Proper skin care for the gents
Men have always been simple when it comes to grooming and skin care. A lot of them are not really particular about the products that they use, with some just getting by with a basic wash. The truth is, men have skin issues as much as women, and this is why proper skin care is important for them too. Here’s how men should take care of their skin.
Disregarding age, environment, and lifestyle, male skin differs from a female’s when it comes to thickness, sebum production, collagen, facial hair, and pore size.
Can men use women’s skin care and vice versa? Not exactly. This is because their skin structure is different and they have varying needs. Disregarding age, environment, and lifestyle, male skin differs from a female’s when it comes to thickness, sebum production, collagen, facial hair, and pore size. The male dermis is about 20 to 25 percent thicker than a female’s, their sebum production doesn’t decrease as they age, and they lose collagen gradually compared to women who lose it at a faster rate during menopause. Add the presence of facial hair that somehow offers a bit more protection to UV rays than it does for women. These factors are the reasons why they age slower than the opposite sex. However, males produce more oil, they sweat more, and they are usually outdoors too, making them susceptible to acne, body odor, and skin irritation. This is why when it comes to skin care products, men should look for those that can address these common skin issues:
1. Purify. These are products that clean the skin and avoid the buildup of sebum and bacteria. Look for those with ingredients such as salicylic acid or activated charcoal. Unfortunately, a lot of men’s facial cleansers have alcohols that can dry or strip off their skin’s natural oils, so avoid these.
2. Polish. These are products that help maintain the skin’s moisture levels especially after shaving or exfoliation. This means it is important to be diligent about the shaving routine—do not shave dry, replace razors regularly, and always use a soothing and gentle aftershave.
3. Preserve. These are products that keep the skin safe from sun exposure that can cause skin cancer, accelerate aging, and cause hyperpigmentation.
4. Perfect. These are products for men who want to go beyond the basics for additional skin benefits. Try those that contain retinols (for anti-aging), antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E (that can fight free radicals), and AHAs/BHAs (for exfoliation). Men can also add regular professional treatments like peels, facials, and lasers that can go a long way as well in preventing common skin issues such as acne, blackheads and whiteheads, dullness, and uneven skin tone.
You see, skin care isn’t and shouldn’t be as complicated as it seems. If you follow your routine regularly, your skin will thank you later. But before starting out, remember to consult a dermatologist first for a proper assessment and product recommendation. Having healthy, flawless skin is not just about looking good—it also boosts your mood, improves your self-esteem and adds confidence, too! So always strive to have healthy skin—it only takes a few minutes of your day, anyway!