Skin Care Tips for Men
Many young chaps, thinking that a few wrinkles here and there lend character to their faces, treat their skin with indifference only to be rewarded later with a face that is riven with deep, craggy wrinkles and endowed with a surfeit of “character.” In order to avert this shocking scenario, it is important for men to implement good skin care habits at an early age. It is has often been said that in springtime a young man’s fancy turns to love, but I strongly suggest getting one’s skin into shape before even thinking of amorous pursuits.
Good skin care can preserve your boyish good looks (Photo: Shutterstock)
Designing a skin care regimen needn’t be difficult, as long you understand your skin type and select products best suited to it. And, think twice before you pilfer your lady’s skin care products, as there are critical differences between male and female complexions.
Oil production and skin thickness
Men tend to have oilier skin than women. Interestingly, although men have smaller oil glands than women, they have higher sebum output. This is due to the greater levels of the male hormone testosterone, which also makes masculine skin about 20 percent thicker and denser and therefore less prone to fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage.
Since active ingredients are absorbed through the sebaceous glands, men’s skin tends to be less porous than women’s. Also, the oiliness caused by androgen hormones can increase susceptibility to acne and other skin blemishes, which needs to be taken into account when selecting products.
Fragility
Despite their thick skins, however, men are actually quite fragile (dermatologically speaking, that is). Certain factors make male skin more delicate and prone to irritation. Men tend to be far more negligent about protecting their skin while it is more often exposed to damaging environmental elements. Shaving can also affect skin sensitivity and condition; it disrupts the hydrolipidic film, thereby removing the skin’s natural protection and it also, of course, causes scraping and nicks. On the plus side, the scraping does promote exfoliation of the superficial level of dead skin cells. This constant barrage of skin irritants can render male complexions more sensitive, however, and care must be taken not to exacerbate this with strong skin care products.
Shaving can both exfoliate and irritate the skin (Photo: Kamisori Otoko)
Skin aging
All of us, male or female, experience a decline in collagen production with increasing age, which causes the skin to become thinner, more fragile and wrinkle-prone. On average, a man’s skin loses about 1 percent of its collagen per year and skin. By the time an average man enters his mid-40s, he will notice the development of wrinkles and overall loss of elasticity.
Skin care regimen
Unless you have a portrait that’s magically aging in your stead hidden away in your attic, a good skin regimen is your best defense against premature wrinkles and sagging skin. A simple routine with effective products works best for most guys — good skin care need not be a tedious, multi-step process.
Cleanse
Cleanse your face morning and night with a cleanser suited to your skin type. Do not use harsh soaps on your face — they strip your skin of its natural moisture with harsh detergents and high alkalinity. An excellent cleanser that works for most skin types: Dragon Blood Cleanser by RSVP Skin Care.
Shave
To avoid skin irritation, use a quality shaving cream like Mario Badescu Shaving Cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a toner.
To prevent wrinkles, protect your skin from the sun (Photo: Shutterstock)
Moisturize and Eye Cream
Use a moisturizer with broad-spectrum sunscreen in morning, such as Neutrogena Men Triple Protect Face Lotion SPF 30. Next, apply eye cream, gently following the orbital bone. This area is prone to wrinkling — a few laugh lines add charm and character but huge eye bags and loose skin are no laughing matter.
If you’re motivated to take anti-aging to the next level, you can add a serum and a more intensive moisturizer to your evening routine. A great basic skin care kit to get you started is Skin is In Facetime for Men.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.
