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Our skin often says a great deal about the state of our health and wellbeing. When people tell us, “you’re looking well!” it’s often because they can see our skin glowing with no bags under the eyes, spot breakouts or shaving irritations. Many people are put off establishing a skin care regimen because they mistakenly believe it will take ages and will prove to be a hassle in the long run to add it to their morning or evening routine.
This is by no means the case, as there are plenty of things you can do to cleanse, nourish and buff up your skin with very little effort or financial outlay. Indeed, some of the best skin care products for men can be pretty cheap and easily found on the high street or already in the home.
It’s just as true for men as it is for women that treating ourselves to some pampering skin care can make us feel great on the inside as well as on the outside. Self-care is good for the soul and can raise not only self-esteem, but self-confidence too, helping us to achieve more and find new ways to be happy and fulfilled. What’s more, looking your best won’t do you any harm when it comes to dating and romance!
Whether you opt for a simple skin care routine or something more involved, the physical benefits are also manifold. You can keep your skin cleaner and more hygienic, reduce the effect of fine lines, help heal any cuts or irritations you get while shaving more effectively and exfoliate dry skin to allow your pores to breathe and the overall condition of your skin to improve.
At its most simple, a good skin care routine consists of washing your face and body with soap or gel every night in the shower, and repeating in the morning, but with water only. This is to stop the skin drying out with too much soap. Choose a soap or gel that is suitable for your skin type, as there are different varieties for dry skin, oily skin, young or older skin etc. Splash your face with cold water straight after washing it in the morning, as this give it a refreshing boost and wakes you up, ready to face the day.
Follow this with a shave, using your preferred kind of razor, adding a moisturising serum or cream afterwards to soothe any cuts and help keep your skin feeling smooth. Finally, add a good moisturiser with built-in SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the effects of sun exposure, which include premature ageing and a reduction in elasticity, as well as an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
For a more advanced skin care routine, you can add in all kinds of steps, including regular facials, either at a salon or using a home kit to restore your skin’s natural glow. If you feel that you need more serious skin intervention, try adding an antioxidant serum containing vitamin C to counteract issues such as air pollution, cigarette smoke and exposure to industrial chemicals. When choosing which products to try, ignore any enticing marketing promises and do your own research, checking out the label for ingredients, reading reviews online and asking friends and family for their recommendations.
Teenagers and young adults can struggle with skin care for men, due to the more unpredictable nature of adolescent skin. Acne, pimples and razor burn from inexperience with shaving can all cause problems for this age bracket. The good news is that there is plenty that you can do to counteract these issues. A skin wash containing salicylic acid, for example, can really help reduce acne, as can specialist cleansing lotions and wipes, used once a day as part of your skin care routine.
Salicylic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory to reduce redness and it helps to remove dead skin cells to promote the healing of spots and acne. Use disposable face wipes to apply this type of product each morning, rather than the same flannel or sponge, unless you can wash it between each use. This will prevent any bacteria or dirt being transferred back onto your face.
Older skin tends to lose its elasticity over time due to an increase in the rate of collagen loss. You are more prone to develop dark spots, lines and wrinkles after the age of 40, especially if you weren’t always quite so diligent in your skin care routine when you were younger. It’s never too late to address this, however, and there is plenty you can do to alter your skin care routine order and help mitigate against age-related issues. Start by wearing sunscreen every day to stop UV rays from prematurely aging your skin and to protect your remaining collagen.
Invest more in your washing route every day – you cannot get away with simply splashing your face as you grow older. Use an appropriate soap or cleansing gel, followed by a moisturiser suitable for your skin type to rehydrate your face and body. Exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells and restore your natural shine. Use a gentle exfoliating toner for the best results.
Finally, get to know your skin’s new best friend – retinol. This helps stimulate collagen in the skin, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help address other issues, such as visible pores, stubborn acne and signs of ageing. Start with a cream that has lower doses of retinol in and build up to test your tolerance to it, as it can cause dryness for some people. Only use retinol at night, and replace it with sunscreen during the day.
Skin condition can be affected by other lifestyle factors, such as diet and activity levels. Fitting in a skin care routine into a busy schedule can be a common problem for busy men, as can adjusting a diet to help your skin replenish itself from the inside out. Avoiding sugary foods can help control acne, for example and regular exercise (without overdoing it) can support healthy cell growth and functionality.
If you are concerned about being allergic to skin care products, consult your doctor before starting on a new regime. You might like to try out a new product on a small, hidden area of your body first to see if you experience any adverse reactions. Try to choose organic skin care products if you are concerned about allergies, containing natural ingredients to support your skin and promote its good health. If you have found a routine that suits you, do stick with it, but don’t forget to have fun experimenting from time to time with new products as you come across them and feel inspired to ring the changes. Once you have established an effective skin care routine, you will be amazed by the difference it can make – and the compliments you will receive. Having healthy, glowing skin isn’t just a female privilege!
