In recent years, more and more men have become conscious of their skin’s needs. And this isn’t just about being vain, as they are now seeing the benefits of keeping it smooth and clean. If you also want to get those benefits of good men’s skin care, here’s how you can do it.
The changing attitudes towards men’s skin care
As noted above, men were generally not interested in talking about skin care until recently. This is often attributed to the erroneous belief that their skin is more resilient. However, as it turns out, the male skin is more susceptible to damage due to several factors.
- Oilier skin: Men’s skin has more active sebaceous glands than women, which releases excessive oils. This is worsened by their larger skin pores, letting in more irritants.
- Different effects of aging: While signs of aging generally appear later on men’s skin, they tend to have a more significant effect. As such, better skincare can slow the onset of these effects.
- Skin stress due to shaving: Shaving is often the only form of skin care men are interested in. But in a bit of irony, frequent shaving can remove the upper layer of skin and expose immature skin to the elements.
Once men understood these factors, they began to see skincare in a different light. But it took them a little while more to fully embrace the idea.
Marketing skincare to men
To market skincare for men, manufacturers had to first appeal to their masculine sensibilities. Popular moisturizer brand Eskinol Master, for instance, had to come up with a slogan that would be able to convey that message. This was a bit of a challenge, as the product was an offshoot of a product line geared towards women. Hence, its tagline “sikreto ng mga gwapo (Handsome guys’ secret)” capitalized on men’s need to be more appealing to the opposite sex.
Changing notions of male beauty also influences how men’s skincare products are consumed. The growing popularity of K-Pop, for example, presented men with an alternative to the usual rugged look associated with the word “handsome”. This encouraged them to try more diverse skincare products to join the trend and get that look. It also saw the shift towards using such products more for personal satisfaction than trying to impress the ladies.
Buying the right kind of men’s skin care products
Now that you understand how men’s skincare has evolved in recent years, you can better get into it. But with so many products available, it can feel overwhelming. To help you get started, here the essential items that you would want to grab first.
Facial cleanser
Many men often rely only on a bar of soap for washing their faces. But as it turns out, this is not enough to get rid of dirt and grime. It can even leave your skin dry, which leads to cracks and wrinkles. Facial cleansers are more suitable since they don’t have the harsh chemicals found in soaps. They also help retain moisture and keep your skin smooth and supple.
When buying your facial cleanser, look for one that doesn’t have alcohol. This ingredient can end up stripping away your skin\s outer layer. Instead, opt for something that has glycolic acid in it. Glycolic acid effectively washes away dead skin cells and dirt without stripping away the fresh skin layer underneath.
Facial moisturizer
While some facial cleansers have moisturizing effects, you would still want to grab a dedicated product for it. These moisturizers have the right mixture of ingredients to better lock moisture into your skin. They also come with additional nutrients to rejuvenate it.
Note that the moisturizer you pick will depend largely on your skin type. Here is a quick look at the ones that you should get based on skin type.
- Normal skin: Use a moisturizer that has camphor or calming aloe to help lessen razor burns that result from shaving.
- Dry skin: A moisturizer with shea butter and humectants will work better to attract and retain moisture on your skin longer.
- Oily skin: Look for an oil-free moisturizer to ensure that your skin won’t become oilier than it should.
- Sensitive skin: Stay clear of moisturizers with fragrances. The chemicals in these can lead to irritation and itchiness.
You might want to consult a dermatologist first to determine what kind of moisturizer would best suit your skin. It is also a good idea if you can get a product that has both a morning and an evening moisturizer. This is because your skin’s condition in the morning can be different to its condition at night after exposure to the elements.Such situation will require different formulations for the two periods.
Aftershave lotion
As mentioned earlier, shaving can stress your skin. To help it cool down and heal, you would want to slather some aftershave lotion. These also help In hydrating your skin and relaxing the pores to prevent contamination.
When using these aftershave lotions, make sure that you apply only the right amount. You would want only a thin layer that doesn’t feel too sticky on your face. Additionally, don’t wash it off, as it’s meant to protect your skin while it relaxes.
Facial masks
This is arguably still one of the more contentious areas of men’s skincare. Some might think of it as going a bit overboard. But using facial masks lets you detox your skin and encourages cell regeneration. That rejuvenation will help you gain a healthier skin faster.
You would want to apply these face masks at least twice a week. Choose a time when you can fully relax since you will need to have them at least half an hour. That period can double as a destressing session, which is also good for your skin’s health.
A few more men’s skin care tips
A thing to remember about men’s skin care is that it isn’t just about the products. Some simple routines can go a long way in boosting the health of your skin. Here are a few more quick tips to protect your skin and keep it looking beautiful.
Watch your shaving technique
When shaving, consider using just either a single or a double-blade razor. Shavers with more blades can end up getting too close to the skin and damaging it. You should also not stretch your skin when shaving to further prevent damage. Replace your shaver blades after seven uses to avoid irritation of the skin.
Lessen your sugar intake
Eating too many sugary foods can lead to the inflammation of your skin and acne breakouts. Be sure to check on the sugar content of your meals to avoid the problem. You can still indulge in them every once in a while but be sure to take note of your intake and adjust your diet accordingly.
Use sunscreen
The sun is the most damaging enemy of your skin. As such, make it a habit to use sunscreen when heading outdoors for a prolonged period. Look for one that has an SPF of 15 or higher. You would also want to get a sunscreen that has moisturizing capabilities to keep the skin from drying out.
Don’t stress out
All the stresses of daily living, such as long commutes and work demands, can hurt your skin. Help it de-stress by finding some time to relax. You can go working out or doing meditation sessions to calm yourself down and keep your body healthy.
Make men’s skin care a part of your daily routine
At this point, men’s skin care isn’t just about being vain anymore. Whether you are the brusque or the effeminate type, taking care of your skin will have plenty of beneficial effects. Follow this guide and you can proudly show off your glowing, healthy skin to everyone.