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There are fewer skincare tips for men online compared to those for women. A recent survey found that globally, women were buying more beauty products online than men. That’s actually not surprising considering the beauty industry has long been geared toward women as its primary customers. From advertised language that appeals to women to traditional gender norms that associate certain activities and interests with one gender or the other, the beauty industry has perpetuated the idea that skincare is a feminine activity.
However, both men and women can benefit from taking care of their skin, and men should not feel ashamed or stigmatized for being interested in skincare.
When my girlfriend first introduced me to skincare, I was skeptical. But she convinced me to try it, pointing out the dryness of my skin and the benefits of wearing sunscreen every day. As someone who didn’t really care about how I look, I wasn’t excited about her skincare recommendations. But with her dedication and persistence, she was able to persuade me to start a skincare routine.
Honestly, after almost five months of consistent skincare, I have nothing to complain about except to thank my girlfriend for introducing me to it and helping me take better care of my skin. My skin is glowing and I think I might even have better skin than her now. Just kidding, love you, Anne!
Seriously, taking care of my skin has made a big difference in how I look and feel, and I’m grateful to my girlfriend for encouraging me to start a skincare routine. Who knew taking care of your face could be so rewarding?
Skincare might be daunting, especially with tons of products in the market and a lot of marketing talks you’ll see online, it could really be confusing which one to use. Although I’m not a skincare expert, I’m here to help guide you on your skincare journey and provide some helpful tips on getting started.
Don’t Be a Man of Mystery, Know Your Skin Type!
Different skin types have different needs. By knowing your skin type, you can customize your skincare routine to target your specific skin concerns and needs, which can help you achieve better results and healthier-looking skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) identifies five primary skin types: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive. CeraVe shares a very simple tip to know which type of skin you have. According to them, you can use the “watch and wait” method which starts with washing your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
After 30 minutes, observe your skin.
- If it’s shiny all over, you have oily skin.
- Tight and flaky/scaly skin means you have dry skin.
- If your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is shiny but the rest of your face is dry, you have combination skin.
- Hydrated and comfortable, but not oily skin, means you’re God’s favorite because you have normal skin.
Male and Female Skin Are Actually Quite Similar!
According to Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD, a dermatologist based in New York, there are some differences between male and female skin, but on many levels, they are the same. So, if you’re wondering if you should only use men’s skincare products, the answer is no.
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Contrary to popular belief, the ingredients in skincare products for men and women are often similar, according to Dr. Marmur. It’s just the packaging and scent that often differs. So, don’t be fooled by marketing that tells you men’s and women’s skincare products are completely different— they’re often more similar than you might think.
The important thing is to choose products that are appropriate for your skin type and concerns rather than being swayed by gendered marketing tactics.
Get Your Man-glow on With Just Four Skincare Products
Having a bright, healthy face doesn’t have to cost a fortune, just choose the right skincare products and stick to a disciplined routine. And don’t forget, a nutritious diet is also a key to maintaining a glowing complexion.
Daily skincare only requires four basic products: a gentle cleanser, vitamin C, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and a moisturizer. Exfoliation, on the other hand, should only be done twice a week.
Let me clue you in on the importance of each routine and suggest some highly recommended products to incorporate into your routine.
Cleansing the Face
Washing your face is a crucial part of any skincare routine. Not only does it help remove dirt and oil that can lead to breakouts, but it also allows you to start your skincare routine with a clean slate. However, it’s important to remember that cleansing your face is not a one-size-fits-all task.
Did you know that washing your face too frequently can actually do more harm than good?
According to Dr. Sturm, over-cleansing can have a number of negative effects on the skin. It can strip the skin of its natural lipids, which can lead to a breakdown of the skin’s barrier function. This can cause a range of issues, including breakouts, redness, irritation, neurodermatitis, and a decreased resistance to UVA and UVB rays.
That’s why it’s important to be mindful of how often you wash your face and to choose a cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type.
Just stick to a general rule: wash your face with warm water in the morning, then do a proper cleansing at night. So, don’t fall for the myth that more is better when it comes to cleansing. A little bit of TLC goes a long way for your skin.
Not sure which cleanser is best for you? You can start with COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser which works best with all skin types.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients like tea tree oil, pH balanced, and BHA, and is free from animal testing, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. This Korean skincare product is also free from artificial fragrances and harsh ingredients, making it a great choice for those concerned about irritation or breakouts.
Say Goodbye To Dull Skin and Hello to Vitamin C-larity!
Incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine can have numerous benefits for your skin. It can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten your skin tone, and protect your face from environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and smoke. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can support the overall health and appearance of your skin.
When choosing a vitamin C product for your skincare routine, consider using a serum. According to Dr. Annie Chiu, MD, serums tend to offer the highest concentration of active vitamin C and have better skin penetration compared to creams and cleansers. This makes them an effective and efficient choice for maximizing the benefits of vitamin C on your skin.
It’s important to be cautious when introducing new skincare products, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. To ensure that you do not experience any irritation or adverse reactions, it’s recommended to do a patch test before using a vitamin C product. Additionally, it’s generally recommended to use vitamin C once a day, in the morning, as using it more frequently may cause breakouts.
Paula’s Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster is a great option for all skin types and men looking to incorporate vitamin C into their skincare routine.
This product is formulated with 15% vitamin C and is unscented, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and free from any unnecessary additives. It is designed to target a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles and breakouts, with science-backed formulas that are highly effective. Additionally, the lack of artificial fragrances and harmful ingredients makes it a suitable choice for those with sensitive skin and it also works with all skin types.
Men, Protect Your Face With Sunscreen Because Nobody Likes a Leathery Dude
Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. In fact, it’s important for men to lather up every day, no matter where they are. Why? Well, firstly, it helps to keep those pesky UV rays at bay, which can cause sunburn, aging, and even skin cancer. But that’s not all, sunscreen also helps to prevent hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, as well as reducing the risk of age spots and other types of sun damage.
As the saying goes, “our faces are lies and necks are the truth,” and this was certainly the case for a 92-year-old woman who applied sunscreen to her face but not her neck for over 40 years, resulting in a noticeable difference in the appearance of the protected and unprotected areas.
Still not convinced? Consider this viral photo of a 69-year-old man who drove a delivery truck for 28 years. The left side of his face, which was more exposed to UV-A sun rays, shows significantly more sun damage than the right side. This photo serves as a powerful reminder of the damage that the sun can do to our skin, and the importance of protecting ourselves from it.
Trying to navigate the overwhelming world of sunscreens? Let me help you out. The Beauty Of Joseon Sunscreen is a fantastic choice. It’s got a verified SPF rating to ensure it’s protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
The sunscreen’s 30% Rice Extract and Grain Probiotics—a natural skin-brightening ingredient that can help to balance out skin tone and give the face a younger-looking, more radiant appearance—comes with additional sun protection benefits in addition to its ability to block UV rays.
You’ll also love how fragrance-free, lightweight, and easy to apply the Beauty Of Joseon Sunscreen is. The cream texture glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue behind. It blends seamlessly into the skin so you can get on with your day without any fuss.
Moisturize or Your Skin Will Desert-ify
As men, it’s important to take care of our skin and keep it looking healthy and youthful. While wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, moisturizing can help to reduce their appearance and keep our skin looking its best. In addition to combating wrinkles, moisturizing can also help to reduce acne and inflammation, as well as keep our skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
But should you moisturize daily? According to dermatologist Dr. Obagi, constantly moisturizing can lead to the skin becoming reliant on external moisture and can cause it to stop producing its own hydration. In this case, daily moisturizing may not be necessary if you have a normal skin type.
Not sure how often you should be moisturizing? It’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist or skin care professional for personalized advice on your moisturizing routine. They can assess your skin’s needs and provide recommendations on how frequently you should be using moisturizer.
COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream is a great moisturizer for men because it provides all the hydration and nourishment your skin needs without feeling heavy or greasy. It builds a moisture barrier to keep your skin plump and healthy, and it also helps to soothe irritation and revive your skin’s radiance.
Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and betaine are just some of the ingredients in this gel-type cream which strengthens the skin’s barrier and replenishes moisture. It’s formulated to repair and soothe sensitive skin after breakouts like rosacea.
You know what I love about COSRX? They’re cruelty-free. No snails are harmed in the process. That’s right: no animal testing. Ever.
Not Sure Where To Start? Follow This Step-by-Step Skincare Routine
If you’re not sure how to sequence your skincare routine, here’s a simple step-by-step way to get started:
- In the morning, start by washing your face with warm water. If your skin can tolerate it, use a gentle cleanser.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel and then apply your vitamin C serum.
- Wait for about five minutes for your face to absorb it and then add moisturizer.
- The next step is to wait for another five minutes. After that, apply sunscreen liberally to your face and allow it to soak in for 30 minutes before you expose your face to the sun.
In the evening, simply wash your face thoroughly with your gentle cleanser then apply moisturizer and call it a day!
Men, if you’re looking to improve your skin in the new year, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to a simple routine. Less is more—and even the best skincare products won’t do much if you overdo it.
Remember, you don’t have to try a lot of products unless your dermatologist tells you otherwise!
