[Comment from Mantic59: I get a lot of email from public relations representatives. Pretty much 99% of it get deleted but every now and then there’s one that I think is interesting enough to pass along.] When it comes to skincare for men, it often gets overlooked or not taken seriously. However, men face the same skin issues as women, such as acne, skin sensitivity, and aging. It’s essential to understand that men’s skin needs to be treated differently due to its unique characteristics.
Understanding Men’s Skin:
While facial hair is a noticeable difference, there’s more to it. The male hormone, testosterone, shapes the masculine features of men’s skin. Generally, men’s skin is thicker, oilier, and ages differently than women’s. Men have 20% thicker skin, more sebaceous glands leading to oilier skin, and while signs of aging appear later, they progress rapidly once they start.
Frequent shaving adds another layer of complexity, as it regularly exfoliates the face, making the skin more sensitive and quicker to react to abnormalities.
Why Men Need a Specialized Skincare Routine:
Given these differences, men need a skincare routine that addresses their specific needs and protects their skin from the harsh summer sun. Summertime can cause dehydration, leading to dry skin patches or oily skin as glands overproduce oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. Exposure to wind and other elements can also increase UV damage risks.
Summer Skincare Tips for Men:
Tip 1: Cleanse, But Don’t Overdo It
Summer sweat can clog pores. Use a simple, hydrating wash to clean your face without overdoing it. Over-washing can dry out your skin, triggering more oil production. Two washes daily, morning and night, are sufficient.
Tip 2: Hydrate Inside and Out
A hydrating cleanser isn’t enough. In the summer, you sweat more to stay cool, so drink plenty of water. Aim for 15.5 cups of water per day. Dehydrated cells can make your skin look dull and enhance fine wrinkles. Carry a reusable water bottle and use apps to track your water intake.
Tip 3: Exfoliate Wisely
Exfoliating removes deep-seated buildup in your pores and can slow down aging, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin texture and brightness. Do it once or twice a week, but don’t overdo it, as it can strip your skin’s protective barrier.
Tip 4: Use Sunscreen
This is non-negotiable. Sunscreen protects against sunburns, UV damage, leathery skin, scars, and skin cancer. Use at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, even on overcast days.
Tip 5: Shave Carefully
Shaving can make your skin extra sensitive, causing razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks. Steam your face before shaving or shave in the shower to open pores and reduce irritation. Use shaving cream and aftershave to further minimize irritation.
Alicia Warner is a Licensed Esthetician and Director of Sales at FACTORFIVE Skincare
