Men's skin care isn't as time-consuming as you might think - but it's worth considering. Just make a few changes to your daily routine to help you glow and feel your best.
To help you get started on your mission to achieve a clearer complexion and smoother skin, we've compiled everything men need to know to keep their skin looking its best.
We know that not everyone identifies as male or female. But when we talk about men’s skin care in this article, we’re talking about people who were assigned male at birth.
1. Determine your skin type as early as possible and use suitable products: The key to choosing the best products for your skin type is to—wait for it—understand your skin type. "There's a very simple way to identify it, called tissue testing," says David E. Bank, MD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. How to determine your skin type. Here's how to do organizational testing (no, not that, grown up):
Observation results. If the tissue is extremely dry, your skin may be dry to sensitive, Bank says. The presence of oil on fabric indicates (surprise!) oily skin. You may end up with a slightly damp paper towel. This means you're somewhere in between - a skin type called combination skin.
No panic! There is no "wrong" skin type. Knowing your type will help you choose cleaning and other products accordingly.
2. Avoid using skin care products specifically designed for women’s skin.
You may have the same skin type as your friend or sister, but picking up a bottle of her face wash to cleanse it is still not the best idea.
What is the difference between male and female skin? It turns out that the difference between men's and women's skin care products goes beyond masculine packaging.
"Men tend to have more oil glands in their skin, and it's generally tougher," says Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C.
Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehl's USA and author of "MANMADE: Every Man's Essential Skin Care and Grooming Reference," says the scientific minds behind the men's skin care line specifically formulated the products to increase oiliness and elasticity.
So take a special shopping trip and build your own skincare arsenal. Don’t just dig through the bottom of your cupboard or borrow a product from the nearest woman. Using your ex-girlfriend's expired moisturizer is not considered revenge.
3. Wash your face twice a day. Most dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day. While that may seem like a lot, Bank says it's men in their 20s who need it the most. Your skin tends to be a little oily. Washing your face morning and night will keep your skin looking its best.
But if I wash twice a day, I'm really dry. If you find that cleansing twice a day causes dryness, simply splashing water on your face in the morning can fix the problem. Another old-school trick to try: wash with soap.
Rather than using any of the older varieties (as many varieties can dry out your skin), Bank recommends using Cetaphil's Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Soap, which is available online. The bar's formula combines the gentleness of a pH-balanced cleanser with antibacterial ingredients to help you prevent breakouts.
4. Use benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. Bank points out that OG benzoyl peroxide is a teen acne savior and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. This compound unclogs pores, kills acne-causing bacteria, and removes dead skin cells.
Every product should serve its purpose. Just make sure benzoyl peroxide is at the top of the ingredients list. Even if you choose the same acne treatment product you used in school, you're not actually using the same tube.
Although it may be tempting to keep the jar or tube until it's used up, be sure to replace it at least every two years. Tanzi said products become less effective over time. Is benzoyl peroxide not working for you?
Dermatologist Jessica Weiser, MD, of New York Dermatology Group, recommends a sulfur-containing skin care product such as Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (available online). This is because it has antibacterial properties that reduce redness and soothe the skin's surface.
5. Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week: Have you ever noticed that the skin on your chin is always busy? Salgado says that's because shaving is a great exfoliant, which is essential for keeping your skin healthy and acne-free.
To make sure the rest of your face follows suit, exfoliate two to three times a week. Which type of peel should you choose? Tanzi recommends the following products, all available for purchase online: If you have oily skin, try a salicylic acid exfoliant like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control
If you have sensitive skin, use a cream formula like Dove Men+Care Deep Cleansing Facial Scrub. How to use exfoliant. To exfoliate before shaving, Bank recommends the following: Apply cream. Rinse off the scrub. Then shave to remove dead skin cells that can cause an uneven shave, ingrown hairs, or cuts.
If you want to limit your skin care routine as much as possible, Tanzi recommends opting for a glycolic face wash that lightly exfoliates as you cleanse, such as Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Acid Cleanser, which is available online.
You may have the same skin type as your friend or sister, but picking up a bottle of her face wash to cleanse it is still not the best idea.
What is the difference between male and female skin? It turns out that the difference between men's and women's skin care products goes beyond masculine packaging.
"Men tend to have more oil glands in their skin, and it's generally tougher," says Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C.
Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehl's USA and author of "MANMADE: Every Man's Essential Skin Care and Grooming Reference," says the scientific minds behind the men's skin care line specifically formulated the products to increase oiliness and elasticity.
So take a special shopping trip and build your own skincare arsenal. Don’t just dig through the bottom of your cupboard or borrow a product from the nearest woman. Using your ex-girlfriend's expired moisturizer is not considered revenge.
3. Wash your face twice a day. Most dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day. While that may seem like a lot, Bank says it's men in their 20s who need it the most. Your skin tends to be a little oily. Washing your face morning and night will keep your skin looking its best.
But if I wash twice a day, I'm really dry. If you find that cleansing twice a day causes dryness, simply splashing water on your face in the morning can fix the problem. Another old-school trick to try: wash with soap.
Rather than using any of the older varieties (as many varieties can dry out your skin), Bank recommends using Cetaphil's Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Soap, which is available online. The bar's formula combines the gentleness of a pH-balanced cleanser with antibacterial ingredients to help you prevent breakouts.
4. Use benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. Bank points out that OG benzoyl peroxide is a teen acne savior and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. This compound unclogs pores, kills acne-causing bacteria, and removes dead skin cells.
Every product should serve its purpose. Just make sure benzoyl peroxide is at the top of the ingredients list. Even if you choose the same acne treatment product you used in school, you're not actually using the same tube.
Although it may be tempting to keep the jar or tube until it's used up, be sure to replace it at least every two years. Tanzi said products become less effective over time. Is benzoyl peroxide not working for you?
Dermatologist Jessica Weiser, MD, of New York Dermatology Group, recommends a sulfur-containing skin care product such as Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (available online). This is because it has antibacterial properties that reduce redness and soothe the skin's surface.
5. Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week: Have you ever noticed that the skin on your chin is always busy? Salgado says that's because shaving is a great exfoliant, which is essential for keeping your skin healthy and acne-free.
To make sure the rest of your face follows suit, exfoliate two to three times a week. Which type of peel should you choose? Tanzi recommends the following products, all available for purchase online: If you have oily skin, try a salicylic acid exfoliant like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control
If you have sensitive skin, use a cream formula like Dove Men+Care Deep Cleansing Facial Scrub. How to use exfoliant. To exfoliate before shaving, Bank recommends the following: Apply cream. Rinse off the scrub. Then shave to remove dead skin cells that can cause an uneven shave, ingrown hairs, or cuts.
If you want to limit your skin care routine as much as possible, Tanzi recommends opting for a glycolic face wash that lightly exfoliates as you cleanse, such as Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Acid Cleanser, which is available online.
Make sure to use it before shaving or at night. You may feel a burning sensation when using it after shaving.
6. Use the right products when shaving
After shaving and before moisturizing, use an alcohol-free aftershave that contains vitamin C, such as: B. Anthony Aftershave Balm , available online.
This isn't strictly necessary, but it's a useful extra step. Bank explains that it has anti-inflammatory properties that work alongside sunscreen to protect against harmful free radical molecules.
Do you get redness easily? Bank recommends trying an aftershave that contains niacinamide, such as The Art of Shaving's Ocean Kelp Aftershave Lotion, which can help soothe redness and irritation. (Also available for purchase online.)
Precautions for shaving technique
Weiser notes that one of the most common skin care mistakes men make is shaving accidents.
It's best to avoid leaving your shaver in a humid shower environment, as bacteria and fungi can thrive in this environment and cause skin infections. So keep it in your medicine cabinet and replace the blades regularly to reduce the risk of skin problems.
What if you don’t shave?
You're not alone: Salgado says the facial hair trend is growing exponentially. About 45% of American men have some type of facial hair.
While it's not required, he recommends using a hydrating beard oil, such as Jack's Black Beard Oil. This will leave your face soft, comfortable to the touch and pampered. It also has a calming effect on the skin underneath your beard.
If you want to look good, apply it right after cleansing. Just be on the lookout for products containing coconut oil, which is more waxy and may contribute to acne, Weisner says.
7. Don’t forget SPF (and maybe eye cream)
The debate about wearing sunscreen (yes, even in the winter) is pretty much irrefutable right now. If you need more convincing, Salgado compares your face to a car's dashboard. If exposed to sunlight every day, it will become dull, faded, and cracked over time. No one wants this to happen to their face.
Apply a moisturizer with SPF every morning to moisturize and protect your skin. This may seem like an extra step, but it's an essential tool to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Can previous skin damage be reversed?
If you really want to give it a try, taking tretinoin at night is the gold standard and can help:
Reverse sun damage
Stimulate collagen
Peeling
open pores
Fight acne
Find prescription or over-the-counter medications. Just make sure the retinol is among the first four ingredients.
Finally, Salgado says the eye cream produces visible results in about three weeks, for when you need semi-instant gratification. They recommend Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream, which is available online.
But overall: stick with it. Your skin will thank you sooner or later.
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