No matter who you are, taking care of your skin should be a priority. Men have traditionally opted for the “little-to-nothing” skincare routine. If that’s you, you are most likely missing a few essential steps. In this blog, we will talk about simple skincare tips for men that will leave you with healthier and better-looking skin.
Understanding Men’s Skin
Before we get into the skincare tips, we wanted to share what makes men’s skin unique. Men’s skin differs from women’s in a number of ways. Knowing these differences will help you have a better understanding of your own skin and help you better take care of it.
- Thickness – On average, men’s skin is about 20% thicker than women’s skin. This is because men have more collagen in their skin, which makes it tighter and firmer.
- Oiliness – Men have more active sebaceous glands, which means that they have more pores and larger pores than women. As a result, their skin is usually oiler, shiner, and more prone to acne.
- Aging – Men typically show signs of aging later in life than women. However, once these changes start, it is more noticeable. They are more likely to have saggy skin, puffy eyes, and dark circles.
Skincare Tips for Men
Here are 7 skincare tips for men to follow all year long…
- Choose the right product for your skin – It’s time to upgrade from that plain bar of soap! First things first, figure out what your skin type is. Is it normal, dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination? Tailor your cleansers/moisturizers to match that skin type. The right skincare products will help balance your skin and fight off acne, dry skin, and even ingrown hairs. Here are some more tips on choosing the right cleanser.
- Wash your face – Don’t let washing your face sink to the bottom of your to-do list… because honestly, who wants dirt, sweat, and oil trapped on their face? It’s one of the easiest ways to keep you looking and feeling healthy. Get in the habit of washing your face when you wake up and before you go to bed. Additionally, it’s a good idea to lightly rinse your face before shaving or after working out, but don’t over-wash your face because it can dry out from too much cleansing.
- Shower in warm, not hot water – We know nothing feels better than a hot shower after a tough workout or a cold day. But unfortunately, a hot shower may be doing more harm than good. Hot water can strip the surface of healthy oils and dehydrate the skin. It’s common for eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea to worsen in hot conditions, like a shower or bath. All in all, every skin type should stick to short and lukewarm showers to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
- Perfect your shaving technique – On average, men shave 16,000 times in their lifetime. This leaves the skin feeling more irritated and stressed. To lessen the irritation, find a mild shaving product that will allow your razor to glide smoothly over the skin. Keep your razor clean, sharp, and shave in the direction of the hair.
- Use moisturizer every day – Men put their skin through a lot, so why not show a little appreciation by replenishing it? Moisturizers help the skin retain moisture, and it helps restore the protective barrier. Whether your face is dry or irritated, a moisturizer can be a great solution for soothing your skin.
- Wear sunscreen – Wearing sunscreen can be beneficial to your skin for a number of reasons. In fact, it not only prevents skin cancer but wrinkles and age spots as well. By age 65, men are twice as likely to get skin cancer. As a result, it is recommended to wear an SPF of 15 or higher for everyday activities and an SPF of 30 or higher for extended outdoor activities.
- Watch for changing skin – Above all, pay attention to your skin. We recommend doing a self-examination every month. This doesn’t just apply to your face, but your whole body from head-to-toe. If you come across something unusual, like changing, itching, or bleeding spots, please schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. It’s better to catch changing skin earlier rather than later.
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that men like to keep it simple when it comes to skincare. But as you grow older, you will begin to notice changes in your skin. By implementing these skincare tips into your routine, you will keep your skin looking healthy and feeling good. At Complete Family Dermatology, we take pride in serving a wide range of patients of all ages and backgrounds. For more questions about how to take care of your skin, call us at 402-423-1111 or visit our website at www.completefamilydermatology.com.
