It’s not only women who need skincare products to protect their skin and to avoid future problems such as wrinkles and acne. Men need the right treatment for their skin too.
So, whether you’re a man reading this or a woman trying to get your man to look after his skin, keep on reading to find out more about the best skincare for men.
The difference between men and women’s skin
In comparison to women, men’s skin has more elastin and collagen which makes their skin firmer. Research also has shown that it is 25% thicker than women’s due to men’s testosterone stimulation.
These factors mean signs of aging are seen later in life for men in comparison to women. The thickness of men’s skin gradually thins with age; however, women’s skin is of a consistent thickness until hitting menopause when the skin then begins to thin more rapidly.
Men’s skin also tends to be oilier than most women’s skin, due having larger pores which leads to a greater amount of sebum (oil) production after puberty. This can lead to breakouts that can last longer than they would for women. This is because of to the sebum level remaining the same throughout men’s life unlike women’s.
Men also undertake the daily grooming activity of shaving, and although men’s skin is known to be tough and rugged, shaving can lead to irritated and sensitive skin. This is because when shaving you can experience razor burns, blade cuts and ingrown hair.
Products you should introduce
Following on from above where I listed the differences in men’s skincare, now I’ll share with you the best way to combat those factors. Firstly, as men’s skin produces more sebum (oil), I would recommend a cleanser or exfoliator (this can be found in one product).
I would also recommend an oil-free moisturizer. This is a crucial part of a skincare regime and will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It will also prevent wrinkles from settling in as men’s wrinkles tend to be deeper than women’s – if you only take away one product from this post this should be the one you choose.
If you see the benefits of a using a moisturizer, another branch off that is to introduce an eye cream as under eye wrinkles are known to appear earlier in men than women.
I would also introduce toner pads for an easy and convenient way to hydrate your skin with goodness and reduce the signs of aging in one quick step.
Men are also known to tan easier than women. Although they are known to age more slowly, you should introduce a daily SPF to see the benefits (it is thought woman’s skin appears around 15 years older than a men of the same age).
For shaving there are 3 products I would recommend. Firstly, a soothing shaving cream with moisturizing formulas (look out for shea butter or aloe vera), as these ingredients will help to combat sensitive skin.
Secondly, an aftershave tonic for post shaving which will help to calm your skin and prevent irritation. And finally, a beard oil. Try to look for a nourishing one which will hydrate your skin and relieve dry skin which can be caused by stresses from shaving each day.
The skincare routine to follow
- Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a hand towel
- Using an exfoliating cleanser, apply a pea sized amount of the product to your palm and rub into the skin in circular motion
- Rinse excess product from your skin and again gently pat the dry skin with a hand towel
- Use toner pads by wiping one over your face and neck
- Finish your routine with an oil free moisturizer
Six Tips for a better shave
- Having a shower before you shave will soften your skin by warming and hydrating it. This will make it easier to achieve a close shave.
- Shave in the same direction in which your hair grows. Shaving against the direction of hair growth can cause razor cuts and burns.
- Prevent bumps caused by your razor or ingrown hair by using a daily exfoliating cleanser to banish these.
- Avoid irritation by not using alcohol on your skin. Opt for a tonic instead.
- Use steady and gently strokes when shaving rather than applying a large amount of pressure which will cause irritation and cuts – not the close shave you were hoping for.
- Replace your blades when you notice they appear dull or if they look faded for the best results.
The products I recommend
Counterman Daily Exfoliating Cleanser – To have an exfoliator and cleanser combined halves the time you spend on your skincare, whilst still seeing the same results. This product contains jojoba beads and aloe vera, together these two ingredients will help to unclog pores and having a calming effect on skin.
Counterman Clarifying Toner Pads – The most convenient product out of them all, this simply requires you to wipe the pad over your face. This product has a Sequoia Stem Cell Complex that helps to product skin from environmental stress, while having a fresh and masculine scent.
Counterman Oil Free Face Lotion – As I previously mentioned the amount of sebum most men produce is high, so an oil free moisturiser is essential. It will prevent shine and will hydrate the skin without feeling greasy.
Counterman Smoothing Shave Cream – This product softens your facial hair to help achieve a close shave without irritation. This is due to the product containing hydrating and soothing ingredients such as shea butter and aloe vera.
Counterman Cooling Aftershave Tonic – The perfect product to refresh skin post shave, with ingredients including witch hazel, menthol, taurine which prevent irritation and improve the skin’s resiliency.
Counterman Conditioning Beard Oil – This beard oil will replenish beard hair and hydrate your skin, with a formula of plant oils such as sunflower, jojoba and macadamia.
I hope my tips were helpful for you/or the man in your life. Read even more Beautycounter reviews here.