Skincare 101 for men
Looking after your skin in our harsh climate is just as important for men as it is for women. Here’s a little motivation
IT’S hot and humid out there, and there’s the added hassle of masks. So guys, if you’ve been neglecting your skin or ignoring it altogether, here’s a reminder that a little pampering goes a long way.
It doesn’t take a great deal of effort to repair, protect and buff up your skin. It’s the face you show to the world, after all, so why wouldn’t you want to look your best?
Men’s skin is 15-20% thicker than women’s, and has bigger pores with more sebaceous glands. This makes your skin prone to oiliness and breakouts. Men’s skin also has a higher collagen density, and this is why you age more slowly than women.
The most basic skincare routine for a man should include a mild cleanser, a balancing moisturiser and a high-SPF sunscreen. Once you get the hang of that, new items can be introduced gradually. First a serum, then an eye cream and then a mask.
Another part of the face that’s often overlooked is the beard area. Keeping your facial hair looking trim and conditioned is a must and there are loads of fabulous beard-care products out there.
So, let’s break it down: how do each of these skin- and beard-care products make a difference?
FACE WASH/SCRUB
The first and most important step of any skincare regime is cleansing the skin well with the right product. Men tend to have oily skin, so a cleanser that contains salicylic acid is essential – it gently buffs the skin to remove dead skin cells and reduce oiliness and pore size. Exfoliation should be done at least once a week. Look for an exfoliator with little granules that gently exfoliates impurities.
MOISTURISER
Moisturisers keep the skin hydrated and lock serums in. They penetrate the skin on a superficial level, but help keep things balanced. A moisturiser with vitamin A, C or E helps brighten and rejuvenate the skin while protecting it from the environment. It’s important to use sunscreen when using any product that contains vitamin A. This is because vitamin A can be volatile when exposed to the sun, and this can disrupt and sensitise the skin.
SERUM
These are super for skincare because they contain a high dose of ingredients that penetrate the skin at a deeper level to deliver visible results.
For guys, light hydration is key because your skin is probably already oily. Serums with hyaluronic acid gives the skin oil-free moisture and smooths the appearance of fine lines. If oiliness is really an issue, a serum with salicylic acid works too.
Charcoal and clay masks work well for gents suffering from oiliness and impurities
SUNSCREEN
You’ve heard it before, now you’re hearing it again: sun protection is non-negotiable! Apart from the serious threat of skin cancer, the sun can have adverse effects on the skin such as premature ageing, dryness, breakouts and hyperpigmentation. The various rays of the sun have different effects on the skin, and that’s why it’s important to use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB filters.
There are two types of sunscreen. The first type is mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. This is the stuff that leaves a white residue on the skin and needs to be reapplied often. They’re great for people with dry or sensitive skin because they’re gentle.
Then there are chemical sunscreens. These penetrate the skin and contain chemicals that absorb the sun’s rays. They’re good for people with oily skin because they’re non-oily and don’t leave a residue.
They also come with a higher SPF compared to mineral sunscreens. But they can irritate sensitive skin due to the chemical reaction that takes place.
BEARD SHAMPOO
These are formulated for facial hair and the skin beneath it, so they tend to be quite gentle. Beard shampoos leave the hair feeling soft and fresh, which is important for the growth of the beard. It should be used daily and only a little is needed.
BEARD OIL
Dry facial hair tends to be brittle and tricky to manage, so a good beard oil will help to soften and tame it. It also reduces tangling and split ends and makes your beard look fuller and less brittle.
There are various types of beard oils available and, ultimately, it’s about conditioning, shine and growth.
The oils are non-greasy and they smell great too. And since these oils are light, they’re good for the skin under your beard as well.
MASK
Like serums, masks deliver a high dose of ingredients into the skin for visible results. There’s one for every need, such as anti-ageing masks for guys who have a few more fine lines and wrinkles than they’d like!
Masks are more effective when used after exfoliating your skin. The dead skin cells have been removed and the pores are cleansed and ready to get a dose of active ingredients.