Traditional notions of masculinity are evolving, allowing men to embrace self-care practices without fear of being perceived as less masculine. Men are becoming more aware of the impact of environmental factors, stress, and age on their skin. This awareness has led to a desire to proactively address these concerns.

What is the first thing you’ll need? A skincare routine!

The Rise of Men's Skincare Awareness

A study by NPD Group found that 40% of men in the United States reported using skincare products, showing a clear shift in attitudes towards grooming and self-care. Skincare brands are recognizing the growing male demographic and are introducing products tailored to their specific needs. This includes products targeting issues like razor burn, ingrown hairs, and signs of aging. 

 

The trend is not limited to a specific region. Countries around the world are witnessing increased interest from men in skin care products and routines. Men of various age groups are participating in this trend, with younger generations being particularly open to incorporating skincare into their daily routines.

Just as it is for everyone else, a proper skincare routine is essential for men, helping to maintain healthy, fresh skin while combatting the effects of daily wear and tear, pollution, and aging.

Is men’s skin more resistant to aging?

Think men’s skin tends to show premature signs of aging less? Think again!  

While men’s thicker skin and higher collagen density tends to show signs of aging later than women’s skin, this quickly takes a turn. When aging does occur, it happens more abruptly and noticeably than it does for women. This tendency to experience sudden skin aging makes it even more important to give your skin the care and tools it needs to fight off big changes.

Let’s take a look at a comprehensive men’s skincare routine that is both practical and effective.

Step 1: Cleanse

Start your routine with a gentle cleanser designed for your skin type. Cleansing helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. Use lukewarm water to prevent stripping your skin’s natural oils and follow up with a pat-dry using a clean towel. 

For the ingredients buffs: Look for cleansers with salycylic acid if you have oily skin or hexamine or chamomile for dry or sensitive skin. 

Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 times a week)

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother complexion and preventing clogged pores. Opt for an overnight chemical exfoliant or an exfoliating cleanser with fine particles to avoid irritation. Use this step a couple of times a week to avoid over-exfoliation, which can lead to sensitivity.

Not sure about this step? You’re not alone. Many people prefer to leave exfoliation to the pros and get a professional facial every 3-4 weeks. If the exfoliation step is not for you, go ahead and book a facial! The deep exfoliation of a professional facial has the added benefit of increasing the reach and full potential of your at-home skincare routine.

For the ingredients buffs: Look for exfoliating products that contain fruit enzymes for natural weakening of the bonds between dead skin cells which will help with the exfoliation process.

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Step 3: Tone

Applying a toner helps balance your skin’s pH levels and prepares it for subsequent steps. Look for alcohol-free toners that provide hydration and soothe the skin. Applying toner can also make your skin more receptive to the products you’ll use next.

For the ingredient buffs: Look for witch hazel as a natural, antiseptic astringent that has all the benefits of an alcohol-based toner without the accompanying moisture-stripping dryness. 

Step 4: Serum

Serums are concentrated treatments packed with active ingredients targeting specific concerns like fine lines, dark spots, or hydration. Depending on your skin’s needs, choose a serum that suits you best and apply it after toning. Only use a few drops and gently pat it into your skin for better absorption.

For the ingredient buffs: Serums that contain Vitamin C pack many different benefits such as hydration, antioxidant protection, collagen production, brightening, and sun damage repair.

Step 5: Moisturize

A good moisturizer is crucial to maintain your skin’s hydration and protect it from environmental stressors. Look for a moisturizer that suits your skin type—whether oily, dry, or combination. Applying a moisturizer in the morning and evening helps maintain skin health and a youthful appearance.

Did you know? Hydrating products increase the moisture content in your skin while moisturizers help seal it in. 

Step 6: Sun Protection

Never skip this step. Even if it is not sunny outside or in winter. UV rays harm your skin, causing premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 in the morning, and reapply if you’re spending extended time outdoors. Support all the great work you’re doing by having a skincare routine with SPF so you don’t undo it with unprotected exposure to UV rays!

For the ingredient buffs: Look for sunscreens that contain niacinamide, a common sunscreen ingredient that packs a multitude of other skin benefits such as keeping skin tone even and helping fade hyperpigmentation.

Step 7: Nighttime Routine

Before heading to bed, repeat the cleansing and toning process to remove the day’s dirt and pollutants. Before you finish with your moisturizer, we highly recommend the addition of retinol

What’s all the fuss about retinol?

Whether you are over 25 and preventing premature aging or younger and dealing with acne scars, you shouldn’t skip the benefit-packed power of retinol. 

Anti-aging: Retinol promotes the production of collagen, a protein that maintains the skin’s firmness and elasticity. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Scar Fading & Acne Control: Retinol helps to fade dark spots (such as acne scars or age spots) by inhibiting the overproduction of melanin. It also helps unclog pores, regulate oil production, and reduce inflammation, making it an effective treatment for acne and preventing future breakouts.

Prevent Ingrown Hairs: Retinol’s exfoliating properties help prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells and allowing hairs to grow freely. This is especially beneficial for men who frequently shave or have curly hair prone to ingrown hairs.

Why is retinol reserved for nighttime use?

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, should be a nighttime product as it can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and may cause irritation if exposed to UV rays. Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself, so using an active ingredient such as retinol under your moisturizer is particularly effective.

Talking of moisturizer…don’t forget to lather up after applying your retinol! The exfoliating powers of retinol can lead to skin dryness if you don’t moisturize after applying it. 

If you have sensitive skin, we recommend starting retinol by using it every other night until your skin becomes more acclimated to it. If you experience dryness or irritation, reduce your use frequency to 1-2 times a week and slowly re-introduce it as your skin allows.

Bonus Tips:

Stay Hydrated! Drinking plenty of water contributes to your skin’s overall health and radiance.

A Gym for Your Skin: Boost your skin with an occasional advanced facial! The addition of a laser revitalization facial, radiofrequency skin tightening, or a photofacial a few times a year will take your skin efforts to the next level. 

These energy-based facials simply trigger your skin’s natural healing process to stimulate collagen production which rejuvenates and revitalizes your skin from inside out. Think of it as a gym for your skin! Once you see the oh-so-touhchable skin results, you’ll get it. And yes…you’ll be counting down until your next one. 

Did you know? Radiofrequency helps diminish those pesky undereye bags that you’ve been noticing these past few years.