On a daily basis, our skin comes into contact with various outside dangers like UV rays, toxic pollutants, and more. Since our skin is the only barrier we have protecting us from the harmful things that we encounter in everyday life, we need to treat it with the utmost care. Developing a good skincare regimen for both your face and body is important when trying to maintain good skin health.
Many articles and resources out there tend to highlight skincare routines that are geared towards a female audience, while overlooking the male one. To give men some guidance on how to start or maintain their skin journey, here is a checklist on how to take care of your skin this summer.
During the day, sweat, bacteria, and dirt accumulate on your face and body which can lead to acne and other problems. Washing your face is crucial if you want healthy skin, so start off by getting yourself a cleanser that fits your needs. The face wash you get should be dependent on whether or not you have oily, dry, or combination skin. People with oily skin are prone to grease buildup in their Tzone, whereas people with dry skin experience dry patches. Based on your skin type, you can then determine which face wash is best for you.
Toners are great additions to your skin care regimen if you haven’t been using them already. A toner is a solution that goes on after washing your face to remove any lasting dirt your cleanser missed and helps your face easily absorb the products you use afterward. They are usually water-based and can be easily applied to your entire face using a cotton swab. Toners do contain alcohol, however, so keep that in mind if you are prone to dry skin. If you have dry skin and still decide to use a toner anyways, make sure you monitor how it affects your skin.
Moisturizers are extremely important as they lock in water and keep your skin hydrated. No matter what skin type you have, make sure you incorporate a moisturizer into your routine. A common misconception is that people who have oily skin do not need to moisturize but that is not the case. Going without a moisturizer can actually make your skin produce more oil since it has to counteract the dryness it may experience from your cleanser. If you’re still hesitant about slathering up your face, you can also consider getting an oil-free moisturizer that is made specifically for oil-prone skin.
Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine. It’s the middle of summer, so that means the sun is at full force. While sunshine is nice, UV rays and sunburn are not. Sunscreen for the face and body can not only slow down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it also decreases your chance of developing skin discoloration and sun damage. You want to make sure that you’re putting sunscreen on every part of your body that is exposed to the sun. If you’re worried about having to forgo your summer tan, don’t be. All you need to do is look for a sunscreen that doubles as a bronzer, so you can tan without the health risks. However, sunscreen can only do so much, so don’t overexposure yourself to the sun if you don’t have to.
Although showers remove most of the dirt that’s on you, exfoliators help to remove excess dead skin. By removing these dead cells you are making way for new ones to regenerate, creating smoother and healthier skin. Exfoliating your body, even your scalp, can help to prevent body acne, clogged pores, and hair loss. When exfoliating your body, a gentle scrub is all you need to remove any impurities. Exfoliation for your scalp is slightly different, using a scalp massager instead of a scrub will promote circulation to your scalp and increase hair growth. However, if you are experiencing excessive hair shedding you may need to take it a step further and try a hair loss treatment to stimulate the scalp. If you do end up using a prescription hair loss medication you should still massage your scalp because it helps products penetrate more deeply.
Lotion is just moisturizer for the body. Just as the skin on your face needs moisture, so does the skin on your body. Many things can make your skin dry out, but extreme weather and hot showers tend to be the main culprits. High temp showers may feel good while you’re in them but they can actually be the reason your skin feels itchy, irritated, and tight. Try taking a shower with medium warm water instead of scorching hot water to help to limit your dry your skin gets. If you’re still experiencing irritated skin after making these changes, make sure you’re using a lotion with hydrating oil in it. For example, thick body butters are great for sealing in moisture and restoring your skin.
Although skincare routines for men and women aren’t very different, men tend to have limited experience with what regimens and products they should consider using. Contact us today if you need help with a product regimen that works best for your skin type and goals. We can help you keep it simple yet effective!
