How to Find the Best Skincare for Men

Gentlemen. There is more to a skincare routine than your morning shave. If your facial care routine consists of a razor and some random shaving cream – listen up. Men’s skincare is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Everything from cleansers, moisturizers to sunscreen should be part of your skincare regimen.

You cannot hide behind that beard or scruff forever

Many men prefer beards to shaving so they don’t have to deal with irritation and skin issues that many experience. Well, skin issues may be rooted in your lifestyle, genetics or how you’re treating your skin, so don’t blame your razor. However, if shaving is the sum of your grooming practice, this can contribute to a build up of dirt, sebum and dead skin cells leading to clogged pores, blackheads, blemishes and ingrown hairs that will further cause that irritation that you’re trying to avoid. Admit it. You spend more time caring for car or your smart phone than your skin. Getting rid of that “5 o’clock shadow” or trimming your beard should be part of your routine, not your only routine. Just like your car, skin needs maintenance, too.

The most important skincare step of the day – and night

Cleansing your face in the morning, and at night, should be as routine as brushing your teeth. The best start to your skincare routine is to open up those pores in a warm shower. The steam will help as well as loosen up dirt and impurities on the skin surface. If you have a fuller beard, soak in that steam for a few extra minutes. Once those pores have had a chance to open up, wash your face, and your neck, with a daily facial cleanser best suited to your skin. Choose men’s skincare products (don’t bother with your wife’s or girlfriend’s brand) as they are specifically formulated for men’s thicker facial skin and larger pores. Using a face scrub or exfoliator could prove helpful to your overall skin health, removing, excess oil, stubborn dry skin or dead skin cells.

What type of skin do you have?

Greasy nose and forehead, blackheads? Probably oily skin. A balancing cleanser will remove impurities and help control oil without drying skin. Bar soap is good, but specially-formulated facial cleansers are better. Lather up. Itchy cheeks, redness? Sounds like dry skin. A gentle exfoliating cleanser, with natural ingredients, will whisk away dirt and dead skin, leaving it feeling nourished and comfortable. Breakouts? Acne-prone skin can benefit from an anti-bacterial gel cleanser, washing away excess dirt and sebum and clearing clogged pores. Rashes, irritation? This could be sensitive skin caused by anything from pollution, food allergies, stress or harsh products. Try an all-natural face wash that is fragrance-free. No skin issues? Well, lucky you. A gentle daily cleanser will keep skin balanced and healthy-looking.

Fight the signs of aging

In addition to cleansing, moisturizing is key. Hydrating skin will keep fine lines and wrinkles diminished. A cream or lotion with sunscreen or an SPF 30 will protect skin from harmful UV rays when you’re on the beach, slopes or doing other outdoor activities. A retinol-based face moisturizer will address and diminish signs of aging (you call them smile lines). You may also start to notice puffiness or dark circles. Add an eye cream to your skin care routine. Bearded fellows – condition that facial hair. Use a beard oil to keep that fuzzy face in check. A groomed beard is much more attractive and professional. A finished touch? A lip balm, preferably on with sunscreen, to keep lips soft and hydrated.

The shift to personalized skincare

No matter what type of skin you have or cleanser you choose, wash your face, and neck area, in the morning and at night. Showering first will open pores and cleansing skin will hydrate it, and prepped and in better condition for shaving. Complete your routine with a moisturizer with SPF for the AM and a night cream for the PM. Adding an exfoliator and eye cream will add to optimal skin health.
And, since every skin is as unique as your fingerprint, it may be time to research personalized skincare. Customized products focus on your skin’s specific needs and issues; one man’s irritated skin can be the result of an allergy, while another’s irritated skin may be caused by something in his diet. Personalized means to take a targeted skin assessment that focuses on your lifestyle, diet and other factors. Such products can pinpoint your specific skin type and issues, and formulate a daily (and nightly) skincare regimen, with a facial cleanser and moisturizers, perfectly suited to your unique skin.

Ready to take your Personal Skincare Assessment? CLICK HERE.

This article is originally posted on Proven Skincare.

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