If you’ve been skipping out on skincare, it’s time to talk. You don’t need to do much to repair, protect, or even pamper your mug. We recommend the most fundamental changes for long-term success. Come learn how to deal with breakouts, shaving irritations, and those pesky fine lines. Given the abundance of skin care apps and men’s skincare wellness products in the market, you may be wondering why you should invest in these items and adopt a new skincare regimen.
Here’s how to get started — or brush up on your skills because there’s always something new to help you shine brighter.
The BASICS
There’s no single universal best skin-care routine because everyone’s skin is different. Instead, there are two key concepts to consider when determining the best routine for you: skin type and skin concern.
Skin type refers to your skin’s natural neutral disposition—what it looks like when you’re not doing anything. Dry, normal, and oily skin are the most common. Dry skin is characterised by small pores and tight-feeling skin that does not become oily throughout the day. Normal skin does not become oily, but it also does not feel tight or uncomfortable. Someone who is oily has large pores and can accumulate oil throughout the day, most commonly around the nose and forehead.
Skin concern is a little different: you want to address what’s happening on your face specifically. This refers to specific skin problems like treat pimples, wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation, or redness and irritation. Products are frequently designed to address a specific issue.
A Simple Skin Care Regimen
Skincare, like anything else that we do for which we expect results, necessitates consistency. However, developing a routine can be intimidating if you don’t know what to do or how to use it.
1. Cleanse
Using a face wash to cleanse twice a day is a good idea. As you apply the face wash, gently cleanse in a circular motion. Apply the face wash in a circular motion and gently cleanse. Avoid vigorous rubbing because facial skin is extremely sensitive.
Choose a face wash with moisturising ingredients such as honey or hyaluronic acid for normal skin. Get a face wash with lemon (which helps exfoliate and remove excess oil) like this for oily or combination skin.
You don’t want your skin to be squeaky-clean and tight after using a cleanser/face wash. It should be clean but supple.
2. Hydrate
After cleansing, hydrate your skin again in the morning and evening.
Moisturising or hydrating your skin has numerous advantages: it nourishes your skin, firms it up, prevents water loss, and it’s the perfect way to end a hot shower.
Men with oily skin skip this step because they believe it will make their skin even oilier. That is not correct. Moisturising aids in sebum production and provides much-needed hydration to your skin which helps treat pimples and acne breakouts.
3. Protect
UV rays are something that we all encounter. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is more important than ever. A good sunscreen is an essential wellness product whether you are indoors or outdoors.
It not only protects your skin from sun spots and burns, but it also slows the signs of ageing. Most importantly, it protects you from potentially fatal conditions such as skin cancer.
After applying your moisturiser, apply a generous layer of sunscreen and reapply as directed on the packaging.
4. Exfoliate
Exfoliating or scrubbing your skin is a method of removing dead skin cells and other build-ups. This should be done after cleansing and before moisturising.
Using a scrub is similar to using a face wash. Wet your face and apply a peanut-sized amount of the scrub. Apply it to your entire face in circular motions (moving outwards).
You can use a scrub on the area before shaving. It will help to prevent ingrown hair and bumps. It’s critical to remember that every time you shave, you exfoliate. Don’t exfoliate too much.
It’s an excellent method for unclogging pores and achieving a bright, clear complexion.
5. Mask
Consider a weekly masking session to be a treat for your skin. Take this opportunity to unwind by chopping some cucumbers. Again, apply a face mask after washing your face and using an exfoliator (if you’re using one that day).
Face masks are jam-packed with quick-action activities that promote skin health, each of which takes 15-20 minutes to show results on your face.
A clay mask is the best type of mask for men, especially beginners. Clay and mud are used in these masks to cleanse deep into your pores and remove built-up dirt, oil, and debris.
Do Men Really Care About Skincare?
That statistic should tell you that more men are abandoning the outdated notion that skin care and pampering are only for women.
According to research, skin concerns or disorders can impact self-image, relationships, and performance. However, it is never too late to start a skincare routine.
A master’s thesis from Karlstad University in Sweden discovered that men aged 15 to 45 take control of their appearance and hygiene and embrace self-care ideas. Men are purchasing products to improve their personal hygiene and skin health.
Working to solve skin health concerns, if any, gives you a bit of control over them and helps you build confidence.
Final Thoughts
Skincare routines may vary based on a person’s skin type, but they should include regular washing, moisturising, shaving, sunscreen use, and thorough skin checks.
Following a regular routine can help ensure people take the best possible care of their skin.
Cleansing, exfoliating, masking, hydrating, and using SPF are the five simple steps to men’s skincare. Remember that dedication and consistency are all it takes to master a skincare regimen.
With the telehealth sector booming, you can also opt for skin care apps like ManMatters, which has an expert panel of doctors that can help you in your overall wellness journey from hair, skin, beard, sleep, weight and sexual health.