Your Full Guide to Men's Skincare

Just like with anyone else, skincare is important to maintain. But, there are some key differences between a man and woman's skin resulting in different skincare needs. 

What's the Difference?

The key difference comes down to texture and oil secretion. With facial hair and the tendency to shave, their texture is usually rougher and uneven. In addition, men's skin is thicker due to testosterone. This hormone causes the skin to be about 25% thicker on average than a woman's skin and when it comes to using skincare products, it may be more difficult for the products to penetrate and absorb. Finally, the higher testosterone levels is also why men tend to produce more oil and be more prone to oily skin, congestion, and longer lasting acne. 

Skin Aging

It may be an old wive's tale that men's skin ages slower and in reality, most men have higher collagen density than women. Meaning due to the increased amounts of collagen, their skin may appear naturally younger even when being older when compared to a female. With that said, men also tend to not use sunscreen as much as women, invest in a skincare routine, and consistently take measures to reduce skin aging. Therefore, after all is said and done, a man's higher collagen density may not be enough to combat repeated skin aging activities such as UV exposure without sun protection, lack of proper moisturizing, exfoliation, and cleansing. 

Do men need specifically tailored skincare products?

Skincare products are not gender specific. Although there are differences between men and women's skin, we are able to use the same products interchangeably for the most part because skin is still skin and we should treat the skin type NOT one's age or gender! Meaning, if you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts, regardless of your age or gender, approach this skin type with particular ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid! Again, when it comes time to creating a skincare routine for male skin, it's about selecting the right products based upon the skin type. For example, perhaps you're more dry and sensitive from shaving and need a light oil free moisturizer with a redness reducing calming toner. 

Dos and Dont's

cleansing

Don't use a 4-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face wash! The ph balance of these products are acidic and can leave your skin dry, tight, and irritated ESPECIALLY when used on days of shaving. 

Do opt for a good dedicated face cleanser. Cleanse everyday despite whether you feel your face may not be "dirty." Overnight, our skin produces oils, sheds dead skin cells, not to mention sweating while sleeping on that unwashed pillow case is a recipe for a breakout! Our choice for a face cleanser is Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel. This soapy, lathery face wash is great for gentle soap free cleansing. It has ingredients like lavender and mint to calm and soothe while also cooling and refreshing the skin. 

moisturizing 

Don't skip the moisturizer even if you think your skin is oily! It makes sense to think that we don't need a moisturizer when our skin is oily however, oily skin still needs hydration and can produce MORE oil in an attempt to hydrate itself.

Do moisturize daily by opting for one that fits your skin type. From oily to dry, to sensitive, and acne prone, there is something for everyone and hydration and protection is key. 

Our TOP skincare picks for men:

Dermalogica UltraCalming Mist: This hydrating calming toner is great for reducing redness and is perfect to use post shave.

Jack Black Face Buff: It's not easy washing and exfoliating on a regular routine basis so for those with rough skin needing good scrubbing, this exfoliator is great to deeply clean and leaves your skin feeling peppermint cool.

Dermalogica BioLumin C Eye Serum: brighten up and firm those dark saggy under eyes with this lightweight serum. Simply apply under the eye morning and evening before your moisturizer for a refreshed look.

Dr. Murad Essential C Day Moisture SPF 30: Anyone can get premature skin aging without the proper preventative steps but it's as easy as applying a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen! UV rays are present all year, not just when it's sunny so regardless of what your sun protector is, wear it daily!