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Skincare has been the exclusive domain of women for decades, but men are now starting to realize the benefits of a good skincare routine. A regular skincare routine will not only improve the appearance of your skin, but it also helps to prevent skin problems such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis and even skin cancer. Whether you’re starting a new skincare routine or looking to upgrade your skincare game, here’s everything you need to know about skincare in 2020.
The 3 Skincare Essentials Every Guy Should Have
Men skincare is gaining finally getting attention but the downside of this is that the number of products and the wide choices can be incredibly overwhelming to a newbie. When starting a new skincare routine, stick to the basics and once you are comfortable with it, you can add more products to your regimen.
Cleanser
Your cleanser is the most important product in your skincare arsenal. Most of us don’t realize just how grimy our skin gets by the end of the day – dust and particulate pollutants in the air combine with our natural oils and sweat creating a layer of grime. A good cleanser will help to clean your skin of all debris as well as excess oil, dead skin cells, and residue from other skin care products like moisturizers. Wash your face in the morning and night with a cleanser that is meant for your skin type.
Moisturizer
The main function of our skin is to protect our underlying tissues. The disruption of this function causes increased trans-epidermal water loss, which is associated with chronic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Research has proven that moisturizers replace skin lipids and help to restore the uppermost layer of skin to prevent water loss. Use your moisturizer immediately after you wash your face to seal in the moisture on your skin. The Maximum Hydrator Activated Water-gel Concentrate by Clinique for Men is one of the best in the market today as it is ultralight yet boosts skin moisture levels for 24 hours.
Sunscreen
Exposure to UV rays from the sun has been linked to skin damage, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. In fact, over 90% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. Despite the abundance of health warnings, fewer than 15% of men use sunscreen on their face when they are outdoors for more than an hour. According to the CDC, even 15 minutes of exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin. Apply approximately ½ teaspoon of a broad spectrum sunscreen (with at least SPF 15) to your face and neck at least 15 minutes before you leave home.
Advanced Men’s Skin Care: How to Get More Out of Your Skincare Routine
A good skincare routine will address the basics of skincare as well as the issues that are specific to you. This means that you should also include additional skincare products based on your requirements.
Toner
A skin toner helps to balance the skin’s pH and oil levels so include it in your daily skincare routine if you have oily and acne prone skin. The Rescue Water Lotion by Lab Series is a lightweight balancing facial toner that instantly soothes irritation so you can use it after cleansing or shaving. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you probably won’t need a toner.
Scrub
A facial scrub is a great way to exfoliate your skin and give you a smooth and even complexion. Use a scrub 1-3 times a week and focus on your T-zone while scrubbing. Cleanse your face before scrubbing and use a moisturizer immediately after to prevent excessive drying. Don’t apply pressure when scrubbing, instead allow the gritty texture of the scrub to buff away dead skin cells and dry patches.
Mask
Most face masks contain clay or activated charcoal which helps to draw out and absorb excess oil which helps prevent acne breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads. The Activated Charcoal Mud Mask by Fine Vine is suitable for all skin types and will help to unclog your pores and improve the overall texture of your skin. Ideally, you should use scrub before a face mask to increase its effectiveness.
Anti-aging Serum
Prevention is better than cure so you don’t have to wait for the first signs of aging to start using an anti-aging serum. Anti-aging serums help to improve the tone and texture of your skin and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The anti-aging serum by Scrubd is one of the most effective anti-aging serums as it contains hyaluronic acid, marine collagen and several antioxidants that boost skin health.