No skin is created equal. And neither is skincare. Just because your wife or any other female in your life has dry skin and dry skincare products, doesn’t mean you can use the same products for your dry skin.
Men and women have very different facial skin. And it should always be treated as such. Are you looking for better ways to care for your skin? Don’t ask the ladies in your life.
Here are some skin care tips for men to get you started with your daily facial routine.
Wash Your Face
This should be at the top of your list. It sounds simple, right? You’d be surprised to know that many many often skip this step. If they do, some only wash with water and don’t use soap.
Source: ShutterstockTo have glowing skin, you’ll need to wash your face with soap at least once a day (preferably at night time to wash off the excess dirt and oils that your face has picked up during the day). Look for a mild soap for cleansing and don’t scrub your face too aggressively; the more you do, the more your skin will be irritated.
Protect it Against the Sun
Regular sun exposure can cause many skin issues. These include sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Be sure to apply sunscreen on your face when going out.
Even if you do not work outside regularly or it’s wintertime, consider using sunscreen. UV rays can still affect your skin through simple tasks like driving or sitting by a window. Make sure to put it all over your face, and don’t forget to include your neck and ears as well. You’ll want to wear at least SPF 30 and be ready to reapply every couple of hours or so or directly after a swim or intense sweating.
Moisturize
Keep your skin at its best by making sure you’re using the right type of moisturizer for your face. This is especially important if you’re using any acne products, which tend to dry out your skin. It is the buildup of sebum (the waxy, oily substance that the body produces) that causes breakouts to happen. And that sebum starts to build up when your skin gets dry. Not to mention, the more hydrated your face is, the better shave you’ll get, eliminating yet another pesky face irritation culprit.
Source: ShutterstockGo ahead and get yourself some moisturizer that has SPF in it (it will tell you right on the label), and you’ll kill two birds with one stone!
Get the Right Razor
Like we all have different skin types that need different skincare regimens, we also need different razors. The amount of blades varies as well as using a manual versus battery-powered razor. If you’ve got any sensitivities or suffer from breakouts or ingrown hairs, you need to investigate which kind of shaving will give you the best results.
If you choose one kind and experience irritation, keep trying until you find the right one. A good rule of thumb for a razor is to always use one that moves with you, both in your hand and on your face. You should not get any resistance.
Watch How You Shave
Now that you’ve got the right razor, your next worry should be about how you shave. Don’t be tempted to shave against the grain just because it gives you a closer shave. The irritation that will occur if you nick yourself is not at all worth it. Instead, be sure to shave your face in the same direction that the hair flows.
Source: ShutterstockYou can also try an electric razor, which is less likely to cause razor burn (although be aware that it still can). Other tips include changing your blade regularly, cleaning it after every use, and using a shave gel to keep your skin moisturized while you shave.
Ditch the Aftershave
Sure it smells good, and yeah, maybe it gives you that tingling sensation to let you know it’s doing something, but those fragrances can actually do a number on your skin. That “something” that aftershave is doing to your face is actually drying it out.
Aftershave was invented in 1946 with the intent to help prevent infection from any cuts caused by shaving with a straight razor. So unless you are using one of those and/or are incredibly prone to cutting yourself, you probably don’t need that aftershave. But if you absolutely must, look for ones that are made specifically for sensitive skin.
Exfoliate (but not too much!)
Exfoliation, or the process of scrubbing your skin with a grainy substance to remove dead skin, isn’t just for your knees, elbows, or feet.
Part as a way to unclog pores (which will prevent acne), and part as a way to help eliminate any dryness,
Source: ShutterstockExfoliating your face can do wonders not only for your appearance. But it could also improve how your skin feels to touch. Additionally, it could help unclog pores and eliminate dryness.
Depending on your skin type and what it can handle, try to do an exfoliation 1-2 times a week. And if you experience any irritation from it, adjust your schedule.
Stay Away from Sugar
There are many reasons to avoid sugar and clearer skin is one of them.
Too much sugar in your diet could lead to breakouts. In addition, it could aggravate your acne-prone skin and make your acne even more inflamed. It’s okay to have sugar treats sometimes, but if you start seeing breakouts more than before, try eliminating sugar for a few weeks and see if your skin begins to clear up.
These are just some of the things you could do to care for your skin. There are a ton more out there that you can research (such as the effects of smoking, sleep deprivation, etc.) to help you find the right way to get beautiful skin.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to take care of your skin. And the task isn’t so daunting for a newbie, especially for men. If you want to keep it simple and still have great skin, it’s possible. And if you want to kick it up a notch and improve your skincare routine, that’s also possible. Whatever works for you is what works for you. You may need some trial and error in the beginning, but have no fear, your perfect skincare regimen is out there!
