Most skincare ads and commercials focus on teenagers and women. But that doesn’t mean they are the only ones who are prone to acne, uneven skin tone or dry skin.
While men may think they don’t have to worry about taking care of their body’s largest organ—other than soaping up in the shower—nothing is further from the truth. Men need to be aware of their skin type, check their skin on a regular basis, and basically do everything that teens and women do to take care of their skin.
Granted, There are Some Differences
Having said all of this, the skin on a man’s body is different in some ways than a woman’s skin. Because men grow facial hair, the skin on their faces tends to be a bit “tougher” as well as oilier due to all the sebum found inside those hair follicles. Guys also typically have more elastin and collagen in their skin, which means these lucky dudes don’t wrinkle in old age quite as easily as women.
Skin Issues Common to Men
There are a number of skin conditions that can affect guys, starting off with the side effects of shaving. If a man is using a dull blade and there is a lot of friction between the razor and the skin, he can get itchy, red and irritated skin. On the flip side, guys who are sporting a handsome beard can end up with infected skin underneath due to sweat and dust being trapped in their facial hair. Using beard oil can help keep the skin healthy and the beard well-maintained. Other skin-related issues that can plague men include dark spots and uneven skin tone, deep lines—especially around the forehead—dryness, and dark circles and bags under the eyes.
So, What’s a Guy to Do?
The first step is to find out what type of skin you have. It could be sensitive, which means it can sting after using products. It could be dry, meaning flaky or rough. It could be oily, meaning shiny. Or it could be combination skin, which means dry in some areas and oily in others. As a man, understanding what type of skin you have will help you purchase the correct products for your face. For instance, if a man notices that his skin burns after splashing on some cologne, he should stick with a mild and fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer. On the other hand, skin that is typically oily needs products that are labeled as “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.” Men should wash their face every day and also after working out; instead of whatever soap you have in the shower, guys should also consider using a cleanser made for their skin type. Additionally, incorporating a product with milk thistle can help support skin health and manage oiliness.
Target Specific Issues
In addition to washing their faces at least once a day, guys should also take steps to eliminate any skin conditions they are experiencing. For example, if they notice their skin color is not uniform across the face, men should consider finding an uneven skin tone treatment that is formulated specifically to fix uneven skin tone. Rodan + Fields offers a number of uneven skin tone products, including the Reverse Brightening Regimen that helps to diminish visible discoloration with the help of vitamin C, retinol and salicylic acid.
For guys who experience irritated skin after shaving, opt for a single or double razor instead of the multi-bladed razors that can lead to shaving too closely to the skin. For guys who have facial hair, be sure your beard is kept super clean, as well as moisturize the skin that is underneath it. Men should also check their skin on a regular basis looking for new moles or discolorations. If you notice anything amiss, give your dermatologist a call.
Care for the Skin You are In
A man’s skin requires regular cleaning and care. Ignore any ads that imply cleaning, moisturizing and skincare for uneven skin tone applies to women only, and invest in products that will cleanse, nourish and smooth the skin.