Men’s skincare is often overlooked, but it’s essential for maintaining healthy skin. Whether you have a simple routine or want to dive into more advanced care, here are some tips and product recommendations for building an effective skincare regimen:
Skincare Tips for Men
- Know Your Skin Type
- Oily skin: If your face tends to get shiny, you have oily skin.
- Dry skin: Tight, flaky skin indicates dryness.
- Combination skin: Some areas are oily (usually the T-zone), while others are dry.
- Sensitive skin: Skin that easily becomes red or irritated.
- Cleanse Daily
- Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin. Use a cleanser suited to your skin type, preferably in the morning and before bed.
- For oily/combination skin: Use a foaming or gel-based cleanser.
- For dry/sensitive skin: Opt for a hydrating, cream-based cleanser.
- Exfoliate 2-3 Times a Week
- Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, so stick to 2-3 times per week.
- Chemical exfoliants (like salicylic acid) work better for oily/acne-prone skin.
- Physical exfoliants (scrubs) can be used but be gentle, especially for sensitive skin.
- Moisturize Daily
- Moisturizing is essential to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its barrier function. Even oily skin needs moisture.
- For oily skin: Look for lightweight, oil-free or gel moisturizers.
- For dry skin: Use rich, creamy moisturizers that lock in hydration.
- Always Use Sunscreen
- Sunscreen is crucial for preventing skin damage, premature aging, and lowering the risk of skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day.
- Lightweight, non-greasy sunscreens work best for oily skin.
- For sensitive skin, opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Don’t Forget About Eyes and Lips
- The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to early signs of aging. Use an eye cream to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
- Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent chapped lips and sun damage.
- Shaving Care
- To prevent irritation or razor burn, always shave after a shower when your skin and hair are softer.
- Use a shaving cream or gel suited for sensitive skin, and follow up with an aftershave balm or moisturizer to soothe your skin.
Recommended Products
Cleansers
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (for dry/sensitive skin)
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser (for oily/acne-prone skin)
- Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash (for normal skin)
Exfoliants
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (for oily/acne-prone skin)
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (for normal/combination skin)
- Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub (for sensitive skin, physical exfoliant)
Moisturizers
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (for oily skin)
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (for dry skin)
- Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer (for all skin types)
Sunscreens
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (for acne-prone/sensitive skin)
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 (for oily skin)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100 (for dry skin)
Eye Creams
- The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for puffiness and dark circles)
- Kiehl’s Eye Alert (for hydration and fine lines)
Shaving Products
- Proraso Shaving Cream (for all skin types)
- Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather (for sensitive skin)
- Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm (soothing aftershave)
Read also: Skincare Tips for Your 20s: A Guide to Healthy and Radiant Skin