bar soaps are good for your skin, most are full of skin-stripping ingredients that can dry you out. Opt for a cleanser designed specifically for your face. Other types of cleansers typically contain chemicals that are too harsh. Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
- Moisturize. If the thought of telling anyone that you "moisturize" seems too girly, just call it "thirst-quenching your skin." Moisturizing has a bunch of benefits including helping to keep your skin from drying out (even oily skin can get too dry) and will go far towards preventing signs of aging like wrinkles down the line. It also keeps your face looking generally smooth and touchable.
- Treat. If you're suffering from acne, apply a clarifying product. If you are worried about combating signs of aging, an anti-aging cream can hep to smooth out forehead wrinkles and crow's feet around your eyes and tighten your skin. An eye cream can also help to reduce bags and puffiness. There's nothing wrong with wanting to look on top of your game! Very often, your skin's microbiome is out of whack and could be helped with the addition of topical probiotics to bring things back to order.
- Sunscreen. The sun is the number one offender when it comes to creating wrinkles, age spots, and other age-related damage. On top of that, everyone is prone to the dreaded skin cancer. Don't let yourself become another one of those statistics. Slathering on a bit of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before you go outdoors only takes a minute. Don't forget to reapply it every two hours. If you're going to be sweating or swimming, reapply it even more often!
Shaving Tips For Your Skin
While you may have been shaving for years or decades by now, have you been doing so with your skin's best interests in mind? Pay attention to your shaving technique. If you're experiencing razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, switch from a multi-blade razor to a single-or double-blade instead. Don't pull your skin taut while you shave. It may just be that the multi-blade razors are working too well or shaving too closely for your skin.
Wet your skin and hair first to soften it. Apply a moisturizing shaving cream and allow it a chance to actually condition the skin before you begin. Shave with the direction of hair growth and rinse after each swipe of the razor. Change your blade after every five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.
Chances are these few tips don't really take up any more of your time than your old routine, but can really make a huge difference in the future of your skin. Think timeless and handsome ala George Clooney or Sean Connery. Your future self will thank you!