Who says good skin is only for women? The truth is ageing and skin damage happens to everyone. That’s why men should consider a skincare routine, or even some simple skincare products to fight their skin concerns.
Must-Have Ingredients in Men’s Grooming Products
There are dozens of skincare products that are specially formulated for men these days that you are sure to find a product for a specific skin issue. But there are those who are feeling clueless as to what product to get that will be worth adding to their routine. Well, here are a few must-have ingredients that any guy should consider for their skincare.
- Sunscreen.
Sunscreen use should not be limited to going to the beach because the sun is out there every day. Too much exposure to the UV rays can lead to sun damage as well as faster ageing. Applying sunscreen, especially one with high SPF, can provide protection from the harsh rays of the sun. - Retinol.
Men who are dealing with acne breakouts or lines and wrinkles should look for men skincare products that contain Retinol. This should always be used with sunscreen since exposure to the sun while using this ingredient can increase sensitivity. - Ceramides.
Dry and irritated skin caused by harsh skincare solutions needs to be remedied as soon as possible. This is because it can lead to inflammation and discomfort. Products that contain ceramides may help deliver a layer of lipids on the skin that can retain moisture. - Antioxidants.
Antioxidants should always be part of any men s grooming routine. One reason behind this is that this ingredient is quite effective in preventing free radicals from damaging the skin. Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E must be included in the list of ingredients. - Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is essential for the skin. What it does is to retain moisture in the skin thus preventing dryness. Another plus to this ingredient is that it is considered as a humectant wherein it absorbs the moisture within the immediate surrounding. - Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids.
The skin needs to be exfoliated from time to time since dirt, sweat, and oil can clog the pores. However, for guys who are prone to breakouts, using an abrasive product will only make your skin’s condition worse. Using an acid, therefore, is much better since it dissolves buildup for easy removal. An exfoliating toner that contains either one or both of these acids should be considered depending on skin types.
How to Start a Skin Care Routine for Men
Good grooming doesn’t have to be difficult to pull off especially when there a variety of men skincare products to choose from. But it would help if you already have a routine in mind on how to care for your skin. For guys who are new to the world of skincare, here are a few steps that you should do.
- Cleanser.
Cleansing your skin is usually the first step since the cleanser removes the impurities on the skin. Aside from that, it ensures that any product that you apply after will be absorbed better. Guys who have sensitive to dry skin should look for a cleanser that is gentle enough for their skin. - Toner.
Think of this step as priming the canvas which, in this case, is your skin. This is particularly useful for guys who are dealing with acne or ingrown hairs since it isn’t harsh to use. - Serum.
A serum has a gel-like or liquid consistency that is applied on the face because of its performance ingredients. As a novice in skin care, you should invest in this product especially when you have a skin issue that needs to be addressed. - Eye Cream.
The skin around the eyes is quite thin hence it is prone to lines and wrinkles. Applying an eye cream can help reduce fine lines as well as wrinkles with regular use. - Moisturizer.
The final step in your routine should be using a moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and soft. However, you will need two types of moisturizers with one used in the morning and the other before you hit the sack. In the morning, your best choice should be a light moisturizer with high SPF to protect your skin without making it feel greasy. At night, you will need one that is rich and can penetrate deep into your skin where it can hydrate the skin cells from within.
This is a simplified version of a skincare routine that guys can use. But you can alter this or be fancier with it depending on your preferences as well as your skin’s needs.
A Simple Skincare Routine for Men
When starting on a skincare routine, it’s always best to stick to the basics. Check out some of our recommendations for skincare essentials for men:
Best Cleanser: Kiehl’s Since 1851 – Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
Kiehl s Facial Fuel is a great option for a cleanser for men as it is fights of that dull and tired-looking skin. One of the ingredients that you will find here is caffeine which can help stimulate the skin. This helps in pushing more blood around the various parts of the body including under the eyes where it can alleviate the puffiness. It also comes with the antioxidant, vitamin E, that can neutralize any free radicals lingering on the skin. Using this face wash can quickly remove the impurities on the surface.
What else should you know about Kiehl s facial fuel energizing face wash? Aside from being an effective cleanser, it also works on all skin types too. It is also useful in prepping the skin for shaving. To use this product, simply wet your skin then work it on your skin until you create a lather. You will need to massage it in an upward circular motion. Apply moisturizer after.
Pros:
- Ideal for all skin types.
- Gives dull and tired skin a boost.
- Reduces puffiness around and under the eyes.
Cons:
- There are some cheaper alternatives
Best Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Dehydrated skin will be more prone to ageing and other skin issues. Fortunately, this can be rectified with the help of hyaluronic acid. It locks in the moisture in the skin which can improve the overall look of the skin. The Ordinary has certainly hit the jackpot with this as it is now specially formulated to improve one’s skin condition quickly regardless of the skin type, yes, including oily skin. This is because this formula is lightweight for faster absorption so that there won’t be any greasy residue left behind.
There are several benefits to using this serum on the skin, such as treating rosacea, alleviating the appearance of scars and dark spots, and banishing the appearance of fine lines and even wrinkles. However, this is not an anti-aging serum but it is needed in keeping signs of aging at bay. If you are determined to maintain smooth and soft skin, adding The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid is highly recommended.
Pros:
- It locks in moisture on the skin to prevent dehydration.
- Ideal for all skin types, including those who have oily skin.
- It can work on rosacea, acne, and even scarred skin in conjunction with other products.
Cons:
- The consistency or texture may not work with everyone.
Best Moisturiser: Hunter Lab Daily Face Fuel 100ml
Facial moisturizers like the Hunter Lab Daily Face Fuel makes use of natural ingredients to help keep the skin nourished and moisturized at the same time. It is specifically designed to combat premature aging using passion fruit and macadamia seed oils. The ingredients used in this men s skin care products can also work on women which is a plus. It is packing plenty of vitamins and minerals that slow down signs of aging, while giving the skin its much-needed moisture.
If your skin is looking and feeling parched, it would be a good idea to give it a boost with this moisturizer since the natural oils are absorbed quickly. Aside from that, it has also been found to reverse sun damage too. The natural formulation of Hunter Lab is perfect for those who have sensitive skin since there are no harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin.
Pros:
- It nourishes and moisturizes skin at the same time.
- Protects the skin from sun damage.
- It is made from all-natural ingredients making it safe for all types of skin.
Cons:
- It may cause a slight tingling sensation on those who have sensitive skin.
- It is thick and takes a while to get absorbed.
- It is a bit pricey for a moisturizer.
Best SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios ULTRA SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen for Dry Skin
This anti aging sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is a welcome treat for the skin. This is due to its being a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF which is at 50. It is lightweight and resistant to water so that, even the most active guy out there, can receive enough protection from the UVA and UVB rays. No matter how sweaty you are, this sunscreen will hold on much longer than others. It also features an advanced UV filtering system that is combined with titanium dioxide for complete coverage.
Like it was mentioned before, this ultra-light fluid sunscreen can protect the skin from aging. This is a good solution if you are dealing with fine lines already that you want to minimize as much as possible. This brand also comes with Cell-Ox ShieldTM which provides the skin enough cover against the sun.
Pros:
- It is an anti-aging sunscreen.
- High SPF 50 ensures protection from the sun.
- It lasts longer even when you are sweating a lot.
Cons:
- It is quite thick when applied.
- The water resistance is short-lived.
Best Face Scrub: Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste
Dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of the skin which can contribute to clogged pores when they are not removed regularly. A good facial scrub can be useful in rubbing off dead skin because the abrasive texture will help lift the buildup on pores. Which brand should you get then? Try the purifying facial exfoliant paste from Aesop. This brand is formulated to get rid of any impurities while revitalizing the skin. It is quite gentle on the skin thanks to ingredients like rosemary and rosehip leaf extracts to minimize irritation and inflammation.
The combination of lactic acid and fine quartz particles creates a paste that not only gets rid of the stubborn buildup on your pores but also nourishes the skin underneath. Scrubbing your face with this brand makes your skin feel clean and fresh after. This can be used in various environments, but those who have acne or have sensitive skin might want to take care when using this.
Pros:
- It cleanses clogged pores.
- It contains ingredients like rosehip and rosemary leaf extracts.
- The combination of lactic acid and fine quartz creates an abrasive exfoliant that gets deep into the skin.
Cons:
- Has a strong scent
Best Shaving Cream: American Crew Moisturising Shave Cream
Guys with beards or moustaches will be in need of a decent shaving cream like the American Crew moisturising shave cream. This is a herbal conditioning brand that is ideal for those who have normal to coarse beard. The antioxidant stored in it helps in soothing the skin and ensuring a smooth glide of the razor too. You won’t have to worry about nicking your skin every time you shave or trim your beard.
What makes this a great option for shaving? It is its ingredients that make it a great product. This is because it comes with aloe vera and avocado oil that promotes moisturizing properties so that, even as you shave, your skin underneath will receive proper nourishment and moisture to prevent dryness. This is also a good option if your skin is dehydrated.
Pros:
- It is a herbal conditioning shaving cream that improves the shaving experience.
- Antioxidants help soothe the skin during shaving.
- It contains aloe vera and avocado oil that moisturize the skin.
Cons:
- It is a bit pricey for its size.
- Requires a shaving brush for application.
Wrap Up
If you are looking for the best skincare for your skin, the brands mentioned above are worth checking out. Each one of these skin care products aims to satisfy a specific need, such as for cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating just to name a few. Is it really possible to make skin looking great? With the items mentioned above, it will not be too difficult to achieve it.
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