The Importance of a Basic Skincare Routine for Men
For many guys, skincare isn’t overly high on their priority list. And the concept of a skincare routine? Well, that typically extends to a daily rinse and the occasional sunscreen application. C’mon fellas, it’s time you lifted your game!
At VITAMAN, we’re here to tell you that every guy, no matter how old-fashioned he is, should be exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturising. And no, this doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive!
If the idea of moisturizing sounds like a task reserved for your better half - and not something that you should be doing every day - this article might just sway your opinion. Read on to discover how a basic skincare routine for men can have you looking younger and feeling like a new man.
Understanding different skin types
To help you find the right skincare products for men, you first need to know your skin type. Understanding your skin type will not only make it easier to select a product, it will also highlight how much of the product you should be using.
Here are the most common skin types for men:
Normal skin: If you’re someone with normal skin, this means your skin is neutral. In other words, your skin doesn’t get oily or dry out easily. Men with this skin type generally find it easier to maintain a clear face.
Oily skin: If you have oily skin, chances are you notice a consistent shine on your face. The downside to oily skin is, unsurprisingly, oil patches on your skin. This skin type is also more prone to breakouts.
Dry skin: Dry skin can lead your face to feel tight and dry during the day. Another sign of dry skin can be irritation that occurs in areas like your face and neck.
Combination skin: For guys with combination skin (which is the most common skin type), the T-Zone of their face is often oily while the rest of their face remains dry.
Step 1: Exfoliate
Exfoliating works to remove impurities from your skin - including dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells. In addition to providing your skin with a deep clean, exfoliating penetrates your skin’s pores, removing blockages that can cause problems like acne and blackheads. For this reason, exfoliating is essential to maintaining the health of your skin and preventing future breakouts.
When it comes to exfoliators, there are two types to consider:
- Chemical Exfoliators, such as the VITAMAN Face Scrub
- Abrasive Exfoliators (these can include a face mitt or a washcloth with a textured surface)
If you’re someone with sensitive skin that is easily irritated, it’s best for you to use a chemical exfoliator rather than the abrasive variety. And don’t let the term “chemical” scare you; many of the ingredients contained in these exfoliators are high in antioxidants and extremely beneficial for your skin.
When using a chemical exfoliator, massage a small amount of the product into your skin when washing your face. Leave for about 30 seconds (to absorb into the skin), and then rinse off. If you’re using an abrasive exfoliator, massage continually for around 30 seconds, focusing on problem areas, before gently washing away.
For most guys, exfoliating between two and three times per week is sufficient. However, if you’re someone with an oily skin type, you may find that your skin responds better to more frequent exfoliating.
Step 2: Cleanse
Over the course of each day, your skin is exposed to bacteria, dirt, and environmental impurities. To compound this, your skin produces sebum, which can build up on the surface of your skin.
Cleansing removes these impurities, helping to clear pores and prevent breakouts. This makes cleansing one of the most important steps in any skincare routine for men.
To use a cleanser, apply a small amount of the product to damp skin (cleansers work best if they’re applied to your skin after exfoliating). Gently massage the cleanser into your face, leave for approximately 30 seconds, and then rinse away. For optimal results, you should use a cleanser at least once per day.
Step 3: Moisturise
A high-quality, natural moisturizer helps to retain the moisture that’s already in your skin. By restoring hydration to the skin, moisturizer also replaces the nutrients lost during the process of exfoliating and cleansing, whilst firming and toning your skin. If that wasn’t reason enough to start moisturizing, these products also help to prevent dirt and bacteria from clogging pores, which reduces the likelihood of breakouts.
The amount of moisturizer that you should use depends on two factors: the season of the year and your skin type. If you have an oily skin type, you should use a small amount of water-based moisturizer, making sure that you work into the skin evenly. Using too much moisturizer (or a poor-quality, oil-based product), can clog your skin’s pores and lead to breakouts.
If you have a dry skin type, you can be more generous in your moisturizer application. Use enough to ensure that your skin feels thoroughly hydrated to the touch.
Regardless of your skin type, it’s recommended that you increase your moisturizing during the cooler months. This is due to the fact that cooler temperatures slow the production of sebum (the natural oils produced by your skin).
Step 4: Never skip the sunscreen
Excessive sun exposure not only increases your risk of skin cancer, it also causes premature aging of the skin. Regardless of the season, you’re at risk of suffering some level of skin damage any time you’re exposed to the sun. For this reason, always use an SPF sunscreen or SPF moisturizer before leaving the house to adequately protect your skin.
Summary
It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 70, every guy should be prioritizing a basic skincare routine. Besides, with the right products and a little consistency, your skin will look more handsome than ever!
To recap, here are the four keys to a basic skincare routine for men:
- Exfoliate
- Cleanse
- Moisturise
- Wear sunscreen
Ready to get started?
VITAMAN’S range of natural men’s skincare products - including our Face Scrub, Face & Body Cleanser, and Face Moisturiser - are made from organic botanicals and are perfect for all skin types. Order yours today and revitalize your skin to its former glory!
Check out our Skincare Essentials Kit for Men