The Best Skincare Routine for Men
Skincare is not just for the fairer sex, as we well know. However, although both genders share many skin traits, they also have unique needs and challenges. In this post, we share everything you need to know about male skin, from its defining physical characteristics to recommended ingredients, products, and our favourite skincare routine for men.
Understanding Men's Skin
Male skin is defined by larger pores (both in size and quantity) when compared to female skin, making it more prone to accumulating dirt, oil, and blackheads. Additionally, men’s sebaceous glands produce more sebum, which can result in oilier skin with more shine. Another notable difference is that men’s skin is approximately 20% thicker than women’s, making it more resilient to external damage. However, as men age, their skin loses elasticity quicker than women’s, which could lead to the appearance of wrinkles earlier.
Men's Skin Has Specific Needs
Beyond physical traits, male skin also has specific needs due to:
Increased Exposure to the Elements: Men often spend more time outdoors, exposing their skin to UV rays, wind, and pollution. This can damage the skin and lead to dryness, irritation, and premature ageing.
Regular Shaving: Shaving can:
- Irritate the skin, leaving it red and inflamed.
- Create micro-cuts.
- Remove some of the skin’s natural protective oils, leaving it dry and tight.
- Cause ingrown hairs when hair grows back under the skin, resulting in red bumps, sometimes infected, and often painful.
To minimise these effects, we recommend following these tips:
- Shave with warm water: Warm water helps soften the hair and dilate the pores, allowing for a closer shave.
- Use a good quality shaving cream: Shaving creams can help lubricate the skin and protect it from the razor.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth: This will help prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
- Rinse the skin with cold water: Cold water helps close the pores and soothe the skin.
- Use an aftershave lotion: Aftershave lotion or a moisturising cream formulated with calming ingredients helps hydrate and soothe the skin after shaving.
Brand Loyalty Among Men
Unlike women who enjoy experimenting with different products and brands, men tend to be more loyal to products that work for them. Once they find a product they like, they often stick with it for a long time.
Men's Skin Concerns
Men typically have different skin concerns than women. Among the most common are:
- Shine: Excess sebum can cause the skin to appear shiny and greasy.
- Eye Area: Dark circles, bags, and wrinkles in the eye area are concerns for many men.
- Soothing Effect: After shaving, the skin can be irritated and require a calming and hydrating effect.
On the Plus Side…
Despite its unique characteristics, men’s skin also has its advantages. It tends to be more resilient and less prone to fine wrinkles than women’s skin. This is due to the higher presence of collagen and elastin in the male dermis.
Additionally, male skin responds very well to care. If you follow a consistent and appropriate skincare routine for men, you will notice visible results in a short time. Your skin will be more hydrated, radiant, less shiny, and have a healthier appearance.
The Best Skincare Ingredients for Male Skin
When choosing the best skincare products for men, look for those that contain ingredients such as:
- Imperatoria (Masterwort) Extract: This medicinal plant has healing and epithelialising properties, making it ideal for post-shave care as it helps heal micro-cuts.
- Mallow Flower Extract: Mallow is a natural soothing and moisturising agent that helps reduce inflammation and keep the skin hydrated without making it greasy.
- Epilobium Extract: This extract is fantastic for controlling excess sebum and reducing pore size. It’s ideal for oily skin, especially in the T-zone.
A Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Men:
Every man’s skin is unique, just like a fingerprint. What works wonders for one person might leave your face feeling tight and irritated. That’s why building a personalised skincare routine is key. Here, we’ll break down some hero products to target common concerns, helping you craft your own personal arsenal for achieving healthy, happy skin:
- Cleanser: Twice a day cleansing (morning and night) is necessary for any gender and skin type to remove dirt, oxidised sebum, and impurities. We recommend using a gentle facial cleanser like Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream. Make it an easy part of your routine by using it in the shower.
- Hydration: Combination skin types are often dehydrated. Look for a formula enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and epilobium extract to naturally regulate excess sebum production. We love Ideal Rebalancing Level Serum, it’s a must for any skincare routine for men.
- Post-Shave Care: As mentioned earlier, shaving can irritate the skin. To avoid these, it’s important to use a calming moisturiser afterwards. We recommend Essential Bio-Technological Moisturiser.
- Eye Care: Rapid Eye Treatment, used morning and night, helps reduce the signs of fatigue for a brighter eye contour area from the first application.
- Sun Protection: Sun exposure is a major factor in premature skin ageing. It is crucial to use sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or higher) every day, even in winter. This should be a vital part of any men’s skincare routine.
The Takeaway: Invest in Yourself
By following these tips and creating a personalised skincare routine, you will ensure your skin is well cared for and looks healthier. Remember, consistency is crucial for achieving long-term results. Stick to your routine, and over time, you’ll notice your skin becoming more hydrated, balanced, and resilient. Investing in a good skincare routine for men not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your overall skin health.