The modern man is not afraid to say he cares about his skin. Various skin care product manufacturers recognize the demand and offer skin care for men. When integrated into a daily routine, these products can provide transformative results.
What is the Ideal Men’s Skin Care Routine?
A men’s skin care routine doesn’t need to be complicated. The following steps can get your skin looking its best.
- Cleanse/Exfoliate: Clean your skin twice daily, in the morning and at night, to remove any sweat and bacteria accumulated during the day or while you sleep. Exfoliation is also beneficial, as it removes dead skin cells, but it should be limited to twice a week to avoid irritation and over-drying.
- Toner: Toners balance the skin’s pH to prevent it from becoming too oily or dry. They are especially recommended for people with oily skin.
- Apply shaving cream, foam, or gel: The cleanser and toner soften your face, making shaving easy. The first step is to apply a gentle shaving cream, foam, or gel to prevent rashes and ingrown hairs.
- Shave: Shave toward your hair growth to reduce irritation. If you use an electric razor and have dry or irritated skin, safeguards can help.
- Apply Aftershave: Aftershave soothes and moisturizes your skin after shaving. Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves, which can have drying effects.
- Apply serum: To prevent the skin from drying out after shaving, it’s best to moisturize it. A serum penetrates deeply into the skin to target fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
- Apply moisturizer: Follow up with a moisturizer that creates a barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in hydration and protect it from toxins.
- Apply eye cream: The skin around the eyes is thin and prone to wrinkling. An eye cream may offer advanced protection.
- Apply SPF: You may use a moisturizer with a built-in SPF. If not, consider adding an SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays.
GQ mentions other products that can be integrated into men’s skin care. For example, face masks can offer deep cleansing and nourishing results. Various products are available, each offering customized results.
Spot treatments are also ideal. They can target pimples and hyperpigmentation.
Consider Skin Types
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that men get familiar with their skin type. They typically fall into the following categories:
- Sensitive skin may burn or become irritated after product use.
- Normal skin is clear and not sensitive.
- Dry skin may be itchy or flaky.
- Oily skin is shiny and greasy.
- Combination skin may be dry in some areas and oily in others.
Choose a skin product that is suitable for your skin type. Some products have wording on the label indicating which skin type they are ideal for. You can also research to find the best products for your skin.
The Best Skin Care for Men
Finding the best skin care products can be tricky. Here are a few recommended items to help you get started.
- Giovani’s Men’s 2 in 1 Body Wash & Facial Cleanser: This 2-in-1 body wash and cleaner contains ginseng, eucalyptus, and other extracts specially formulated for men. It removes impurities and excess oils, leaving skin feeling refreshed and renewed.
- Andalou Naturals CannaCell Men’s Invigorating Body Wash: This hemp-formulated product is rich in antioxidants and other botanical cleaners that invigorate the senses.
- Zum Face Gentle Facial Toner: This toner contains nourishing, hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, which hydrates and soothes, and witch hazel, which makes your skin more receptive to moisture absorption.
- Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Organic Shaving Soaps: Dr. Bronner’s Shaving Soap is enriched with organic ingredients that nourish and purify the skin, providing a silky-smooth finish. It smells great, too.
- Badger Man Care Shave Soap Bar: Badger’s organic shave soap is made with aloe, coconut oil, and glycerin for extra moisture. It provides a light lather with no dryness or residue.
- NOW Foods Nutri-Shave Natural Shave Cream: NOW Shave Cream is specially formulated to reduce skin irritation and ingrown hair. It leaves skin smooth, healthy, and well-nourished.
- Zum Zum Face Argan Oil Facial Serum: This serum is made with plant-based ingredients, such as essential omega fatty acids and vitamins C and E, which nourish, protect, and hydrate the skin.
- Giovani D:Tox System Replenishing Facial Moisturizer: This profoundly penetrating moisturizer contains green tea and fig antioxidants, which protect the skin from free radicals and provide rejuvenating effects.
- UpCircle Eye Cream: This cream is formulated with herbs, antioxidants, and compounds that moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes, delivering deep hydration and protection from the elements.
- Alba Botanica Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fragrance-Free SPF 30: Alba Botanical Sunscreen protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays with a fast-absorbing, lightweight formula.
Skin care for men can be challenging, but with the right approach, you will develop a system suited to your needs. Combine cleansing, moisturizing, and careful shaving to make your skin look its best. Which of these products will you integrate into your routine?
FAQs
Do men need different skin care than women?
Men typically have thicker skin than women and may require different concentrations and textures of active ingredients. Males also produce more sebum and may have oilier skin than women, requiring specially formulated products. They also shave, which can irritate the skin, and may need products to soothe the irritation.
Is it okay for men to use women’s skin care products?
Yes, women’s skin care products can be effective on men. However, in some instances, men may require products specifically designed to meet their cosmetic needs.
Do men need toners?
Toners are especially effective for men because they balance oily skin. Men are prone to oily skin due to their advanced sebum production.
