Even today some people believe that men do not need to wash their face daily or see a skincare specialist as they believe a properly cared-for skin is “feminine” or simply not important to men but there’s nothing unmanly about looking and feeling good. Perhaps there was a time when moisturising wasn’t “macho” but today men’s grooming has gone mainstream.
Grooming and even makeup is a concept that has always been gender-inclusive even though it is not much talked about or believed so by many yet. Today, male skincare is one of the beauty industry’s fastest-growing sectors, with more men embracing ways to take care of their skin, alongside exercise and eating right, as a component of healthy living.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Namrata Vardam, Product Executive at Entod Beauty London, talked about why do men need skincare and shared, “As compared to women, the skin of men has more collagen and elastin that makes their skin thick and firm and, hence, the signs of ageing appear much later as compared to women. Without a proper skin care routine, men increase their risks of contracting skin infections, fighting pimples and dealing with premature wrinkles. Therefore, it is important for men as well to take care of their skin. However, before using any products it is important to first know your skin type. If you have acne-prone skin, you should look for “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” products because they won’t clog your pores. If your skin is on the sensitive side, use mild “fragrance-free” products to avoid possible irritants.”
She suggested some essential skincare tips and asserted that an effective skincare regimen does not have to be complex and fancy – all you need is a couple of good products and consistency:
1. Cleanse
The simplest, yet the most effective of all is washing your face. Since men typically have thicker, oilier skin and are more prone to acne, cleansing regularly, at least twice a day is a must. Washing off all the dust and impurities before they settle in your pores is important. Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a soft cloth. You can also go for a basic oil-free cleanser but if you have extreme dry skin, a more hydrating cleanser may be needed.
2. Moisturise
One of the most basic foundations of all skincare routines is the moisturiser. Even though men’s sebaceous glands produce more oil than women, there is still the need to invest in moisturisers. Moisturising restores hydration to the skin, firming it, as well as replacing nutrients and moisture lost during the process of cleansing. Additionally, moisturiser forms a protective barrier over the skin, which helps to prevent dirt from clogging the pores, and guards against the bacteria responsible for outbreaks.
3. Use an after-shave balm
Constantly dragging a razor over your face can cause irritation and inflammation, leaving skin with redness, dryness, and razor bumps. Using the right shaving products, most importantly and after shave balms is a must. It will soothe your skin and prevent bumpy, grainy skin.
4. Don’t forget the sunscreen
The greatest enemy is the Sun when it comes to creating wrinkles, age spots, and other age-related damage. Over time, exposure to UV lights leads to irreparable skin damage and raises the risk of developing skin cancer. Slathering on a bit of sunscreen before you go outdoors only takes a minute. Wear it every day, summer or winter, and be sure to re-apply throughout the day if you are going to be in the sun.
5. Combat signs of skin ageing
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look on top of your game! In order to slow down your skin’s ageing process, you need to include a lot of Vitamin C in your skin care routine. It is rich in antioxidants which help in controlling unstable oxygen molecules. These days, men, like women, are also experimenting with more-specific products, like anti-aging tablets or under-eye gel serum. An under-eye gel serum can help reduce dark circles, puffy eyes, eye bags and wrinkles. It will also assist in firming, smoothening and brightening the skin around your eyes.
In addition to these, it is important to go for routine skin screening at a registered skincare professional for any irregularities. Even if you don’t experience any issues or notice any visible skin damage, yearly checkups are an absolute must.