There are some stark differences between men’s and women’s skin, mainly due to the higher level of testosterone in males. For one, men’s skin contains more collagen, which helps give it a tighter and firmer appearance. There are also more pores on men’s skin, making it oilier and shinier than women’s skin. Furthermore, men have more facial hair than women, and constant shaving tends to make the skin more prone to irritation, razor burn, and bumps.
That said, men’s skincare is a little different from women’s. If you aren’t sure what skincare products to use, here is a list of the essentials for men:
1. Cleanser
Male skin tends to have more active sebaceous glands than female skin. Combined with more pores, men are more prone to skin impurities and acne, as well as tend to be oilier than women’s skin.
Having a cleanser that is specially formulated for oily skin can help remove acne-causing impurities from your face while regulating sebum production. However, finding the right cleanser for your skin type can take a bit of trial and error since everyone’s skin is different. Nevertheless, it is important that you have a tried-and-tested cleanser for daily use so that impurities don’t build up on your face and cause irritation.
2. Collagen
Men have more collagen in their skin than women, which contributes to the fact that men appear to age slower. This is especially true for Asians in particular. For example, it is often said that men in Singapore often look younger than their age because apart from the collagen, Asian skin appears to age slower than Caucasian skin.
But this doesn’t mean that your skin doesn’t age at all. Signs of aging may appear slower in men, but once they start, they happen quickly. To prolong this natural change, incorporate collagen for men into your skincare routine, be it in the form of drinkables, masks, pills, or injectables.
3. Post-shaving lotion
Shaving can put all sorts of stress on your skin, such as razor burns, irritation, bumps, and cuts. That said, it is extremely important that you give your face aftercare every time you shave. The best way to do this is by applying post-shaving lotion on your skin after shaving. This type of skincare product helps soothe the skin after the stress it endures from the razor. Apart from that, it can help moisturize the skin for better prevention of skin irritation.
4. Beard conditioner
If you have a beard, it is highly recommended to use a beard conditioner at least once or twice a week. Beard conditioner nourishes the hair and the skin underneath, helping your beard look healthier and preventing your skin from getting flaky. It is a better alternative than regular soap since soap can strip the beard and skin from natural oils, which can result in beard dandruff.
Other than a beard conditioner, you can also use beard oil on your beard. Beard oil moisturizes your beard, making it shinier and less scratchy. However, don’t rely on beard oil alone; it helps improve the appearance of your beard, but does not actually change anything about the hair or the skin.
5. Anti-bump solution
Razor bumps are a common problem among men who shave. They are incredibly annoying and can cause acne, sometimes even scarring.
Using shaving cream before shaving may not be enough to prevent razor bumps from appearing on your face. If this is the case for you, invest in an anti-razor bump solution, which is specially formulated to prevent and treat razor bumps with lactic acid.
6. Moisturizer
Moisturizer is not very popular among most men, which is why a lot of males suffer from dry skin. To avoid this problem, include a moisturizer in your skincare routine, preferably one that does not leave your face too oily.
Moisturize every time you shower or wash your face. Water, especially when it is hot, can strip your skin of natural oils and cause dryness. Applying a thin layer of moisturizer can help lock in moisture in your skin and keep it well-hydrated.
7. Eye cream
Tired eyes can easily make you look older and more stressed. Aside from using collagen products, applying eye cream underneath your eyes can help keep you look young, fresh, and energized, especially if you stay up late often.
Men may have the genetics to look younger and have less dry skin, but that is no excuse to miss out on having a great skincare routine. With these products in your arsenal, you can keep your skin looking young, healthy, and fresh for as long as possible.
