Norms change and so should you, where it makes sense. Taking care of your skin isn’t just for women – it’s important for men who want to look younger. Skincare for men goes beyond just appearance; it involves improving your health and boosting your confidence. Let’s take a look at some practical ways to care for your skin that are easy to adopt.
Understanding Skincare for Men
Men’s skin differs from women’s and ages differently. While environmental factors like sun, pollution and stress affect everyone, men usually don’t pay too much attention to their skin. Proper skincare, however, is necessary for keeping skin healthy and avoiding issues later on.
Why Is Skincare for Men Important?
Protects Against Environmental Damage
Harsh weather conditions as well as pollution cause you skin to be dry, irritated and to age prematurely. Proper skincare can act as a shield against these conditions keeping your skin resilient.
Reduces Signs of Aging
When we age our skin loses elasticity which leads to wrinkles and fine lines. By using skincare you can slow down and minimize the effects of aging. Keeping your skin hydrated and nourished can keep you looking younger.
Prevents Common Skin Issues
Men have unique skin problems like razor burn, ingrown hairs and acne. By taking care of your skin you can help prevent these issues and keep your skin clean and hydrated/moisturized.
Top Hydrating Skincare Tips for Guys
Take a look at the following straightforward tips that can be done easily and without hassle. Granted, some of these, such as cleaning you face daily, are easier to do than others, such as losing weight. Nonetheless, it is worth your while to start treating your skin better.
1. Keep It Simple with a Daily Cleanser
It’s important to wash your face daily as a basic step to better, younger looking skin. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid using the type of soap you bath with as it is too harsh and will dry out your skin. Cleaning your face will remove dirt, oil, and sweat and will reduce clogged pores that can lead to acne.
2. Moisturize After Cleansing
Once you clean your skin it is good to hydrate your skin with a moisturizer to keep your face from drying out. Make sure to choose a product that’s light and non-greasy and feels good on your skin. Also, make sure you select products with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid as they nourish your skin without irritating it.
3. Use Sunscreen
Sun damage doesn’t just happen at the beach. Apply sunscreen if you intend on spending an extensive period out in the sun. Some sun exposure is good for you and will promote the production of Vitamin D, but too much exposure may be harmful to your skin. Many moisturizers come with SPF (sun protection factor) included, which provides some sun protection. Opt for sunscreens containing Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide and avoid products that contain Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Retinyl Palmitate, Homosalate and Octocrylene, and Parabens as they are harmful to your skin and/or your health.
4. Shave Smart
The best way to avoid irritating your skin during shaving is to shave after a warm shower when your hair is the softest. Use a sharp good quality razor as well as shaving cream or gel. Also, shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation and ingrown hairs.
5. Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out
Your skin’s health depends on you drinking enough water. So, try to drink 6 – 8 glasses a day to stay properly hydrated and to avoid dry skin.
6. Get Enough Sleep
During sleep your skin repairs itself. If your sleep quality is poor you can end up with dark circles around your eyes and a dull complexion. Also, poor sleep increases your levels of stress, which shows up on your face as wrinkles. By getting 7 – 8 hours of good sleep each night your skin will look better.
7. Eat a Balanced Diet
You’ve heard the saying “you are what you eat”. If you eat junk food and ultra processed food your skin will reflect that. Try foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as berries, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish for better looking skin.
8. Don’t Forget About Your Lips
Lips are usually ignored when taking care of your skin. Therefore, consider using a lip balm to prevent chapping and cracking. Take a look at NIVEA MEN Active Lip Balm or Burt’s Bees, which I use, mostly ‘cause my wife puts it on me.
9. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking is terrible for the skin as it reduces blood flow to the skin which makes it look older. Smoking results in skin discoloration and wrinkles. Similarly drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate you leaving your skin dry, flaky, and sometimes red (from rosacea).
10. Consider Using an Eye Cream
In addition to moisturizer, you may want to consider using eyc cream to combat puffy, dark, wrinkled skin around your eyes. This can make a huge difference in how you look.
11. Take Collagen Supplements
One thing you can do that improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles is take collagen supplements every day. If in powder form, simply add it to your morning coffee. Otherwise take tablets a couple times a day, as directed.
12. Lose Weight
Although this recommendation isn’t technically skincare I include it as it makes a huge difference. As I discuss in How to Appear Younger: Fasting Makes You Look Younger one of the best ways to improve the look of your skin is to lose weight. As a result, this leads to firmer skin and less wrinkles.
Little-Known Skincare Facts for Men
- Men’s Skin Is Thicker: It is about 25% thicker than women’s, which means it can handle harsher conditions.
- Higher Collagen Density: It also has a higher collagen density, so it ages more gradually but that can change if it is neglected.
- Oil Production Is Higher: It is also more oilier due to testosterone making it important to use a cleanser that manages oil and can help prevent shine and breakouts.
Making Skincare a Habit
Try adding caring for your skin to your daily routine. For example, use your facial cleanser when taking a shower and wash your face as part of your shower. As an extension to shaving moisturize your face afterwards. There are many opportunities throughout the day where you can make small changes to make skincare one of your many habits.
Overcoming Reluctance
You may be reluctant to add skincare to your routine. You might even think that this is something women are concerned about but not you. Keep in mind, we are living much longer than our fathers and taking care of your skin now will ensure you look better in your older years. Taking care of your skin is an investment in your looks, health, and confidence.
Conclusion to Better Skincare for Men
If you want younger looking skin, you need to make changes and add one or more of the ideas listed in this article into your routine. Having younger, healthier looking skin will make you look and feel better and will also improve your confidence. Finally, skincare for men over 50 not only improves appearance but also your overall skin health, helping you look your best.
Check out Collagen for Men: Want Proven Results?.
