If you don't understand why you should apply various mixtures on your face, we will be happy to explain. Taking care of your skin doesn't have to be complicated. Identifying your skin's primary needs and addressing them is sufficient. Additionally, sticking to basic prevention guidelines can be a useful habit without causing harm.
As men's skin care becomes more mainstream, it's important to choose products that are not only effective, but also healthy for your skin. Many skin care products contain harsh chemicals that can be irritating and damaging to the skin, but there are plenty of options out there that are free of these harmful ingredients.
One of the key things to look for in a skin care product is a natural and plant-based formula. These types of products are generally healthier for the skin and are less likely to cause irritation or other negative side effects. Some great natural ingredients to look for include aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea. These ingredients have soothing and antioxidant properties that can help to nourish and protect the skin.
Another important factor to consider when choosing skin care products is the type of product. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it's important to choose products that are specifically formulated for your skin type. Avoiding products that are overly drying or stripping can help to maintain the skin's natural balance and prevent further irritation.
Choose skincare products according to your skin type.
There are generally four types of skin:
- Normal skin can tolerate a wide range of skin care products without any adverse effects.
- Dry skin can appear red and flaky, particularly in cold, winter conditions. This can also be caused by over-washing or scrubbing the skin, which strips it of its natural oils. People with this skin type are more susceptible to eczema.
- Sensitive skin reacts differently to various products. If you experience rashes, itching, redness, or burning when trying new skin care products, you may have this skin type.
- Oily skin causes the face to appear shiny or greasy. People with this skin type are more prone to acne and breakouts.
Combination skin is a mix of skin types, where the center of the face may be oily, but other parts like the cheeks may be dry.
Discover Skin Care Products for Men
Cleaning
The skin's surface is porous, which means it absorbs everything it comes into contact with during the day such as dirty air, sweat, dirt, and city pollution. The more dirt in the pores, the more visible they become. Cleansing helps to shrink the pores and make them less noticeable. Incorporating a daily skin cleansing routine will help to regularly remove impurities, preventing blackheads and breakouts. Cleansing once a day before bed is sufficient, but if you feel the need for freshness in the morning, you can repeat the process. Cleansers come in different forms such as gel, foam or cream, depending on the type of skin. Cream and gel formulas are gentle and remove impurities effectively, while foam can be a bit
Serums
Serums are highly concentrated formulas that target specific skin issues. They should be applied to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. A general tip for everyone is to incorporate the use of three popular types of serums: vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, fighting pollution particles and keeping the skin bright and healthy.
Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing ingredient that not only attracts moisture, but also retains it. If you think that moisturizing cream is not enough, try adding hyaluronic serum to your care.
Retinol is suitable for those who have not too sensitive skin and want to rejuvenate. If you use retinol, then undergo a cell renewal procedure to keep the skin fresh and young, without spots and scars.
Hydration
Moisturizing is the second most important (after sunscreen) step that ensures your skin is hydrated and healthy. There is a common misconception that people with an oily skin type do not need to use a moisturizer. It is not true! If you are not satisfied with the thick texture of the cream, use a moisturizing lotion or gel formula.
Sunscreen
It goes without saying that SPF is vital to skin health, as sun damage is a major factor in skin aging. Look for formulas with a light texture and reliable protection: SPF 50 is considered the gold standard, but there are also many moisturizers with SPF for everyday use.
The skin around the eyes
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, so you need to be careful with it. It dries faster, so try to add a moisturizing cream for the area around the eyes to your care. Simply apply the product around the eyes with your ring finger without pressing too much on the skin.
Peeling
If you feel like your skin needs some extra cleansing, there are a few ways to do it. Exfoliation will help get rid of dead skin cells. Choose exfoliating products carefully: some of them feel like sandpaper, and some can leave micro cracks on the skin. Try products with small exfoliating particles or even chemical-based ones that use acids and other powerful substances to help get rid of dead skin.
Clay masks are also a great choice as they help bring to the surface the toxins that hide deep within our pores. Do not be afraid of redness or rashes after the first attempts - this is a good sign that all the dirt from the bottom of the pores has come to the surface.
The Simplest Skin Care Routine for Men
For a basic routine, you should focus on the essentials: cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting.
Step 1: Cleanse twice a day
It's important to cleanse your skin twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. If you exercise in the morning or during the day, cleanse your skin immediately after your workout.
Avoid using hot water when cleansing, as it can strip the oils from your skin. Use warm water and your fingers to gently massage the cleanser into your skin. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry instead of rubbing.
Step 2: Moisturize two times a day
Applying moisturizer immediately after cleansing, when the skin is still damp, helps to lock in moisture and restore the skin's barrier. By maintaining the skin's barrier, you can protect against environmental irritants and chemicals.
Step 3: Apply sunscreen daily, in you morning routine
Wearing sunscreen daily is crucial, as UV rays can cause premature aging, pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, even on cloudy days.
For more advanced routine
AM Time
Use an antioxidant serum, like vitamin C, in the morning to protect your skin from free radicals that can harm your cells through normal processes such as breathing and aging. It should be applied after cleansing but before moisturizing in the morning.
PM Time
Retinol is important for anti-aging and helps with fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. It chemically exfoliates the top layer of the skin and boosts collagen, making the skin look plump. Because retinol makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, it should be used only at night.
Extra Tips for those who shave
Shaving is a common concern for men. While it's important to avoid using alcohol-based aftershaves, there are other things to keep in mind.
- Shave after taking a warm or hot shower, as this makes the hair softer.
- Use a gentle, non-irritating shaving cream or oil to prevent rashes or ingrown hairs.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation. If your skin is irritated or dry, an electric razor with safety features can help.
- After shaving, apply a gentle moisturizer or an oil-based product if you have dry skin.
- If you are prone to ingrown hairs, exfoliate your skin a couple of times a week to remove dead skin cells.
