Why It’s Time To Take Men’s Skincare Routines Seriously
When it comes to skincare, it’s fair to say that ladies generally get a lot more attention from cosmetics companies, with thousands of new products aimed at women launched each year. Men have traditionally been sidelined, and until recently men’s skincare ranges were seriously limited and often not designed with men’s specific skin care needs in mind.
Thankfully, the last few years have seen a revolution in male skincare products, and it’s now possible to buy everything from men’s vegan body wash to eyeliner, or guyliner if you will. However, if you are a man who has not previously tested the waters of a proper skin care routine before, it can seem rather daunting and difficult to know where to begin.
Here’s a look at what men’s skincare means, and the particular benefits of using organic and vegan products.
Why do men need specific skincare products?
If you have simply been borrowing your girlfriend’s moisturiser, it’s time to think again. This is because men’s skin is thicker than women’s, and it’s also generally oiler due to increased testosterone levels. It can also be more prone to irritation due to shaving, which can cause ingrown hairs and inflammation.
However, some may have naturally dry and flaky skin, or sensitive skin that is easily irritated by conventional cosmetics. Men’s skincare products often contain more highly concentrated ingredients and are easily absorbed to ensure that they are effective on thicker skin.
What skincare routine do men need to follow?
A simple men’s skincare routine involves using a face wash before bed to remove the dirt and oils that have accumulated during the day. It may only be necessary to moisturise at night if you have dry skin, although some skincare experts recommend moisturising both morning and night: it’s a matter of personal preference and what works best for your skin.
Men should exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells that can build up on the surface of the skin and cause it to look rough and dull. It is not strictly necessary to exfoliate, but it can help to prevent acne and spots, and it will also make your complexion look more youthful and radiant.
You can use a specifically formulated facial scrub to exfoliate, or a facial loofah, or even book into a cosmetic salon for a chemical treatment. However, make sure that the skin therapist carries out a patch test first to ensure that it doesn’t irritate the skin.
Finally, men should use an SPF product to protect their skin from the harmful effects of UV light. This can slow down the signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, and also help to protect against pigmentation and skin cancer. SPF can be combined with a moisturising product if you are keen to keep the amount of steps in your skin care routine to a minimum.
Additional steps for comfortable skin
Men who shave may find that their skin is sore and sensitive directly after shaving, and it can benefit from a shaving balm to calm it and reduce the appearance of redness and dryness.
Men who want to boost the overall appearance and condition of their skin can additionally apply a face mask, which has highly concentrated ingredients and is typically left on your skin for up to 20 minutes, giving the nutrients a proper chance to sink into the skin.
Some men may also prefer to support their skin with a serum, which contains vitamins or hyaluronic acid. It’s lighter and more easily absorbed than traditional moisturisers, and can help to leave your skin looking softer and more youthful without oiliness.
The benefits of choosing natural men’s skincare products
Conventional skincare products often contain synthetic ingredients and harsh chemicals that can dry out the skin and leave it irritated and dry. Organic products are formulated with 100 per cent natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin.
Many of the ingredients, such as tea tree oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera have been used for centuries as a traditional method of soothing inflamed and sore skin, and helping to promote hydration and healing.
Organic skincare products also help to care for the planet, because they have been produced from crops grown without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, which can leach into soil and groundwater systems, causing pollution and contaminating the food chain.
Leave a comment