It may seem strange for men to think about skin care and looking after their skin, but the reality is that men have to look after their skin just as much as women. In comparison to women, men are equally susceptible to wrinkles, ageing, dryness and oiliness. According to L’Oreal Men Expert, men’s skin is thicker (on average 22% thicker on the face)* and contains a greater level of collagen*,
– It is greasier, so can be more susceptible to imperfections,
– It ages later but more noticeably,
– It can become irritated and weakened by shaving,
– It transpires more.
The best ways to prevent these issues is to follow a regimen similar to women, which includes cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturising. Most men may be unaware of what is required to maintain their skin and they may be too afraid to ask so they do not take the time to take care of their skin. Not only is this regimen important to stop the signs of ageing but it will also help you shave with precision and avoid any irritation and bumps.
First steps to start a manly skincare regime
Prior to shaving, men should cleanse their skin, which will give them a smoother and closer shave. Cleansing helps to remove the dirt and oil from the skin without sapping the moisture out of the skin like soap does. Many men use soap to wash their face but unless it is a special cleansing bar, soap is not good for your face as it may irritate or dry out facial skin. Cleansing can be incorporated into your daily routine very easily via including it as a step in your daily shower. Following cleansing, a moisturiser should be used to soothe, soften and hydrate the skin. These two steps should form the basis of a good skin care regime.
Exfoliating is also an important step, however it should only take place one or twice a week. You can exfoliate before shaving to produce a smoother shave. You can also use a toner to neutralise the face and remove any residual dirt before moisturising. Although it is not vital, a toner can help to further hydrate the skin.
What products should I use?
There are a multitude of products on the market that suit different skin types, specially formulated for men. The major brands available at leading supermarkets, such as L’Oreal, Nivea and Olay all have a men’s range that will have products for all your skincare needs. If you want something a bit different, leading luxe brands such as Lancome, Giorgio Armani, Clinique and Biotherm also have a specialised skincare range for men. Or, if you’re looking for something that focuses on more natural ingredients, you can select products from Aesop and Kiehl’s. Many of these brands have specialists that can help find a product that suits your skin and try it out. Also, they may have samples that you can take away to test!
Besides using these products, it is still equally important to use a good shaving cream and after shave.
Couturing Beauty
Over the coming weeks, Couturing will be reviewing a range of men’s products to help those that are unsure of what products to use. We have harnessed the talents of three Melbourne men who currently use a range of products for their skin. Their assessment of products that are readily available in either your local supermarket, pharmacist or department store, should help make the step towards building a skincare regime a lot easier!
* Information from http://www.lorealparis.com.au/articles/mens-skin-is-different.aspx
Co-authored by Katherine Ng
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