Men have always kept things simple when it comes to skin maintenance. More men are chasing healthier, younger-looking skin than ever before, making it an excellent moment for men to assess their skin care regimen and learn more about how to care for their body's largest organ. Although men and women's skin differ in important ways — for example, men's skin is thicker than women's — the basic aspects of a good skin care regimen remain the same.
First and foremost, everyone, including guys, must recognise and understand their skin type:
1. After using the lotion, sensitive skin may sting or burn.
2. Normal skin is clear and unaffected by environmental factors.
3. Skin that is dry is flaky, itchy, and harsh.
4. Shiny and greasy skin is a sign of oily skin.
5. In certain regions, combination skin is dry, while in others, it is oily.
Understanding your skin type will assist you in learning how to care for your skin and selecting the best skin care products for you.
To help men develop healthy skin care routines, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
1. Take a look at the product labels and ingredients. Your skin type will determine which skin care products you use. If you have acne-prone skin, search for "oil free" or "non-comedogenic" cleansers and moisturisers, as these won't clog your pores. If you have sensitive skin, stick to moderate, "fragrance-free" products, as fragranced goods can irritate and dry your skin. However, be wary of "unscented" products, as many of them include masking perfumes that might irritate your skin.
2. Wash your face daily and after exercise. Because regular bar soap often contains harsh ingredients that can be drying to the skin, wash your face with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm — not hot — water.
3. Watch your shaving technique. For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well or shave too closely to your skin. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, use a single- or double-blade razor instead and do not stretch your skin taut while shaving. Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after each swipe of the razor, and change your blade after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.
4. Moisturize daily. Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and younger. For the best results, apply moisturizer to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering or shaving while the skin is still damp.
5. Check your skin regularly. New spots or moles that itch, bleed, or change color are often early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Men over age 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than the general population. However, when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
6. Always use sunscreen when you're outside. Apply sunscreen to all exposed regions of skin, including your scalp, ears, neck, and lips, before stepping outside to help prevent UV damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating for the maximum protection. When feasible, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing such as a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, slacks, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses with UV protection. Choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) marking for better sun protection.