Skin Care for Men: 8 Dos and Don'ts for Better Skin

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men either don’t wash their faces regularly or properly. And unfortunately, if you don’t wash your face, then you can’t be expected to do much of everything else. But skin care for men shouldn’t be difficult. Your skin is reflective of your health, so you should take care of it. If you can’t commit to a skincare routine—no matter how short it is—then at least be aware of the dos and don’ts so that you can nail the basic level of facial maintenance. 

Men are notorious for using whatever soap is available for everything—from the bar soap in the shower to whatever they see on the sink, but soap isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.

Firstly, the skin on your face is more sensitive and more prone to drying out or irritation. It deserves special attention, which is why facial washes have been invented. Secondly, men and women have different skin. In the study “Physiology of the skin—Differences between women and men” published in Clinics in Dermatology, male skin is thicker and predisposed to oiliness, so the nearest facial wash isn't exactly the best facial wash.

If you insist, however, on taking a more minimalist approach to your skin regimen, Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Body + Face Bar is that all-in-one solution you’re looking for. It scrubs away all the gunk that gets lodged inside your skin but its 1/4 moisturizing cream will protect your skin from going dry. Your skin will feel healthy and hydrated wherever you use it. 

When people talk about skin care, they always think face, but your skin is the biggest organ in your body and goes far beyond the skin on your head. Practicing good hygiene like washing hands and taking regular showers will save you from bacteria that can potentially trigger all kinds of skin concerns, like rashes and dermatitis neglecta, which is an inflammatory condition caused by poor personal hygiene.

To eliminate problematic germs, try Lifebuoy Antibacterial Body Wash Total 10. As the creamy rich foam makes you feel fresh, it also destroys germs from within thanks to the deep-cleaning, antibacterial ingredient Activ Silver in its formula.

A study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior by researchers at the University of Nottingham Malaysia concluded that being healthy is the easiest way to look attractive. Lead researcher Ian Stephen notes: “You can achieve a more healthy-looking skin color by eating more fruit and vegetables, so that would be a good start."

Good skin isn’t just skin deep. Good skin is the effect of numerous factors, including your lifestyle. For example, the consequences of excessive partying, smoking, and drinking can be evident in a janky complexion and premature wrinkles. 

If you can’t start a proper grooming regimen, then start a fitness one. Exercise produces happy hormones and neurotransmitters like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which can calm nerves and alleviate stress. And when your mood is managed, you save yourself from numerous stress-related skin issues, like acne, hives, eczema, and more. 

While you’re at it, scarf down your vegetables. Eating nutritious foods that are chock-full of antioxidants (like kale, berries, and dark chocolate), healthy fats (nuts, avocado, fish), and Vitamin C (citrus fruits) will coax out your skin’s natural glow.

Moisturizer is a crucial step in skin care, even if you have oily skin. The myth is that moisturizer adds to the greasiness, but there are actually three kinds: emollients, which are usually for itching; occlusives, which lock in water; and humectants, which draw water from the environment and brings it to your skin. Commercial moisturizers are usually the latter. Remember that there is a clear distinction between oily skin and hydrated skin. 

If you shave every day, your skin will also benefit well from a moisturizer, especially if you have razor burns. Lightweight, oil-free moisturizers are available if you’re wary of that heavy feeling. 

Before moisturizing though, make sure that your skin is totally clean, otherwise, you’d be locking in dirt, which might lead to acne. Plus, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, applying moisturizer while the skin is still damp helps it absorb better. POND’S Men Acne Solution Anti-Acne Face Wash cleans thoroughly and deeply, getting to the root of acne and, because of its Thymol-T essence, continues to fight bacteria well after you’ve rinsed your face. 

Another item you can add to your grooming kit is a cleanser to make sure that you catch all that debris. Master Deep Cleanser Oil Control Max With Zero Oil removes excess oil and deep-seated dirt. 

The easiest skincare tip? Good sleep. According to a study in the Clinical and Experimental Dermatology Journal, people who slept seven to nine straight hours a night have better-moisturized skin. Sleep allows the skin to restore itself after being exposed to ultraviolet light. Moreover, those who had longer sleep also rated themselves better looking in an evaluation compared to those who slept just a couple of hours. 

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of skin problems. Some of the effects of the sun on the skin, as listed on Harvard Health, include reduced elasticity, photoaging, actinic keratoses or pre-cancerous growths from long-term sun exposure, and skin cancer. Using sunblock or other products with SPF will protect you against harmful UV rays.

One important note to remember is that you also need to be diligent with the protection even when you’re indoors. The blue light coming from gadgets as well as sunlight streaming through the windows can still harm your skin.

Skin care for men doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated. You just need to understand why it’s important and that there are so many ways to go about it, from a wholesome lifestyle to a bit of help from a couple of products.