Men's Skincare: The Basics for Healthy Skin

Let's face it, men's skincare is on an uptick and it isn't just for those who are considered “metrosexuals” anymore. Taking care of your skin is essential for looking and feeling your best.  It isn't just about vanity; it's an essential part of overall health and well-being. 

Healthy and clear skin not only looks good but it also boosts your confidence and makes you feel more comfortable in your own skin. This basics guide will delve deeper into the world of men's skincare, covering everything from the basics of cleansing and moisturizing to tackling specific skin concerns and building a simple yet effective routine.

1. Understanding Your Skin Type

Before diving into specific products and routines, it's crucial to understand your skin type. This will help you choose the right products and avoid irritating your skin.

• Oily Skin: Characterized by excessive oil production, often leading to shine, enlarged pores, and breakouts.

  • Key Concerns: Acne, blackheads, whiteheads.
  • Product Focus: Oil-free cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, and products containing salicylic acid, niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids.

• Dry Skin: Feels tight, itchy, and may appear flaky or rough.

  • Key Concerns: Dry patches, irritation, sensitivity.
  • Product Focus: Gentle cleansers, hydrating moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, squalene or ceramides, and nourishing plant and nut oils.

• Combination Skin: A mix of oily and dry areas, typically with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and drier cheeks.

  • Key Concerns: Breakouts, shine in the T-zone and dryness on the cheeks.

  • Product Focus: Look for gentle, hydrating cleansers and moisturizers that are specifically formulated for combination skin and pH balanced.

• Sensitive Skin: Reacts easily to products, often experiencing redness, irritation, or stinging.

  • Key Concerns: Redness, itching, burning, stinging.
  • Product Focus: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products with clean plant ingredients. Key is gentle products and limiting from cycling in or trying out too many new products all at once.  

2. The Foundation: Cleansing

Cleansing is the cornerstone of any good skincare for men. It removes dirt, oil, sweat, and pollutants that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. 

• Morning Cleanse: Gently wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild, non-drying, gentle and pH balanced cleanser to remove any excess oil and prepare your skin for serum, men’s face moisturizer and SPF. 
• Evening Cleanse: Thoroughly cleanse your face to remove dirt, oil, and any traces of makeup (yes, even men use makeup!). Whenever you feel a deeper cleanse is needed then double cleansing, using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, can be particularly effective at removing stubborn grime without drying out your skin. 

Pro Tip: Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers containing alcohol, as these can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation.

3. Exfoliation: Revitalize Your Skin

Exfoliation is a crucial step in any men's skincare routine. It removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture, fades hyperpigmentation and helps prevent ingrown hairs.

• Types of Exfoliation:

  • Physical Exfoliants:

    Men’s Face Scrubs containing abrasive particles like seeds, grains or plant powders, sugar, salt or micro-beads. Apply gentle pressure to avoid irritating the skin. This is the at home spa like treatment that is an essential part of men’s skincare.

• • Chemical Exfoliants:

    Contain AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) like glycolic acid and lactic acid, or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) like salicylic acid. These work by dissolving the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together.

• Frequency: Exfoliate 2-3X times per week, depending on your skin type. Oily skin may benefit from more frequent exfoliation, while sensitive skin may only need exfoliation once or twice a week. Using both physical and chemical exfoliants can give you a more satisfying result. 

4. Moisturizing for Men

Moisturizing is essential for all skin types, even oily skin. It helps to hydrate your skin, prevent dryness and flakiness, and protect your skin barrier.

• Choosing the Right Moisturizer: Look for lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers that absorb quickly. 

• • Oily Skin: Opt for oil-free, water-based moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, urea, allantoin, aloe and plant extracts.
  • Dry Skin: Choose richer creams containing shea butter, plant and seed oils, ceramides and glycerin.
  • Sensitive Skin: Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers with clean skincare ingredients.

• When to Apply: Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture. Moisturize daytime with a moisturizer with SPF to hydrate and protect the skin.  In the evening use a rich men’s night cream with reparative ingredient like retinol, peptides and AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) to replenish and revitalize skin. 

5. Addressing Specific Skin Concerns

• Acne:

  • Cleanse regularly: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser.
  • Consider a topical treatment: Over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help reduce breakouts.
  • Incorporate a clay face mask: Weekly use of a clay mask can help absorb excess oil and minimize pores.

• • Lifestyle Factors: Avoid touching your face frequently, and maintain a healthy diet and minimize smoking and alcohol. 

• Dry Skin:

  • Moisturize frequently: Apply rich, hydrating moisturizer throughout the day, especially after showering.
  • Look for hydrating ingredients: Look for moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycerin, plant and seed oils or ceramides.
  • Consider a facial oil: Adding a few drops of nourishing plant and seed facial oil to your moisturizer can provide extra hydration and lock in the moisture in your skin.
  • Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers: Use gentle, pH balanced cleansers with clean skincare ingredients for face, body and hair. 

• Razor Burn:

  • Upgrade Your Shaving Ritual: Taking your time with the shave ritual, improving technique and using the right men’s grooming products can greatly minimize irritation. 
  • Use a sharp, clean, sanitized razor: A dull razor can pull the facial hairs and increase the risk of irritation.
  • Apply good quality shaving cream or gel: This helps to lubricate the skin and reduce friction for the blade to glide with ease. 

• • Soothe with aftershave balm: Choose an alcohol-free aftershave balm to calm and soothe irritated skin. For those prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps choose an aftershave with salicylic acid. 
  • Consider pre-shave oil: Applying a pre-shave oil before shaving can help soften the hair, reduce irritation and increase slickness. 

• Dark Circles and Puffiness:

  • Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to under-eye circles and puffiness
  • Use a hydrating eye cream: Look for eye creams containing caffeine or hyaluronic acid to reduce puffiness and brighten the under-eye area.

• • Use a cold gel eye mask.  Keep an eye gel mask in the refrigerator or freezer and wear for a few minutes in the morning or whenever your eyes need it. The cold will help to minimize the puffiness and dark circles. 
  • Consider a color corrector: A small amount of peach-toned concealer can help neutralize the darkness under the eyes.

• Aging Skin:

  • Sun protection: Daily sunscreen use is crucial to prevent premature aging.
  • Antioxidants: Look for products containing antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental damage.
  • Retinoids and Peptides: Consider incorporating a cream with retinol or peptides into your nighttime routine to boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture. 

6. Beyond the Face: Body Care Essentials

• Moisturize Your Body: Apply body lotion or light body oil after showering to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
• Use Body Scrubs for Men: Regularly exfoliating your body can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. Use a nylon exfoliating cloth or body scrub 3-4x times per week all over the body including back, buttock, elbows, knees and bottom of feet. 

• Sun Protection: Protect your body from the sun's harmful rays by applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day and do not neglect the back of the hands.  It is one of the first places on the body to show signs of aging from sun spots to crepey dry skin. 

7. Incorporating Men’s Makeup (Optional)

For some men, incorporating a touch of makeup into their routine can help enhance their natural features, minimize imperfections, and boost confidence. We’re not talking about contouring and heavy makeup but subtle undetectable touches.

• Tinted Moisturizer: Provides sheer coverage to even out skin tone and add a subtle glow.
• Color Corrector: Can help correct dark circles under the eyes and redness around the face. 
• Concealer: Can help to cover blemishes, dark circles, and redness.
• Bronzer: Adds warmth and definition to the face.
• Blush: Adds a tinge of color to your face. 

Remember, less is more when it comes to men's makeup. Start with small amounts of product and blend thoroughly for a natural, undetectable look.

8. Lifestyle Factors

• Diet and Hydration: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and water can contribute to healthy skin.
• Stress Management: Stress can negatively impact skin health. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as exercise, meditation, or yoga.

• Limit Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure can accelerate aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Regular exercise:  Whether it is yoga, mediation, indoor cycling, walking or a weight session at the gym.  Weekly exercise helps improve mental health, purge toxins from the body and is great selfcare that pays dividends in glowing skin. 

9. Building a Simple Men’s Skincare Routine

• Morning: Cleanse, moisturize, apply sunscreen.
• Evening: Cleanse, apply any serums and treatments (if applicable), moisturize.
• Exfoliate: 2-3x times per week.
• Address specific concerns: Incorporate additional products or treatments as needed.

Key Takeaways

Consistency is paramount when it comes to achieving healthy, glowing skin. For optimal results, establish a regular men's skincare routine and adhere to it consistently. Choose products specifically formulated for men's skin needs, considering your individual skin type and concerns. Pay close attention to how your skin reacts and adjust your routine accordingly. Don't be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques to discover the perfect regimen for your unique needs. Click thru to Skincare 101 for additional tips and advice on men's skincare and grooming.