In the past, men who wanted to take care of their skin couldn’t find much more than sunscreen and aftershave targeted to them. But now, more men are becoming interested in caring for their skin, and the industry has responded. Men can find everything from night creams to face serums to anti-aging moisturizers designed for their skin.
“With the influence of social media and male celebrity endorsements, men are realizing that skincare is not just for women,” said Paige Hiss, a nurse practitioner who specializes in plastic surgery at Banner Health Clinic in Greely, CO. “We are seeing a rise in the number of men who are becoming interested in skincare.”
But do men really need skin care products designed just for them? And how can men choose the products that meet their needs? Hiss answered a few of our questions about what men should know about skincare.
How men’s skin differs from women’s
Men have oily skin that is thicker than women’s, so products formulated for women aren’t necessarily always right for men. “Often in women, I need to recommend a great moisturizer. But men usually have plenty of moisture, so I can make other recommendations,” Hiss said.
Men also have differences in their skin due to facial hair. Many men have thick, coarse facial hair, and shaving can irritate the skin and trigger nicks and razor burn. So, they need products to accommodate the effects of shaving.
How men can learn to take care of their skin
A lot of men have never been taught how to take care of their skin, so they may not know what various products do or why to use them. “Most men don’t even think about building skincare into their daily routine,” Hiss said. You can schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or medical professional to discuss your skincare concerns, goals, needs and budget.
A skin health professional can help identify whether a person has sensitive skin, normal, dry, oily or a combination skin type. They can also create a custom skin care routine and recommend a cleanser, sunscreen, and other products.
Skin care basics for men
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are a few steps most men should take regularly to keep their skin healthy:
- Wash your face with a mild facial cleanser and warm water every day, and after you exercise.
- When you shave, wet your face first, use moisturizing shaving cream, and shave in the direction your hair grows. If your skin gets irritated, switch from a multi-blade razor to a single- or double-blade.
- Check for signs of skin cancer and see a dermatologist if you see new spots or moles that itch, bleed or change color.
- Wear sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors.
Types of skin care products recommended for men
Everyone’s skin is different, but Hiss has a few types of products she often finds helpful when she sees men in her practice:
- Sunscreen. “Every man should be wearing a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 daily,” Hiss said. Making it a habit to wear sunscreen decreases your risk of skin cancer and reduces signs of aging.
- Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C serums help prevent sun damage and signs of aging and they brighten the skin.
- Acne treatment. “For men who are concerned with acne, there are several products that can help,” Hiss said. “Most of the time, I recommend products that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores or make the skin more oily.”
- Skin-soothing products. These can be helpful for men who have skin that’s easily irritated by shaving.
The bottom line
It’s just as crucial for men to take care of their skin as it is for women, and it’s easy for men to create a skincare routine that meets their needs and fits within their budget. If you would like to talk about the best ways to care for your skin with a health care professional, reach out to Banner Health.
