Skincare isn’t just for women anymore.
Not that it ever was, but men are more aware of how their skin looks and feels these days, and have more of a desire to delay the appearance of aging.
A 2014 survey by “Dove” found that 35 percent of men (over a third) are concerned about dark undereye circles, dull skin, and other skin imperfections. Seven out of ten wanted to look good in order to succeed professionally and personally, and 42 percent worried about looking and feeling old.
A later 2016 survey found that about a third of men considered skincare to be an important part of their daily routine, and nearly 80 percent had tried out different remedies for glowing skin. A third survey by market research company “Mintel” found that 58 percent of men ages 18-24 and 63 percent of those 25-34 said they used a daily facial moisturizing product.
That means this Father’s Day-or anytime, really-skincare makes a great present for the guy(s) in your life. The following seven tips are sure to help them feel better about themselves, and more confident as they go out to conquer the world.
1. Stop using bar soap.
Bar soap is easy and convenient, but it’s also usually drying and harsh. Using it daily will accelerate aging of the skin, bringing on fine lines and wrinkles earlier than you’d like. It also strips the skin of its natural moisture, increasing dryness and damage, and throws off the skin’s natural pH balance, making acne breakouts worse.
Choose a gentler cleanser instead that’s specifically made for men. Look for plant-based ingredients, and if you have acne-prone skin look for salicylic acid or fruit acids to help control oil and keep pores clear.
2. Fix those undereye bags.
Men don’t like these anymore than women do, and they are just as frustrated with trying to make them go away. Undereye bags make men look tired, which is the last thing they want when trying to impress the boss.
Suggest your guy get used to using a regular eye cream with fruit acids and aloe. These ingredients help tame inflammation and slough off any rough skin. Then suggest he apply lemon juice diluted in a little cold water or plain yogurt, cold raw potato slices, cold tea bags, or ice cubes to the area under the eye. Using any of these for just 5-10 minutes in the morning can help refresh and awaken the eyes.
3. Exfoliate regularly.
Men who regularly shave already exfoliate their skin, but they often still need regular exfoliation in the non-shaving areas to slough off dead skin cells and delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Exfoliation on the nose, forehead, and upper cheeks also helps to keep pores clear, so if your guy struggles with acne, help him out by encouraging regular exfoliation.
You can use a regular over-the-counter exfoliating scrub, but do be careful to avoid those with sharp, gritty nuts or seeds in them, as these can damage the skin and make acne worse. Look for natural ingredients or make your own with brown sugar, almond oil, oatmeal, sea salt, and/or baking soda. If you make your own, you can put it in a plastic or glass container with a ribbon and present it as a gift.
4. Cool it down after shaving.
Most men use an aftershave, but unfortunately many over-the-counter products are full of drying, dehydrating alcohol. These age a guy’s skin faster than is necessary. A more moisturizing, cooling, and comforting aftershave is what he needs.
We recommend our Rescue + Relief Spray because it instantly soothes and relieves itching, burning, and inflamed skin. It also includes ingredients like water lily and aloe that naturally cool and soothe skin on contact. If you store it in the refrigerator, it’s even more refreshing when you spray it on the skin.
No matter what product you use, look for those with natural, soothing ingredients and no alcohol.
5. Moisturize deeply.
Men are exposed to just as many, if not more, environmental assaults on their skin as women are, so it’s important to find a moisturizer that not only keeps skin hydrated, but protects it from damaging free radicals.
We suggest our Calming Moisture because it’s rich in protective antioxidants that shield the skin from free radicals while helping to repair skin at its deeper levels. Oat extract helps reduce any irritation or itching, while the unique Tri-Rescue Complex helps tame inflammation and redness. Calming Moisture also leaves behind a healthy glow that men like.
6. Get rid of spots.
Sun exposure can cause age spots and hyperpigmentation, and these dots and splotches are no more attractive on men than they are on women. If you’re dealing with some of these dark spots, it’s time to work on fading them away.
Avoid skin-bleaching treatments that contain hydroquinone as these can further age your skin. Instead look for a dark-spot corrector that includes vitamin C, retinol, salicylic acid, kojic acid, and glycolic acid. You can also try a weekly exfoliating mask to help speed up the process.
7. Protect.
The sun is enemy number-one when it comes to damaging the skin and causing age-related changes like hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and sagging skin. It can be tough to get into the habit of applying sunscreen every day, but men who commit will likely protect their skin and look years younger.
Don’t choose just any product, though. Look for those with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone, and that don’t include retinol. Even if you’re not going to be outside all day, sunscreen helps protect you from UV exposure while on your commute or when working near windows. It’s an easy thing to do to help keep your skin looking healthy and youthful!
What skin care tips do you recommend for men?
SourcesLeah Melby Clinton, “Whoa. Dudes Care About This Way More Than We Thought,” Glamour, October 27, 2014, http://www.glamour.com/story/men-skincare-survey.Dessidre Fleming, “According to a Popular Indian Grooming Survey, Men are Just as Conscious About Their Looks if Not More,” MensXP, November 3, 2016, http://www.mensxp.com/grooming/personal-hygiene/33055-according-to-a-popular-indian-grooming-survey-men-are-just-as-conscious-about-their-looks-if-not-more.html.Ellie Krupnick, “Survey Shows Men are Getting Really Into Moisturizer, Thank Goodness,” Huffington Post, December 9, 2013, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/men-moisturizer-survey_n_4413063.html.
