Skincare is mostly associated with the beauty industry, so society tends to consider it a feminine concern. However, this notion may be alienating most men from taking care of their skin.
Here are the reasons men should practice skincare.
The importance of skin
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and performs a lot of functions that keep us healthy beyond the cosmetic sense. It protects us from harmful radiation, germs, viruses and bacteria, making it the body’s first line of defence against outside threats. The skin also regulates body temperature, keeps us hydrated, and helps in filtering out toxins.
Not paying attention to our skin could cause dryness and irritation would then lead to cracks in the skin. A cracked skin leaves the body more open to pathogens and vulnerable to infection.
Men’s skin is different
When you shop for grooming and skincare products, you may see some that are especially for men. This is because men have very different skin from women. Men’s skin is naturally less acidic and has more elastin and collagen, making it firmer and thicker. These qualities cause their skin to age slower than women’s.
However, the slower ageing may be negated by several factors, including oil production, facial hair, and less attention to skincare. After puberty, men’s skin secrete more sebum or oil. This, and having larger pores that can easily clog, accounts for longer-lasting acne and an increased potential for breakouts. Facial hair may also cause irritation and ingrown hairs or bumps. So, despite having a slower ageing process, men’s skin may be more vulnerable to ruin.
Skincare for men
The products may be different for men, but establishing a skincare routine as a man is similar to women’s. The very first step to creating a personal skincare routine is to determine the oil levels of your skin. You can check this by getting a tissue or blotting paper and using it to pat different areas on your face. If the sheet absorbed little to no oil, you may have dry skin. If it had oil from the forehead and nose areas, your skin is normal. Lastly, a saturated tissue or blotting paper means you have oily skin. Once you know your skin type, you should keep this in mind when choosing skincare products.
Men have to wash their face at least twice a day with a mild face wash that is appropriate to their skin type. However, you may need to change the product if you find that it dries your skin. Also consider using a quality cream, like a L’Occitane, The Body Shop or Decléor face cream, to exfoliate your skin and remove the layer of dead skin that accumulated on your face. After cleaning and exfoliating, it is important to moisturise, as well. Most skincare brands have moisturising creams for the face, but you should also use a hand cream and body lotion for the rest of your body.
Men have their own way of taking care of their bodies, such as having fitness routines and eating right. They must likewise keep in mind that the skin is also a body part that is essential to our health and should receive as much care and attention.