Skincare Tips For Men: All You Need To Know

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Hey guys! This is your friendly reminder that skin health isn't just a woman's game. To many, the idea that there is a difference between men's and women's skin is a far-fetched concept. The reality is that men need to take care of their skin too, and by adding a little twist. We know that skin care can be quite an intimidating topic for them. There are so many products to choose from, massage techniques, and active ingredients to familiarize with. It's enough to make your head spin.

No need to worry though. We have done the hard work for you and rounded up all the

men's skincare steps

men's skin health

The Differences Between Men's And Women's Skin

Here is a hint about the conundrum of

male skin vs female skin

male skin characteristics

• Elasticity: Female skin is less expandible than male skin, but recovers more quickly from stretching^[1].
• Hydration: In the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), young men have higher levels of hydration than women^[1].
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL): Men generally displayed much lower TEWL than women, regardless of age and location^[1].
• Sebum: With the exception of the forehead, where female subjects have higher sebum levels, men have been found to produce more serum and have larger pores^[1]. The findings demonstrated that male skin exhibited two distinct traits as a result of sebum overproduction: compromised skin barrier and inability to maintain an effective skincare routine due to a sticky feeling^[1]. Higher sebum levels also translate into more acne breakouts.
• Skin color: Women's constitutive pigmentation is noticeably lighter than men's, with the exception of the first ten years of life^[1].
• Skin pH: Although it was previously believed that men's skin was more acidic, other studies have revealed that sex (and hormones) had no influence on skin pH^[1].
• Skin thickness: Is

  men's skin thicker than women's

  ? The answer will surprise you. Overall, the epidermal thickness of men vs women is not significantly different, with the exception of the forehead skin, which is notably thinner in older women than in men^[1].

What Should Men's Skincare Routine Be Like?

Who says skincare is just for women? It's time to break the stigma, fellas! As a man, you need to do more than just use a bar of soap and call it a day. A proper skincare routine is essential to keep your skin glowy and youthful, no matter your gender. Gone are the days of being intimidated by the skincare aisle. With so many products to choose from, it's easy to be overwhelmed. But let's make it simple. Here are some basics on

how to improve men's skin

Men's Skin Care Daily Routine: AM/PM

1. Cleanse: A cleansing oil works great for shaving purposes to minimize irritation. You can then follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser (mildly acidic; pH 4.5-5.5) that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
2. Tone: Alcohol-based formulas are a complete no-no, but we do recommend toners with ingredients that soothe the skin and prevent ingrown hairs. Look for INCIs that contain aloe vera, calendula and acids (lactic, salicylic, etc.). While this step is optional, it comes in very handy for those dealing with shaving woes and breakouts.
3. Treat: Ideally, you should layer a serum for maximum results. In this case, the choice of active ingredients will depend entirely on your concerns. For example: azelaic acid, acne and resurfacing; vitamin C, hyperpigmentations and collagen boost; niacinamide, brightening and deep moisture, etc.
4. Moisturize: Following cleansing in the morning and evening, apply a light moisturizer to keep skin looking supple and plump without clogging pores or feeling greasy. Opt for one with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and squalene which help protect against environmental damage while locking in moisture.
5. Protect from the sun: Sun protection isn't just for the beach, you should be wearing it all year round. Look for an oil-free SPF 30+ and don't forget to reapply every 2 hours.

Weekly Routine (2-3 x)

1. Exfoliate: Invest in a good formula that can help remove dead skin cells. Scrubs might not be the best option since their beads can further scratch the skin. Instead, focus on exfoliators that contain AHAs, BHAs, Polyhydroxy acids (preferably derived from natural sources), as well as fruit enzymes like papain and bromelain.
2. Mask: We know that you might not be into facial packs. To be honest, they make a huge difference in the appearance of the skin. Do we need to say that they are the perfect excuse for a super unwinding me-time? This is where formulas get really creative in terms of ingredients and you will often recognize “friends” such as algae/seaweed, ginger, turmeric, healing clays, activated charcoal, tea tree, and so on.

So, gents. Why wait any longer to implement all these men's

skin health tips

References:

[1] Male versus female skin: What dermatologists and cosmeticians should know