Gentlemen, let's talk about skincare.
Did you know male facial skin tends to be thicker and oilier than female facial skin? This is due to the fact that men have more sebaceous (oil) glands and higher levels of androgens (male hormones) than women. Androgens stimulate the production of sebum, which is why men tend to have shinier skin and are more prone to acne.
So, building a skincare routine is essential to keep irritation, acne, and even ingrown hair at bay. Why not invest in a simple yet effective skincare routine that caters to your skin type? Trust us, your future self will thank you for it.
Steps To Build A Skincare Routine For Men
Your essential skincare routine
If you’re just starting out with your skincare routine, here are the absolute essentials that you need to stock up on.
1. Cleanser
Throw away that lone bar of soap you’ve been using for all of your parts. Those soaps are designed for use on the body and may contain ingredients that are too harsh or irritating for your face’s sensitive skin. Instead, it's best to use a gentle facial cleanser specifically formulated for your skin type to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils and disrupting its delicate pH balance. The Hit Refresh Gel Cleanser from Italic is a lightweight cleanser that sweeps away impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture barrier. Formulated with gentle papaya enzyme, restorative adenosine, and seven different forms of hyaluronic acid, Hit Refresh has what it takes to exfoliate, hydrate, and smooth your skin every day.
2. Moisturizer
Moisturizers help to lock in your skin’s moisture and prevent TEWL or trans-epidermal water loss. Why is it so important to keep your skin moisturized? Dryness can lead to premature aging and other skin issues. Moisturizing can also help regulate oily skin and soothe existing skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, or dermatitis.
If you have oily skin, you might opt for a lighter moisturizer ideally in gel formula. The Glow Theory Gel Moisturizer from Italic is a great choice. This innovative moisturizer is formulated with skin-replenishing ceramides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. Glow Theory has a featherlight gel texture that effortlessly melts into skin for an instant healthy glow.
If you have drier skin that might need a little more nourishment, facial oils would be a great option for you. The Finishing Touch Facial Oil is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich facial oil that combines age-erasing powerhouse oils like cranberry seed, meadowfoam seed, and camellia seed with moisture-locking jojoba and argan oil. It’s a nourishing blend of oils to keep your dry skin plump and hydrated throughout the day.
3. Sunscreen
Using sunscreen helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause skin damage, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. It’s NOT true that men don’t need to use sunscreen because they don't burn easily. This is a very dangerous misconception. All skin types need protection from the sun's harmful UV rays and sunscreen should be an essential part of everyone’s daily skincare routine.
Use sunscreen every day – even on cloudy days and even indoors! UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage to the skin. Choose a sunscreen at least with SPF 30 plus with a broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB).
If you want to level up your skincare essentials
If you’ve got a trustworthy basic routine and want to boost your regimen with actives or other special ingredients, here are some products you might want to check out.
1. Toners and Mists
Toners are often used after cleansing to help to balance the pH of your skin. They also help to remove any remaining impurities and excess oil from your skin, which can prevent breakouts and improve the overall clarity of your skin. Some toners even contain actives that target specific skin concerns like alpha-hydroxy acids that help with hyperpigmentation, or beta-hydroxy acids that help with clogged pores, blackheads, ingrown facial hair, and acne. Mists, on the other hand, provide extra hydration throughout the day. Keep it in your bag for a boost of hydration or spritz all over your face before (and after) your favorite moisturizer.
Some mists also incorporate soothing and nourishing ingredients like the Fine Print Serum Mist. This super-fine mist is formulated with potent, high-impact components like barrier-repairing ceramides, moisture-magnet hyaluronic acid, and ultra-soothing madecassic acid. Just like a highly effective serum, Fine Print contains a fleet of botanical ingredients that delivers happy, healthy skin on demand.
2. Masks
Masks are a great way to give your skin an extra boost of care and offer a range of benefits for your skin. Depending on the type of mask you have, they can provide a deep cleanse, exfoliation, or extra hydration. Certain masks, such as those containing vitamin C or niacinamide can help to improve the overall tone and texture of your skin.
The Instant Edit Resurfacing Mask harnesses the clarifying benefits of AHA and BHA to reveal a softer, more radiant complexion. It’s a powerful blend of glycolic, lactic, malic and salicylic acid to exfoliate, even skin tone, and improve skin texture.
3. Serums and Essences
Serums and essences are concentrated skincare products that are formulated to penetrate deeply into your skin and target specific skin concerns. Serums and essences are usually lightweight in texture and are designed to be applied after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing.
Try this one for size. Formulated with six powerhouse peptides, the Power Play Peptide Serum is a potent, hydrating serum that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines for smoother, healthier-looking skin. Silky and non-sticky, this fast-absorbing serum fits effortlessly into any skincare routine — and provides moisture-boosting benefits for all skin types.
Skincare Tips for Men
Of course, caring for your skin goes beyond the products that you put on them. Here are more skin care tips to remember.
1. Lifestyle Changes
Diet and hydration play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. Eating a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help to nourish and protect your skin from damage. In contrast, a diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation that leads to acne and wrinkles.
Staying hydrated helps to flush out toxins and keep your skin cells plump and hydrated. Drinking enough water can help to prevent dryness and flakiness, and can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Exercise and sleep keep you young. Exercise helps to increase blood flow and circulation, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. It helps to reduce stress and can help manage skin concerns such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Getting enough sleep is also crucial for healthy skin, as it allows your skin to repair and regenerate overnight. Plush, during sleep, your skin produces collagen, a protein that helps to keep your skin firm and elastic.
2. Professional Help
If you have persistent skin concerns that don’t seem to go away with a skincare routine, there are professionals you can seek out. Dermatologists can provide medical treatments such as prescription medications, topical treatments, and procedures like chemical peels or laser therapy. Another option is an esthetician, a skincare specialist who can provide non-medical treatments like facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion to improve the health and appearance of your skin.
A note from Italic
In conclusion, building a skincare routine for men doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. By following a few basic steps, such as cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing, you can achieve healthy, clear, and youthful-looking skin.
Remember to choose products that are suitable for your skin type and to be consistent with your routine to achieve the best results. By taking care of your skin, you'll not only look and feel your best, but you'll also be investing in your overall health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Most Men Have A Skincare Routine?
A: Male skin requires care to keep it from looking shiny, developing acne, and keeping ingrown hairs at bay if you have facial hair. In order to groom themselves well, most men have a skincare routine.
Q: How Do I Start My Skincare For Men?
A: If you're new to skincare for men, start with three basic steps: a good gentle cleanser, the right moisturizer for your skin type, and a good sunscreen. Remember, consistency is key to seeing results. Start with a basic routine and gradually add in additional products as needed.
Q: Should Guys Wash Their Faces?
A: Throughout the day, our skin accumulates dirt, oil, and sweat, which can clog pores and lead to acne, breakouts, and other skin concerns. Washing your face removes these impurities and helps to keep your skin clean, healthy, and clear.
