“Simplicity” is often the word used to describe the goal of men’s skincare routines—focusing on all-in-one products for your face, body, and hair. But the results are less than glowing, and men are realizing they, too, need to find skin care products that actually work to give them smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Unique Needs of Men's Skin
Men’s skin differs from women’s for a variety of reasons and here are some reasons why:
- Oily skin – Blame the teenage-turbocharged testosterone production. This hormone sends sebaceous glands into overdrive. Sebaceous glands produce and secrete sebum, which lubricates the skin to protect against friction and retain moisture.
- Thicker texture – Higher testosterone production levels means men’s skin often appears thicker due to increased collagen production. Collagen is an important protein, that helps keep the skin plump and firm.
- Rough patches – Irritation from shaving or acne can leave skin red, rough, and bumpy.
- Skin conditions –v Men often tend to present with more infectious skin conditions, like fungal infections, than women.
Building a Basic Body Skin Care Routine
With so many skin care products available today, it can be hard to decipher which might be best for you. Starting a basic routine and adding in additional steps as needed is relatively easy. Here are some things you will want to consider:
- Daily cleansing – Remove excess and dirt with a gentle cleanser, for normal to dry skin. For rough or bumpy skin, consider a salicylic acid cleanser.
- Sun protection – If you'll be spending time outdoors, always include sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. Look for a moisturizer that includes sunscreen for a simplified routine.
- Shaving tips – If you struggle with infrequent ingrown hair, razor bumps, or burns, consider switching up your razor choice (from a multi-blade to a single- or double-blade option). And make sure the way you shave helps your skin. For example, always shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
- Nighttime care – Moisturizing at night, before you go to bed, is just as important as moisturizing in the morning. If you shower at night, you'll want to lock in moisture to help renew your skin while you sleep. Also, using a lactic-acid based moisturizing lotion or cream helps boost cell turnover and get rid of dry, flaky skin.
- Regular skin check – Seeing a dermatologist for a full-body skin check/assessment each year is crucial to detect any skin damage and early signs of skin cancer. This is especially important for men over 50 who have a higher risk of melanoma. Dermatologists can help you with skin irritations and conditions and advise on shaving and skin care product that might be best for your particular skin type.
- Topical treatments – For acne and other skin concerns, over-the-counter treatments like benzoyl peroxide can work wonders. For more serious issues, consult a professional who can recommend prescriptions or treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy. Ask your dermatologist about using a lactic acid moisturizer. When used regularly, the lactic acid speeds up the rate of skin cell turnover, which helps unclog pores and bring new skin to the top. But do not use retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or lactic acid products together, as they are all exfoliants so would be too drying for your skin.
- Lip care – Chapped lips can be quite painful, so be sure to keep lips supple by adding in a nighttime lip mask or non-irritating lip moisturizer like white petroleum jelly. Apply a lip balm with SPF before going out in the sun.
Just as every man has different interests and hobbies, every man’s skin is different. Find the skin care routine that best fits your skin type and life. Instead of all-in-one products, look for multi-tasking ingredients like lactic acid that can help smooth your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and can take care of sensitive skin too. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned pro, taking care of your skin will leave you feeling confident and comfortable.
