Best Skin Care Routine Essentials for Men
Shandra Martinez
| 4 min read
It used to be that when it came to skin care products, the majority of cleansers, serums and moisturizers on the market were in the women’s section of your local store’s health and beauty aisles. Products aimed at men were often only a handful of items relegated to a small area between men’s shaving cream and deodorant. But in recent years, there’s been more equality in the shelf space. The number of skin care products tailored to men has steadily increased. And more men are paying attention to their skin. Let’s look at some of the best skin care routines for men.
Why men’s skin is different
First, it is important to note there are differences between men’s and women’s skin that may necessitate specific types of products. Men’s facial skin is typically thicker than women’s, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). It also can be a little oilier. Shaving is an added element to factor in when it comes to daily skin care routines. It means cleaners, moisturizers and other products have to be beard-friendly if they’re going on a face that does not have a close shave.
Skin types
Before selecting products for a skin care routine, men should do a quick check in the mirror to identify what type of skin they have. Here’s how to determine that:
Dry skin: This might feel rough to the touch, look flaky around the nose or forehead, or feel itchy.
Oily skin: This looks shiny even without moisturizer and may feel greasy.
Sensitive skin: Products can feel like they burn or sting when put on this skin.
Normal skin: Clear, not greasy or flaky, and no signs of sensitivity to products.
Combination skin: A mix of dry and oily spots, or a “T zone” of different skin types on the nose, chin and forehead.
Tips for your skin care routine
If a skin care routine sounds complicated, it’s not. It mainly comes down to knowing how to properly cleanse and moisturize your face, and then how to protect it against the elements – or razor burn if you shave your face. We’re sharing some good advice from the AAD. All together, these tips add only minutes to your skin care routine but can pay off with some extra outer glow.
When you’re cleansing:
- Keep the water lukewarm – not hot – when you are washing your face. If you like a hot shower, limit it to just a few minutes at full heat.
- Use a mild liquid cleanser, even one for sensitive skin. Harsh bar soaps or perfumed, foamy soaps should not be used on your face. They can strip away the natural oils, dry out your skin, or leave you with sensitivity issues.
- Pat your face dry gently. Don’t rub it with a towel.
When you’re moisturizing:
- Put moisturizer on your skin when it is still damp. This counts for when you get out of the shower as well as when you finish washing your face each day, or after exercise.
- Only use a thick or heavy moisturizer if you have dry skin. Otherwise, a light moisturizer will work just fine.
When you’re protecting your skin:
- Sunscreen is not just for the beach. Anytime you are outside, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your face, neck, ears and lips.
- Brimmed hats and sunglasses offer good protection, as does clothing with a built-in SPF factor.
When you’re shaving:
- Always wet the skin you are going to shave before using a razor.
- Use moisturizing shaving cream or lotion.
- Use a single or double-bladed razor instead of a multi-blade razor.
- Never pull your skin tight with your fingers before shaving.
- Change your shaving blades or razor after every five to seven shaves. A dull razor can damage your skin.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
