Who says men don’t need help with their skin? We all tend to associate skincare with the “fairer” sex. However, that is no excuse for the male species to look scruffy! Many women appreciate a man who makes an effort to look good. Here are some basic tips to give you healthy and glowing skin (and keep you from getting friend zoned! ):
Getting Started
Skin can be divided into three categories. The best way to determine your skin type is to examine your face around mid-day.
Normal or combination skin is
characterized
by an oily forehead, nose and chin, but drier cheeks.
Dry skin looks dehydrated with occasional redness or flaking around the nose or chin.
If your face looks like the surface of a tava, you clearly have oily skin. Don’t fret though, people with oily skin have fewer wrinkles and look younger for longer!
Step 1: Cleanse
Once you know your skin type, choosing the right cleanser is easy. Dry to normal skin will benefit from foamy or creamy versions while oily skin should stick to gel formulas. DO NOT over cleanse. Over cleansing strips the good, natural oils in your face and worsens existing skin problems. Washing your face in the morning and before bed will suffice.
Step 2: Sunscreen
Do you know that sun damage is responsible for over 90% of aging skin? Many of us overlook the importance of wearing a good sunscreen and regular application throughout the day. Buy a product which has an SPF of at least 50+++ and offers both UVA (causes aging) and UVB (causes burning) protection. Remember to wear sunscreen in winter too!
Step 3: Moisturize
Invest in a good night moisturiser and your face will thank you in the long run. Sleep is when the skin repairs itself from the dirt and pollution of the day. Dry skin should opt for heavier moisturisers that seal and prevent moisture loss. Contrary to popular belief, oily skin needs love too! Choose lightweight varieties that do not clog pores.
Bonus Steps
Men already exfoliate their skin while shaving, so there is no need to purchase an exfoliator. A cheap way to soothe irritated skin post-shave is to rub an ice cube all over your face. For those with beards, get an exfoliator that has small to medium sized beads, and do not exfoliate more than twice weekly.
A rule of thumb is to spend more money on skincare that is on your face longer. Therefore, budget more for moisturiser, followed by sunscreen, and finally cleanser, which is washed off after a few minutes.
Don’t expect miracles after the first day, but follow these tips religiously and you will definitely notice an improvement in your skin within a month.
Still confused? Grab a gal pal and have a fun day out choosing the best products for your skin. Good luck!