Men’s Skincare: 8 Tips for the guys
Each year more and more men are realizing the importance of healthy skin and taking steps to protect themselves from early aging. Men are definitely enjoying the more youthful appearance that comes along with great skincare.
Here are 8 tips for men to elevate their skin regimen from simple to sophisticated!
1. DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE
Step one of proper skincare is for a Man to determine their skin type. Skin types are commonly broken down according to the following traits:
Dry: Skin with low sebum production which is commonly flaky or itchy.
Oily: Skin with excessive sebum production which appears greasy
Combination: Skin that has both dry and oily areas
Sensitive: Skin that becomes irritated easily
Normal: Skin that has well-balanced moisture and mostly blemish-free
Acne-Prone: Skin that is prone to acne breakouts
Mature: Skin with age-related wrinkles, discoloration or sun damage
2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS
Understanding your skin type will help you choose the right products for your needs. You should choose skincare products that are designed for your skin type:
Dry: Try products without alcohol or that have a built-in moisturizer
Oily: Choose products that are oil-free.
Combination: Choose products that are both oil-free and have a moisturizing component
Sensitive: Choose products that say “Gentle” or “Fragrance-Free” on the label
Normal: Lucky you! You can try products more liberally
Acne-Prone: Choose products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic
Mature: Choose products that are non-drying.
3. WASH YOUR FACE DAILY
Washing your face is more important than most people realize. As the day progresses our skin builds up oil, dirt and dead skin cells on the surface. This build-up not only results in a dull appearance but makes it difficult for products to penetrate the skin properly. Instead of using body cleanser or bar soap, opt for a gentle cleanser that will not leave you dry and irritated. Two of our favorite cleansers are Elta MD foaming cleanser and ZO Gentle Cleanser.
4. SHAVE THE RIGHT WAY
Improper shaving can result in ingrown hairs, irritated skin from razor burn, cuts or an overall breakdown of the healthy outer layer. Make sure to always use a high-quality multi-blade razor, use smooth shaving cream, and shave “with the grain” of the hair growth.
5. MOISTURIZE
The daily use of a moisturizer is critical to keeping your skin hydrated and youthful. Moisturizers hydrate the outer layer of the skin by pushing water deep and locking in water on the surface. Properly moisturized skin looks smoother and more attractive for any man. One of our favorites is SkinBetter Trio Moisturizer or a great over-the-counter product is Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer.
6. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells and other debris from the surface thereby allowing the healthy new skin to show. Exfoliating 1-3 times a week will keep your skin properly moisturized while also maximizing penetration of the skincare products you use. Exfoliation comes in two flavors:
Mechanical Exfoliation: The process of using a device such as a washcloth or a Facial Cleansing Brush to brush away debris.
Chemical Exfoliation: The process of using salicylic acid (BHA) or Glycolic Acid (AHA) to break the bonds between dead skin cells thereby washing them away.
7. SUN PROTECTION
Sun (UVA and UVB) exposure causes both photoaging and skin cancer-neither which you want! The absolute #1 most important skin care practice you can implement is using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen every two hours while exposed to sunlight. This includes indoors or driving when sunlight is coming through the windows. We recommend using sunscreen with zinc oxide and SPF 30 or higher.
Pro-Tip. Apply sunscreen on the backs of your hands. This area is an age giveaway and if you protect the back of your hands from photoaging, you will look younger longer!
8. SKIN CHECKS
Skin cancer is more common as men get older. Men can take preventative steps against skin cancer by performing regular skin checks and practicing consistent sun protection. Often times skin cancer that is found early has a better prognosis and can be treated/cured easier. Check out our blog post covering the ins and outs of self-checks and when a visit to your doctor is recommended.
If you’d like to book an appointment at one of our two locations in Austin, TX, simply head to our booking site here. Looking for additional details? You can reach us by phone at (737) 240-2212 for Avery Ranch or (512) 429-3681 for Downtown Austin. We eagerly await hearing from you!
