ESSENTIAL SKINCARE KNOWLEDGE
PRUDENCE WADE
IT’S a sweeping stereotype, but a lot of men have a fairly basic – or entirely non-existent – skincare routine. Compare this to the regimes of women, who have cabinets full of lotions, serums, moisturisers and masks.
Sexism is at play here: society historically places more pressure on women to look youthful and wrinkle-free. In comparison, the rugged, salt and pepper look is valued in men, meaning ageing isn’t as big a deal.
Women suffer from these double-standards, both mentally and financially. But it also impacts men – not only are they neglecting their skin, but they’re missing out on the pleasure a proper skincare routine can give you.
“Men have been brought up not caring about their appearance, their health and particularly their skin’s health,” says Dr Catharine Denning, Curel’s dermatologist and aesthetic doctor ambassador. “Culturally, it hasn’t been seen as masculine to care too much about these things and, as such, men are often never taught how to look after their skin.”
These preconceptions are changing as gender boundaries become increasingly blurred. Your skin isn’t just about vanity, but is an important part of overall health. The world of skincare can be a daunting one, but that doesn’t mean you have to immediately adopt a multi-step routine and use dozens of products.
Here’s what men should know about the basics of protecting their skin...
“YOUR skin is the largest organ in the body and is vital for lots of life functions, including immunity, temperature regulation and protection against microbes, as well as the elements,” explains Dr Denning. “Simply put, you would only survive a few hours without your skin, however, it’s one of the last things people think of in terms of their overall health.”
Protecting your skin properly will help reduce your risk of skin cancer – which is the most common type of cancer in Ireland, and one of the most common in the UK.
A proper skincare routine – which includes a good quality SPF – is vital. Even though those with fair skin have a greater risk of skin cancer, it’s important to remember that everyone can get it – regardless of how much melanin is in your skin.
“Men’s and women’s skin differs in certain aspects, such as hair growth, sweat rate, oil production, pH and other factors,” Dr Denning explains.
“Until the age of 50, men’s skin barrier function is better. Their skin is thicker, their oil production is generally greater and they don’t lose so much water through the skin. This means that men have less tendency for dryness.”
Curel Moisture Facial Milk, £17.50, Boots