Men, here’s the skinny on your skin. First, in case you didn’t know, it’s considered your body’s largest organ. (True story!) Your skin is designed to protect both women and men from things that can hurt them, like bacteria, temperature changes, and other harmful environments.
And that means you should take care of it. There’s no shame in a skincare routine. You’ll find yourself glad you did as the years pass by. As we age we find that we do not want regrets so take care of your skin before it is too late! Keep reading for information that can not only impact the way you look — but also your overall well-being!
What Should Men Do for Skincare?
Dermatologists have several skincare recommendations for men. Check out the following tips to keep your skin looking good!
- Check product labels related to the type of skin you have. Use “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” products if you’re prone to acne and “fragrance-free” for sensitive skin.
- Wash your face every day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Shave in the direction your hair grows, and moisturize before shaving.
- Moisturize every day to reduce fine lines and keep your skin looking bright. Apply it while your skin is still damp after showering or shaving. (We’ll be discussing moisturizing in just a moment!)
- Regularly check for new, itchy, or changing spots or moles, which could be signs of skin cancer. See anything suspicious? Don’t wait, call a dermatologist.
- Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on exposed skin, after 30 minutes in the sun. Your body will make vitamin D for that first 30 minutes which is good for your immune system. Some men don’t get as burned as women but you want to protect against skin burns. You can even find protective clothing to block out the sun.
Should Men Moisturize Their Face Everyday?
Yes. It’s a game-changer for common skin issues like irritation. A good face moisturizer hydrates your skin and protects against aging, and helps with fine lines and dryness.
Daily use makes your skin smoother and keeps natural oil production in check, preventing breakouts. It also replaces moisture that was lost while you were out facing the elements.
How Is Men’s Skin Different from Women’s?
Men and women are not the same when it comes to their skin. And if your wife or girlfriend has a skincare routine with certain products, it’s not smart to just copy exactly what she does. Let’s take a quick look at some differences:
- Men’s skin is about 25% thicker than women’s, making it more rugged and less prone to fine wrinkles and sagging. However, gravity eventually catches up with everyone.
- Men have higher levels of collagen and elastin, which help maintain skin firmness and elasticity. This abundance gives their skin a firmer appearance and helps prevent lines and wrinkles.
- Men’s skin tends to be oilier, which is good and bad. While it may have a slight anti-aging effect, it also increases the likelihood of spots, blemishes, and enlarged pores.
- Men are more prone to skin irritation, often due to shaving, which causes friction, stressing the skin and potentially hurting its defense mechanisms.
Skin Care Is Important
You can’t shed your skin, so take care of it! If you have any questions about skincare, please seek out a dermatologist. We all have skin and taking care of it is as important for men as well as women, you just need to do what is best for you!