How men’s skin differs from women’s and how it can benefit from basic skincare.
According to Consumer Reports, the men’s skincare industry saw a 10% increase in 2018. It seems as though men are starting to take a deeper interest in caring for the health and appearance of their skin. Unfortunately, getting started with a beneficial skincare regimen can seem confusing and overwhelming at first. Fortunately, it doesn’t take an eight-step product regimen to see and feel results. Let’s explore some basic options for men that require minimal effort, but yield results with impact!
Although many men may consider skincare frou-frou our unnecessary, it’s essential to realize that your skin is, in fact, the largest organ of your body. If you go to the gym to care for your body and make sure to get eight hours of sleep every night, why wouldn’t you invest time and effort into your skin to keep it strong and healthy? The appearance of your skin is a visual window into your body’s overall health. If you want to look healthy, fresh, alive, and attractive, you need to take care of it!
How is a guy’s skin different from a woman’s skin?
First of all, men’s skin tends to be about 25% thicker than their female counterparts. This characteristic is due to a higher collagen density, which makes skin more resilient and stronger. As a result, men tend to experience wrinkles later in life than women, especially if they take care of their skin and wear a daily SPF.
Men also experience a higher incidence of oily skin and acne, especially in their teenage years. This incidence is a result of higher levels of testosterone, a hormone that directly influences our sebaceous, or oil glands. Although oily can skin can be annoying, this increased hydration can play a pivotal role in keeping your skin looking younger throughout the years. But, if oily skin is not kept clean and balanced, men can experience dead skin cell build up that clogs pores and progresses into acne.
Many men shave their faces daily, and this habit can work for them or against them. The benefit of shaving is that it essentially exfoliates dead skin cells from the face every day. Also, dense hair follicles on the face help support the structure of the skin. But, many men experience inflammation, irritation, ingrown hairs, and increased sensitivity from shaving as well.
What products should men consider using?
“My skincare consultations with men usually begin with the bar soap discussion,” smiles Kari, a licensed esthetician with FACE Cosmetic Skincare. “The pH of your skin is slightly acidic, and most bar soaps are severely alkaline, meaning they will strip vital moisturize from facial skin and cause irritation and dehydration over time,” she continues. “Many men notice a huge difference in their skin just by switching to a pH balanced cleanser that addresses their skin type and concerns,” Kari explains. “Certain cleansers we offer have active ingredients like salicylic acid that can be especially beneficial to men with oilier skin types, as it will keep their skin balanced and exfoliated.”
A common misconception about oily skin is that it does not need to be moisturized. In fact, many men will excessively wash their skin or use harsh scrubs to cut down on oiliness, but this can actually make the problem worse!
“I know it sounds counterintuitive, but oily skin can be severely dehydrated,” says Kari. “If you experience a sheen on your skin, but your skin is still flaky, chances are you are dehydrated,” she continues. “What’s worse is that your body can interpret dehydrated skin that needs water as DRY skin and start to produce MORE oil to compensate. Products like hyaluronic acid serums and gel-based moisturizers can balance thirsty skin, cut down on oil production, and keep a guy’s skin clean, fresh and vibrant looking.”
Because men also turn over more skin cells each day, incorporating a gentle exfoliating product can be beneficial to keep skin smooth and functioning at its best. Exfoliants are products like scrubs or serums that contain active ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. Regular use of an exfoliant, either daily or 3 to 4 times a week, can keep hair follicles clean, prevent ingrown hairs, and even give you a smoother shave! They can also help regulate skin cell turnover and decrease breakouts over time.
“It’s important for men not to get too overzealous with exfoliation because they are already getting a form of exfoliation if they’re shaving daily,” advises Kari. “My ideal protocol for men is keeping it simple, easy, and effective with as little products as possible,” she continues. “This usually involves a foaming pH-balanced cleanser, an exfoliating scrub, and a very light, water-based moisturizer that is infused with antioxidants,” says Kari. “I also like recommending a daytime moisturizer that has an SPF to protect men’s skin from premature aging during the daytime.”
As you can see, designing a simple and effective skincare regimen doesn’t have to be rocket science! Two to three steps each day with customized products recommended by a licensed esthetician can keep a man’s skin looking healthy and attractive at every stage in his life!
Are you a man looking to get started with an easy skincare routine? Schedule a quick consultation with FACE Cosmetic Skincare licensed esthetician to get started! Call (651) 632-9700 get started!