Your skin tells the story of your life. It can show others your scars, your age, or if you’ve been spending a lot of time in the sun. Although traditionally marketed towards women, healthy skin is universal and should be something everybody can enjoy.
We’ve created a guide to help you understand the basics of skincare and how you can build your own beginner or advanced skincare routine for men. Read on to find out more.
Why Men's Skin Care Routines are Important
Taking good care of your skin can help improve your appearance, boost your self-esteem and create a more solid foundation for the growth of an amazing beard.
Your skin is a literal barrier between your body and the outside world. If that barrier isn’t properly maintained, you can end up with issues like premature aging, pimples, blackheads, uneven skin texture and excess oil production.
A skin care regimen can easily be included in your daily routine. It won’t take up a lot of your time and the benefits are more than worth the effort.
Prevents Sun Damage
The sun can give you that healthy tan glow and still cause significant damage to your skin. Unfortunately, most of us have experienced the pain and discomfort caused by sunburn. But sun damage doesn’t stop there. It also leads to premature skin aging, skin discoloration, and a change in skin texture. UV rays can also damage the DNA of your skin cells which can lead to skin cancer. It goes without saying that wearing sunscreen is a very important part of skincare.
Reduces Wrinkles
Wrinkles appear when your skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner. These fine lines are a normal part of aging and they give character to a person’s face. The great thing is that the appearance of wrinkles can be reduced with proper skin care. It’s all about using the right products and sticking to your routine.
Limits Blemishes
Imperfections on the skin are totally normal. But they are a more common occurrence for those of us with sensitive skin. You can help limit the extent of a breakout by keeping your skin clean and hydrated. You can also use dedicated products like serums with numerous active ingredients to help your skin fight against the factors that cause blemishes.
Skin Care Regimen For Beginners
Step 1: Wash Your Face Using a Facial Cleanser
Your skin care routine should start with a clean canvas. Use a special cleanser like a face wash to remove any impurities from the surface of your skin. This includes everything from dust, to dirt, sweat, excess skin oils, and dead skin cells.
You can wash your face in the morning, to start your day fresh, and/or in the evening to help remove the impurities accumulated after a day’s work.
We recommend using Defy Clay Cleansing bar once or twice a day. You can use it like a regular bar of soap, which makes it easy to cleanse your face and rinse off.
Step 2: Moisturize Your Face Twice Daily
Moisturizers are key elements in any skincare routine. They help maintain your skin barrier intact by locking in water, filling up small fissures, and creating a soothing, protective film. Moisturizing creams have many formulations and they often include active ingredients with nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can use a moisturizer in the morning, to help fight off skin dehydration throughout the day. This step will make a huge difference in the colder months when our skin is subjected to extreme temperature changes.
You can also use a moisturizer in the evening, as an overnight hydration boost. There are special formulations for nighttime moisturizers or face masks. These products tend to have a heavier texture and will be richer in nutrients and hydrating oils.
We recommend the Rise day moisturizing cream for your morning routine and Crash night moisturizing cream as a part of your daily evening routine.
Step 4: Apply Sunscreen for UV Protection
After applying your day moisturizer, make sure to apply a generous layer of sunscreen. Check the label of your product to ensure that it offers protection against UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
If you have sensitive skin, you can try using mineral sunscreen. This type of product has a high content of ingredients like titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide that are more easily tolerated by the skin.
Advanced Skin Care Routine For Better Results
If you want to take your skincare routine to the next level, you can add some extra steps to help improve the health and texture of your skin.
Step 1: Exfoliate Your Skin Two or Three Times a Week
Because your skin is constantly regenerating, the most superficial cells will die off and be discarded. If those cells are trapped on the surface of your skin, they can cause problems like uneven skin texture, clogged pores and blemishes.
You can use a chemical exfoliant that usually contains acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid. You can also use a physical exfoliant that aids in the mechanical removal of dead skin cells.
No matter the type of exfoliant, keep in mind that less is better and you should only exfoliate your skin up to three times a week. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin and lead to irritation.
We recommend the TBS face scrubber, as a physical exfoliation device that helps remove dead skin cells in a gentle manner while providing your face with an invigorating and relaxing massage.
You can also use our Power clarifying powdered foam exfoliator, as a physical exfoliant that helps refresh and rejuvenate your skin.
Step 2: Use a Serum
Serums are products that contain various active ingredients for specific skin care requirements, such as oily skin, acne-prone skin, or dry skin. You might want to look for a hydrating serum that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, or a nourishing serum that contains vitamins that are vital for skin health (such as vitamin C).
One thing they all have in common is that you should apply them after using your cleanser and before applying your moisturizer.
If you’re looking for a serum that can help you fight against blemishes and skin inflammation, you can try our Prime blemish minimizer facial serum. It is a light, water-based product that you can use every day as a part of your skincare ritual.
Step 3: Add Retinol to Your Nighttime Routine
Retinol and retinoids are probably the hottest topics in dermatology. These are forms of vitamin A which is an essential compound that helps improve your skin cells’ turnover. Retinol and related compounds are used as anti-aging products and more frequently, as a treatment for certain types of acne.
If you’re thinking about introducing retinol or a retinoid into your skincare routine, remember to start with a low concentration before you build up some tolerance. Apply your product during your evening skincare routine and always wear sunscreen because retinol can increase UV sensitivity.
