In recent years, men have become increasingly aware of the necessity to integrate healthy skincare practices into their everyday lives. If you're a man venturing into the realm of skincare for the first time, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover that establishing an effective skincare routine can be as straightforward as following three fundamental steps.
In this article, we will delve into the unique skincare requirements of men, shaped by their biological characteristics, and guide you on selecting the most suitable products to effectively create a simple yet impactful skincare regimen.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MALE SKINCARE – SCIENTIFIC INSIGHTS
Although some may view skincare as superficial, its significance for overall health cannot be overstated 1 . Research has demonstrated that maintaining a consistent skincare routine can greatly enhance skin quality over time, fortifying its protective and regulatory functions 2 .
Studies 3 have confirmed that men's skin displays distinct characteristics. Typically, men may experience 3 :
All of these male-specific skin concerns can be effectively managed or mitigated through the establishment of a sound skincare routine.
Evidence suggests a positive correlation between regular skincare routines and improved skin functionality in men. For instance, men who adhered to a daily skincare regimen exhibited notably lower levels of sebum production and transepidermal water loss compared to those who did not engage in such practices 5 . This trend was similarly observed in another study that assessed sun protection and skincare habits among young males 6 .
Many men often find it challenging to commence using skincare products or to stick to a regimen, primarily due to the perceived “tacky” sensation that can accompany product application 5 . If you identify with this issue, let us assure you that it does NOT have to be a deterrent, and establishing an appropriate skincare routine is straightforward once you grasp HOW to do it.
Let’s dive deeper.
THE THREE FUNDAMENTAL STEPS OF SKINCARE
A foundational skincare routine should encompass three essential steps:
1. Cleansing.
2. Moisturizing.
3. Sun Protection.
When selecting products for each step, it is crucial to consider your specific skin type, whether it be dry, oily, combination, normal, or sensitive, as we will elaborate on further.
In addition to these primary steps, you may wish to incorporate products that address specific skin issues, such as acne, blackheads, dark spots, or wrinkles. For such concerns, serums are an excellent choice to include in a “treatment” step right before moisturizing.
1. Cleansing Requirements:
Cleansing serves as the crucial first step in any skincare regimen. This is especially vital for male skin, which is known to produce higher levels of sebum and sweat 4 . Consequently, it is often recommended that men use more “effective” cleansers that can thoroughly eliminate these secretions, such as “foaming cleansers.”
However, it is important to recognize that cleansers should be formulated and selected based on your specific skin type. A “foaming cleanser,” for example, may be optimal for oily skin but could be less suitable for dry skin.
Ideally, a cleanser should serve its purpose without leaving your skin feeling dry, tight, or irritated . Therefore, it is advisable to start with a basic cleanser that is labeled as mild or gentle.
To guide your selection process, here are some general recommendations:
What to avoid?
2. Moisturization Requirements:
The subsequent fundamental step is moisturizing. Male skin has distinct moisturizing needs. As previously mentioned, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is typically higher in men 4 , largely due to compromised barrier function 5 , a condition that can be further aggravated by the shaving process 8 .
Moisturizers are designed to restore the skin barrier and hydrate the face post-shave by reducing TEWL through a combination of three types of molecules:
Men’s moisturizers that include humectants (like glycerin) and emollients (such as ceramides) can significantly enhance the function of the skin barrier, which can be supplemented by ingredients like niacinamide 8 .
Selecting the right moisturizer generally depends on your skin type. However, it is common for men to perceive a “tacky feeling” from these products.
What should you seek? To minimize that “tacky sensation,” it is advisable to opt for lightweight moisturizers, such as gel creams, enriched with humectants and restorative emollients like ceramides. Avoid occlusives, which tend to impart a heavy feeling. Conversely, if you have dry skin, a nourishing cream format (even with some occlusives) may be more appropriate.
To assist in your selection, here are some general recommendations:
humectants (like glycerin) and calming ingredients (such as cica).
3. Sun Protection Requirements:
Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is an indispensable step. Committing to daily sun protection is crucial for men’s skin health, as men typically do not respond to environmental stressors like UV radiation as effectively as women. This makes them more susceptible to UV-induced damage 9 , due to lower inherent antioxidant defenses 10 .
It is essential for men to protect their skin daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher . To streamline this step in your morning regimen, we recommend selecting a moisturizer that already contains SPF, thus necessitating a separate moisturizer for your evening routine.
4. Treatment Requirements:
At this stage, consistently maintaining a basic skincare routine that encompasses the three essential steps is sufficient.
However, if you wish to address a particular skin concern, consider incorporating a serum into your nightly routine, which is designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin.
Here’s a general guideline for selecting the ideal serum for your needs:
Antioxidant serums: they are helpful in
