As men age, their skin gradually begins to show signs of wear and tear. Fine lines appear around the eyes and mouth, and the skin begins to lose its elasticity. To keep your skin looking its best, it’s important to start using an anti-aging skin care routine.
What Causes Aging Skin In Men?
There are a number of causes of aging skin in men, most either environmental or age-related.
More than 90% of skin aging occurs as a result of sun damage. “Extended periods of time in the sun can jump start the proliferation of wrinkles,” says dermatologist Dr. Steve Xu. “Sun damage happens on an hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute basis.”
The outer epidermis takes longer than the usual 30 to 40 days to replace skin cells as we get older, and the layer connecting the epidermis and dermis begins to flatten, thinning the skin.
More changes occur in the deeper dermis as we get older. Skin cells slow down their production of collagen (the protein that gives skin its strength and plumpness), elastin (the protein that brings skin back into shape after stretching), and glycosaminoglycans (the molecules that attract water and lubricate the skin).
Later on in life sweat and oil glands also begin to dry up and the blood vessel walls in our skin begin to thin, leading to easier bruising. The gradual loss of fat below the skin compounds the collapse of skin shape and sunken facial features.
Shaving is another concern. While the regular exfoliation provided by shaving turns out to be a good thing for most guys, there are still just as many who are doing it improperly, which causes irritation that can harm skin over time by compromising its protective barrier. To remedy this, put more effort into pre-shave prep.
The Signs Of Aging Skin In Men
Men tend to notice similar symptoms of aging: wrinkles around the eyes (“crows feet”), creases on the forehead and between the eyebrows, brown spots, jowls, etc.
The neck also shows age by showing wrinkles and sagging.
Related Post: What’s The Deal With Dark Circles And Bags Under My Eyes?
When should men start using anti-aging skin care products?
There’s no magic number but broadly-speaking you want to start thinking about an anti-aging skincare routine before you first notice visible signs of aging. Your early thirties may actually be a good time to add some anti-aging ingredients to your regimen. Protecting your skin against environmental damage and loading up on the right nutrients by making healthier lifestyle choices will also keep you looking your youngest for the longest time possible.
Maintenance is preferable to repair: if you start using products only after you experience visible damage, it may be more difficult to restore your skin to its best form. Thinking about your skincare routine ahead of time may be ideal for minimizing damage. Geologie recently launched an Anti-aging power bundle that’s a morning & evening routine with ingredients that fight the signs of aging, brighten dull skin, and protect against photo-aging UV rays.
What Ingredients Should You Be Looking For?
Just because a product uses the words “anti-aging” on the label doesn’t guarantee it actually does anything to address signs of aging. However, there are a few proven ingredients that can make a difference when used properly.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a type of Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that unblocks pores and removes dirt and oil buildup by exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells. It also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting cell turnover (exfoliation) which stimulates collagen production.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin that when applied topically helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe redness and irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it helps prevent moisture, attracts and binds water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated and plump, which makes it look firmer and younger.
SPF
The importance of sunscreen to your daily face-care routine cannot be over-emphasized. The sun is the leading cause of skin damage and is the most difficult element to avoid.
Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been shown to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to prevent skin from thinning and sagging, which makes it an excellent ingredient for fighting signs of aging.
Peptides
Peptides help stimulate the production of collagen, leading to smoother,
more youthful skin. In addition to boosting collagen production, peptides also help to repair damage caused by environmental factors like UV exposure and pollution. They can also increase skin elasticity and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A Men’s Anti Aging Skin Care Plan
A basic men’s anti aging skin care routine doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive:
Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser specifically made for the face. “Body bars” or “deodorant soap” can strip the skin of too much of the oil it needs on the face. Do this twice a day, morning and evening
Moisturize
Moisturizers help to hydrate and nourish your skin, keeping it healthy and looking its best. Also do this morning and evening, after cleansing.
SPF/Sunscreen
SPF helps to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Use products that have SPF during the day; skip SPF at night. You might be able to use a moisturizer that contains SPF in the morning to combine their beneficial properties.
Eye Cream
The skin under the eye is more sensitive than the rest of the face. For under-eye skin, it’s important that you avoid heavy creams, which can break down the delicate skin around the eyes. Instead, look for eye creams that are formulated with clean, proven ingredients.
A Convenient Set
I’ve been using skin care products from Geologie lately, and they have a special set of products just for addressing men’s anti-aging skin care concerns.
Click/tap THIS LINK to take a 30-second diagnostic quiz: tell them about your skin and goals, and their team of dermatologists will design a regimen just for you.
It’s that simple. And I’ve arranged for a special deal for 70% off your 30-day personalized skincare trial set when you use code SHARPOLOGIST70. The Complete trial set includes Geologie’s best-selling and award-winning eye cream, a $45 value if purchased alone.
One thing I particularly like about Geologie is they have regimens for different skin types instead of going for the middle-of-the-road approach.
Lifestyle Choices
In addition to the “obvious” suggestions for a men’s anti aging skin care plan, it would help to adopt some lifestyle changes, too:
- Eating a healthy diet that includes drinking enough water and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will give your skin the nutrients it needs to look its best.
- Exercise improves blood circulation.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid too much exposure to the sun.
- Avoid stress and fatigue.
- Shave properly.
Summing Up
Men’s anti-aging skin care is an important topic. There are a few simple steps that men can take to reduce the signs of aging and maintain healthy skin. First, men should cleanse their skin daily with a gentle cleanser. Next, they should apply a moisturizer to help keep their skin hydrated. Lastly, they should use sunscreen every day to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Doing that, in addition to shaving properly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, should help you keep looking younger.
