Gentlemen, it's time to up your skincare game! The skincare industry, once dominated by women, has seen a significant shift in recent years with more and more men showing a growing interest in taking care of their skin.
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin. Some men may still shy away from a skincare routine, feeling that it's too complicated or time-consuming. On the other hand, there are men who have already invested in a skincare routine but are not confident that they're doing it right.
The good news is that establishing a simple and effective skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated or require a lot of steps. In fact, it can be broken down into just three simple words: Clean, Moisturise, and Protect.
Before we delve into the details of the routine, let's talk products... Effective skincare takes more than just washing your face with whatever soap you have lying around.
Traditionally, men's skincare products were limited to basic grooming products like shaving creams and aftershaves. Many of these products contained synthetic fragrances, alcohol and sulphates (a type of foaming agent that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts) Swapping out toxin-filled skincare products and opting for natural ones is the first big step to take,
Natural ingredients like coconut oil or castile soap help to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and nourished. These ingredients can also provide a gentle foaming effect in place of sulphates. Natural skincare products are infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds that can help to protect the skin from damage and nourish it from the inside out.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, get started by opting for a starter pack, which includes high-quality products that will cover all the basic steps. This also gives you the opportunity to test out the products and see how they feel for you before committing to full-sized versions.
1. Clean
Cleansing your face morning and night with a designated facial cleanser is an essential step in your skincare routine that can help to keep your skin healthy, clear, and balanced.
To use your facial cleanser, wet your face with warm water and apply a small amount of cleanser to your fingertips. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin using circular motions, focusing on areas that are prone to oiliness or buildup, such as your forehead, nose, and chin. Rinse your face thoroughly with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Tip: Pat, dony rub.
After washing up, pat dry -- especially the thinner, more delicate skin on your face. Rubbing too hard with a towel can irritate and dry it out.
Exfoliate twice a week, or at least once. Exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine. It helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent any ingrown hair. Not only does exfoliating remove the buildup of dead skin cells and unclog pores, but it can also improve the absorption of your skincare products, ensuring that you get your money's worth.
2. Moisturise
Hydrate your skin with a moisturiser or serum. Apply twice a day, morning and night, preferably on slightly damp skin.
Remember that you only need a small amount of moisturiser and there's no need to vigorously rub it in. For guys with oily skin, don't skip the hydration step, as it can actually help balance your skin's natural oils.
Taking proper care of your skin before bed can make a significant difference in how refreshed and revitalised your complexion appears when you wake up in the morning. By moisturising before bed, you can help to support the natural repair and regeneration process that occurs while you sleep. This can lead to the production of new, healthy skin cells, as well as the restoration of the skin's protective barrier.
If you have a beard, using a beard oil can help reduce itching, dandruff, and dry skin, as well as keep the beard looking healthy and well-groomed.
3. Protect
The sun is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to skin damage. Men are just as susceptible to skin damage from the sun, which can lead to premature aging, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. That's where good sunscreen comes in. To protect your skin, it's important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days.
After you've applied your moisturiser or serum in the morning, wait a few minutes for it to absorb and apply the sun screen on top.
As temperatures drop and winds pick up, our lips can quickly become dry, chapped, and uncomfortable. While some men may feel hesitant to use lip balm, it's important to prioritise lip care as part of a healthy grooming routine.
There are lip balms with a subtle, matte finish, that won't leave your lips looking shiny or greasy. Instead of applying lip balm directly from the tube, try transferring a small amount onto your finger and then gently spread it across your lips.
To recap...
Step 1: Cleanse your skin every day, once in the morning and once before bed. Twice a week include a scrub in the mix.
Step 2: Moisturise twice daily, to keep your skin hydrated and do your part to help the rejuvenation process.
Step 3: Protect your skin using sunscreen and hydrate your lips with a lip balm suitable for men.
Remember, consistency is key to seeing results. With this easy-to-follow guide, you've got all the essentials covered for a healthy and glowing complexion.
