Skincare is for everyone, not just for women.
If you’ve never tried it, skincare can seem intimidating and complex. But skincare is simply another to take care of yourself and look your best. The good news is that there are simple ways to do skincare without breaking the bank and without stressing yourself out.
For this article, we’ve come up with a dos and don’ts list for men who want clearer and better-looking skin. If this is your first time to try skincare, worry not. We made sure these tips are easy to understand and apply.
Dos: What to do to get healthy skin
Determine your skin type
The skin is the body’s biggest organ, so it should be natural for all of us to care for it. But not all skin is created equal. Some people have dry skin, while some have oily skin. Determining your skin type will help you choose the right products and routines for taking care of your skin.
Men’s skin varies from women’s skin in three key aspects. First, men’s skin is 25% thicker and rougher because of testosterone. Men also produce more collagen, so the effects of ageing appear on their skin at a later time. Males also secrete more sebum due to androgens, so their skin is generally oilier and prone to acne.
Besides those differences, these are the common skin types that you should know:
- Normal skin is clear and not sensitive to products
- Sensitive skin may sting or burn after a product is applied to it
- Dry skin is rough, flaky, or itchy
- Oily skin is greasy and shiny due to excess oil
- Combination skin is dry in some parts and oily in other parts
Some skin conditions like sunburn or acne scars also deserve extra attention and often require extra products. Consult a dermatologist if you think treating your skin requires expert advice.
Know how to choose skincare products.
The skincare products you buy should be suited to your skin type and skin conditions, if any. If you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts, look for cleansers and moisturizers that are free from oil and those labelled as “non-comedogenic” (which means it does not clog the pores). For sensitive skin, use mild products that do not contain fragrances that might irritate your skin.
In buying skincare products, reading the labels and ingredients is crucial. Even when a product claims to be “unscented”, it is important to check if there are masking fragrances in the ingredients that might irritate the skin. Another important point to note is that even when a skincare product is marketed for women, it is not bad for men’s skin. So, feel free to choose the product that suits your skin. You can also explore home remedies for clear skin if you are a fan of nature-based products.
Cleanse and moisturize
If you use soap for your face, you might want to shift to a cleanser. Most of the soap we use is not suitable for the face. They clean up oils and dirt but they also strip our skin of healthy natural oils. This leaves our skin vulnerable to itchiness and flaking.
After cleansing, use a moisturizer. It will help you trap moisture in your skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For better results, apply moisturizer daily and immediately after taking a bath or shower while your skin is damp.
Protect your skin from the sun.
The sun’s UV rays are your skin’s number one enemy. That’s because these harsh UV rays can cause lots of skin damage, which appears on the skin through sunburns, sunspots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Applying sunscreen daily is a must. Whether you will be indoors or outdoors, and even when the sky is overcast, there is no excuse to skip sunscreen. On top of using sunscreen, use sun-protective clothing such as long-sleeved and light-coloured tops, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Avoid tanning and prolonged exposure to the sun.
Don’ts: What to avoid for your skin’s sake
Don’t shower with hot water
Some of us prefer a splash of cold water to wake us up in the morning. Others are more comfortable with hot baths. But hot water will remove the natural oils from your skin very quickly. So, the best water temperature for washing your body and face is lukewarm. The heat loosens up dirt so that it can be removed easily, but it’s not hot enough to cause irritation and dryness.
Additionally, don’t forget to wash your face in the morning and evening. Also, wash your face after you exercise or whenever you sweat a lot.
Don’t just shave.
Do you really need a seven-blade razor? Several dermatologists don’t think so. Multi-bladed razors cut very close to the skin, so they often leave behind burns and bumps. So, it’s best to stick with one or two blades. Dispose of blades after seven uses. Don’t shave against the grain of your hair.
To avoid further skin irritation, soften your stubble. One way to do this is to shave in the shower or immediately after stepping out of it. Warm water makes your stubble easier to cut through. Shaving cream is also important because it lubricates your shave and reduces razor burn. Choose a mild and moisturizing shaving cream and avoid products with alcohol. After shaving, you can replace your alcohol-based aftershave with a moisturizer.
Don’t rub your face when drying it.
Rubbing dries out the face entirely, but patting down your face dries it without causing trouble. Also, remember to clean your towels regularly because dirty towels will expose your skin to more germs and dirt that cause acne.
Don’t forget to watch your diet.
Skincare goes beyond the products applied to your skin. You should also adopt a healthy skin diet that contains less sugar and more healthy fruits and vegetables. Eat more antioxidant-rich food such as avocados, spinach, nuts, and watercress.
Make sure to drink plenty of water, too. Keeping your skin hydrated should be done internally and externally. More fluids in the body make it easier for nutrients to reach your skin cells. Six to eight glasses of water a day should be your goal. Plus, don’t drink too much coffee and alcoholic drinks since they have dehydrating effects.
