The upkeep of the body’s largest organ, the skin, isn’t something to be taken lightly. Yet, men often get the short end of the stick when it comes to skincare advice and products. Skin is your protective barrier against a harsh environment, injury, and infection. With proper care, you can help it stay strong, flexible, and youthful.
Small differences between men and women create a few skin distinctions between the sexes, but overall, skin needs aren’t that different no matter who you are. If a long, elaborate skincare routine isn’t your thing, you’re in luck. Skin care can be as complicated or simple as you want as long as you get the basics right.
Skin Differences Between Men and Women
While the structure of men’s and women’s skin is the same, there are some differences. Men’s skin is thicker than women’s. Men also have more pores, and their skin frequently produces more oil. Those differences don’t change the type of products that work for your skin. It comes down to using products that work for your skin type.
With that in mind, men, read on to learn how to develop your own (simple) skincare routine.
How to Develop an Easy Skincare Routine for Men
Know Your Skin Type
Skin type determines the kinds of products that will help your skin and those that could lead to a breakout or irritation. Here are a few quick tips to identify your skin type.
- Normal: Your skin rarely has acne and doesn’t react to soaps or cleansers. (And it doesn’t meet the criteria for any of the other skin types.)
- Sensitive: Your skin gets red, stings, or burns after applying products. You may break out or develop a rash from certain soaps or lotions.
- Dry: Your skin is itchy, dry, and flaky with a generally rough texture.
- Oily: Shiny and greasy are words that describe your skin. You may be prone to breakouts.
- Combination: You have dry skin in some places and oily in others. A common combination skin type includes oily skin on the forehead, nose, and chin and dry skin on the cheeks.
Wash Your Face Daily and After Sweating
Wash your face every day and after working out. Dead skin, oil, and perspiration build-up on the face throughout the day. If they’re not removed, you can get blackheads and pimples. Opt for gentle cleansers like SkinResourceMD’s Total Facial Cleansing Gel. It’s soap-free and won’t irritate sensitive skin but is strong enough for all skin types. Acne-prone skin can benefit from a cleanser with natural acne-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil.
Moisturize Daily
Harmful UV rays, changing temperatures, and pollution dry out and damage the skin. Daily moisturizers give your outer layer a boost of nutrients to fortify your skin from environmental stressors.
Moisturizers come in many different forms, including lotions, gels, and serums. A hyaluronic serum can lock in moisture while protecting your skin from free radicals in the environment. Or stick with a general, oil-free moisturizer to soothe dry skin and promote healing.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
Many people skip sun protection, yet the UVA and UVB rays from the sun damage your skin every day. Use a daily sunscreen designed for the face to prevent clogged pores and greasy skin.
Make your routine easy with a two-for-one product like SkinResourceMD’s Essential Solar Protector, where your skin gets a dose of moisture and a layer of sunscreen that absorbs into the skin.
Shave with Good Technique
Watch your shaving technique.
- Wet your skin to soften the hair.
- Apply a shaving gel (like Total Facial Cleansing Gel) or cream to further soften hair and moisturize the skin.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Rinse after each swipe.
- Always use a sharp razor. Change your blade after every five to seven uses.
Apply a moisturizing product like SkinResourceMD’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum to soothe and seal moisture into the skin.
Conclusion—Put It All Together
The most basic men’s skincare routine should include a cleanser and moisturizer that work for your skin type. You can use a moisturizer that includes sunscreen or apply a separate sunscreen after moisturizing.
Don’t be afraid to branch out to meet your skin’s needs. For example, acne products to manage breakouts or anti-aging products to even your skin color and reduce wrinkles could easily be added to your daily routine.
Happy skin isn’t about beauty. It’s about health, vitality, and strength. Your skin is your protector. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.
