The Basics of Men’s Skin Care
The Basics of Men’s Skin Care
For a very long time, I didn’t quite care about skincare. I always thought that skincare was something that only women do. However, as I grew older and started caring about my looks, I found that taking care of your skin is very important. The basics of men’s skincare are highlighted below, starting with looking at different skin types.
The most important thing about men’s skincare is to understand that there are different types of skin.
Sensitive skin
this is the type of skin that is very sensitive to some products. If you have this type of skin, you have to be careful about the kinds of products you use and the ingredients that they are manufactured with.
Healthy skin
The skin on which any kind of product can be used without causing any adverse reactions. Such skin is clear and the exact opposite of sensitive skin.
Dry skin
A type of skin that is flaky, itchy, and, most of the time, rough. This type of skin is affected by a lack of moisture.
Oily skin
This type of skin is often shiny and greasy. The amount of oil that is produced by the sebaceous glands on this type of skin
Combination skin
Is the type of skin that is dry in some areas and oily in others.
Knowing your skin type will guide you to getting the best products for your skin. Products that will not end up doing you more harm than good.
The basic skincare routine for men
Below is a guide to the best skincare routine for all men.
Cleansing
This is the most crucial part of both men’s, and women’s skincare routines are cleansing. It is essential to wash your face every morning. However, be careful not to over-clean the face as it could result in the ruining of the skin’s natural oils. Also, make sure to clean your face in the evening before going to bed. Use a mild foaming cleanser that will help you to reduce oil on the surface of the skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, be sure to avoid cleaning products that are made using harsh chemicals and those with fragrance as they can result in more harm.
Shaving
Shaving is something that most, if not all, men do. The way you shave your face, or any other part of your body affects the well-being of your skin. For instance, sometimes, when you shave, you find that your skin becomes irritated or that you develop itchy bumps on your skin. To avoid such issues, you must cut following the direction that your hair grows. Also, make sure to use a foaming cleanser before shaving. The soap helps to reduce the oil on the surface of the skin. Unless you have sensitive skin, you can alternate between an enhanced cleaner designed for shaving and an exfoliating cleanser or a mild wash.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing is essential for both the skin on the face and other parts of the body. Make sure to moisturize your skin in the morning after cleansing. Consider a moisturizer that helps keep the skin from excessive drying and also one that does not clog the pores of the skin. Moisturizing at night is not a wise idea. At night, you want to leave your skin to breath after cleaning. However, if your skin is dry, you would benefit from moisturizing at night.
Repairing
The skin goes through a lot of damage over time because of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a result of free radicals. It also comes about as a result of conditions like air pollution, industrial chemicals used in skincare products, and UV ray damage. Repairing of the skin can be done using an antioxidant serum. The products feature Vitamin C, which is essential in the reduction of damage. The repairing serum should be applied before the moisturizer during the morning routine.
Applying creams or lotions
Lotions and creams help the skin to appear hydrated. They also help to smoothen the skin. However, before you apply creams, make sure to get the right kind of the face and the rest of the body. Make sure to get a cream that is suitable for your skin type.
A Guide to Choosing the Best Skincare Products for Men
There are several types of skincare products for men in the market.
Once you know your skin type, it is easier to select the best products. It is also essential to consider the fact that men’s skin is thicker than that of women. The reason why this is the case is because of the impacts of testosterone.
When choosing skin care products, consider the ingredients used to manufacture the products. Some elements may irritate the skin for people with sensitive skin. Several products also tend to strip the skin of its natural oils, which ends up causing more harm than good. Some ingredients may trigger allergic reactions. Avoid products that have alcohol as it dehydrates the skin. For sensitive skin, avoid products with fragrances and opt for those that are made using essential oils.
Skincare for men is very different from skincare for women. The reason is that there isn’t so much that needs to be done. However, this does not take away from the fact that it is just as important. This is something that I came to learn and appreciate with time.
Featured photo by Drew Hays on Unsplash
