With an overwhelming amount of products to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start with your skin routine. We’ll clarify all that for you here and make it simple.
Nonetheless, with higher amounts of testosterone, it’s interesting to note that men’s skin has unique qualities and ages differently than women’s skin.
Men generally have 20% thicker skin. They have more collagen and it decreases at a steady rate through life. On the other hand, women’s collagen decreases abruptly after menopause. Greater amounts of collagen also means that men’s skin ages more slowly and appears more firm.
Men also tend to have oilier skin and larger pores. This means they deal with more acne and have less problems with dry skin.
Then there is the facial hair factor. While women have hair on their faces, too, it’s not as thick or as coarse as men’s hair. Men who shave daily are more likely to irritate skin, get nicks, cuts, razor burns, break down the skin barrier and develop sensitive skin.
Shaving is a whole routine by itself and an added stressor to skin.
To see benefits to skin care fast, start with your shaving routine.
Here are some tips to keep your skin healthy:
- Use warm water to soften hair before shaving. If possible, shave after getting out of the shower.
- Apply shaving cream with quality ingredients. Use soothing products formulated for sensitive skin and avoid alcohol based creams. Products with antibacterial properties are next level.
- Master the lather. Rather than using your fingers to apply shaving cream, use a brush to soften hair and to accomplish that one swipe shave.
- Use a clean, sharp razor. Rinse the razor after each swipe to reduce irritation.
- Shave in the direction your hair grows.
- Rinse with cool water to reduce inflammation.
- Don’t rush. Allow time for your products to do their job and soften hair. Go slow with the razor and be gentle with your skin. This reduces nicks, cuts, razor burn and irritation.
Once you have the perfect shave routine down, it’s time to take a look at your skin routine.
Skin care doesn’t have to be labor intensive, but it should be intentional.
In any skin care routine these are the three must haves.
First start with a cleanser. Cleansing should be done after waking up and before bed. This helps to remove dirt, sweat and toxins that build up as you go about your day.
Next is a moisturizer. Hydrated skin prevents irritation and prevents breakdown of the skin barrier.
Last is applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Sun exposure and UV rays hasten aging and cause fine lines and wrinkles. Applying sunscreen daily is the best way to protect your skin.
And that’s it. Three easy steps. Adding these products will take away the brunt of daily wear and tear on your skin and keep you looking fresh, and ready to take on the world.
When you’re ready to look for products that protect and strengthen your skin health, check out our ‘No Dirt’ Balancing Cleanser. It’s multifunctional and removes sweat, dirt and toxins without clogging pores.
For a moisturizer that doubles as an exfoliator (eliminating a step in your routine and saving time), try our ‘Stay Balanced’ Enzyme Hydrator. It boosts your skin's natural functions and is good for use on your face and body.