Skin Care For Men: A Literally Face-Saving Routine

If you're like most men, you probably don't put a lot of thought into your skincare routine. That's perfectly understandable - after all, skincare can seem like a pretty girly thing to do. But trust us, taking care of your skin is important for guys too. In fact, it's literally face-saving! 

Hear us out: taking care of your skin isn't just for women. In fact, it's essential for anyone who wants to look their best. And yes, that includes you, fellas. 

Yes, we know you that washing your face with the same soap you wash your body and drying it with the same towel you use to dry you-know-what may seem like the perfect skincare regime, however, if you have acne-prone skin, wrinkles, or want to target specific skin concerns, a good regime is your way to go! 

So today, we're here to talk about skin care for men. Specifically, we're going to let you in on a little secret: how to create a complete routine that's easy (and dare we say, even enjoyable?) to follow. Ready? Let's jump in!

Men's skin care routine: Why you should care

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It's also one of the most exposed, which makes it susceptible to all sorts of damage and disease. That's why skin care is so important, and that's why it should be a part of every man's daily routine.

Unfortunately, men tend to think skin care is a feminine pursuit, something that only women need to worry about. This couldn't be further from the truth. Men have just as much skin as women do, and they need to take just as good care of it, if not more.

Why? Because men have larger pores and produce more oil than women, which means they are more susceptible to skin concerns like acne. Skincare is not only about the looks, it's about keeping your skin healthy and protected from the many environmental threats it faces every day. From the sun's harmful UV rays that generate dark spots and cause skin cancer, to the razor bumps and ingrown hairs, there are many factors that can damage your skin. 

So let’s be clear: taking care of your skin isn’t girly—it’s smart. In fact, skin care for men is becoming more and more popular as guys are realizing that they need to pamper their skin to feel good and look good. 

6 Benefits of men’s face care

Everyone can benefit from taking good care of their skin, and men are no exception. Here are five benefits of building a men's skin care routine: 

Cancer prevention

First, a good skincare routine can help to prevent skin cancer. According to the data provided by the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in men. While skin cancer rates are lower in men than women, it's still important to take steps to protect yourself from sun damage by wearing sunscreen.

Aging is a real thing!

Skin care can help delay the aging process. No one wants to look old before their time, and taking good care of your skin, with products like hyaluronic acid, can help you get rid of wrinkles and keep a younger-looking skin for longer.

The razor is a killer

Your skin is thicker than a woman's skin. That thickness can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to shaving. 

The razor can damage your skin in several ways. First, if the razor is not sharp enough, it will tug at the hair instead of cutting it cleanly. This can cause irritation, redness, and even bumps, ingrown hairs or razor burn. Second, if the razor is too sharp, it can cut into the skin itself, leading to nicks, cuts, and scrapes. Third, if the razor is not used correctly — that is, if it's not held at the right angle or pushed too hard — it can cause pores irritation, redness, and bumps.

Good news: a skincare routine can help you minimize the risks after your shave!

Target specific skin concerns

Regardless of gender or skin type, we all suffer from insecurities. And even though you may think acne will go away as you age, adult acne and other conditions are pretty common. So if you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, a good routine will give you clear skin.

Hey handsome, the looks are a plus!

Taking care of your skin will make you look hotter and fit as a fiddle. Who doesn't want that? 

When you look good, you feel good. And when you find yourself feeling good, it shows in your vibes and everything you five. So why not give skin care a try? 

Simple skin care for men: Our Face-Saving Guide

If you're a guy reading this right now and you don't have a clue when it comes to skin care, don't worry! Here is our easy-to-follow men's skin care routine that will help keep your skin looking healthy and handsome AF: 

1. Wash the dirt away

Kick it off by washing your face skin with a gentle cleanser. This seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many guys skip this step!

Avoid using soap, as it can be harsh on your skin and strip away its natural oils. Instead, look for a cleanser that's designed for men's skin. 

Washing your face daily with a formulated cleanser will remove all the dead cells, pollution, oils, and bacteria that are attached to the skin.

Pro-tip: if you have oily skin, choose alcohol-free skin care products formulated with salicylic acid. On the other hand, if you want to shave, apply the cleanser before doing so! 

2. Give your skin a little love

Just after cleaning your face, your skin will be ready to receive some pampering! And, even though this step is not mandatory, believe us when we tell you your skin will thank you for it! 

So, how can you give your skin a little love? For starters, a serum is a safe option! You can apply a vitamin c serum during your morning routine *yes, you should have a morning and a night time routine, don’t roll your eyes at us* to protect your skin from free radicals, also known as environmental stressors. 

On the contrary, choose hyaluronic acid or retinol serum for your night time routine if you want to treat wrinkles, fine lines, or any other aging sign while promoting cell turnover.

3. Spot treatment time

Spot treatments *a.k.a. a product created for things like pimples and dark spots* are another optional step if you want to treat specific conditions. For example, you could choose a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatment for acne, or maybe an eye cream for dark circles. It all depends on your needs and skin type!

4. Moisturize your handsome face

Even if you have oily to acne prone skin, it's important to moisturize every day. A moisturizer helps to keep skin hydrated and prevents dryness, which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines. 

If you have oily skin, look for a light, oil-free moisturizer that won't clog pores and is fast-absorbing. On the other hand, a heavier moisturizer or cream is better to improve the appearance of dry skin. 

Just so you know: this step should go after shaving. 

5. Wear sunscreen

If you love your skin *or just want to look as handsome as possible* you should wear sunscreen. UV rays can damage skin, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and even skin cancer. 

Always apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going outside, and reapply every few hours if you're going to be in the sun for an extended period of time. 

Tips and tricks to pick the best skin care products for men

Finding the right skincare products comes down to a little bit of trial and error but once you find something that works for you, stick with it! 

These are just a few skin care tips to keep in mind when starting a skincare routine to set you on the path to success: 

Skin types matter!

Every skin is different and so are the needs. Skin types include normal skin, dry skin, oily to combination skin, and sensitive skin.

You need to know your skin type since this will determine what kind of products you need to use. If you don't know it, consult a board-certified dermatologist or check our skin care quiz to discover your skin type. 

Important: take into account that men have thicker skin than women’s skin, that’s why knowing your skin type and choosing products formulated to treat that type of skin will do wonders for your skin.

Read product labels

Take some time to read the labels on skin care products before buying them. Look for key ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and niacinamide. These ingredients are gentle and won't irritate your skin like some of the harsher chemicals found in over-the-counter skin care products.

Also, choose skincare products that are alcohol-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free *especially if you have sensitive skin*

Consider your age, pal

As you age, skin changes and so should your products. For example, younger men can get away with using harsh cleansers, like the soap you use for your body, but as you age, it's important to use products that won't strip away moisture. 

A patch test is a safe play

Always do a patch test before using any new skin care product, even if it is supposed to be gentle. 

Apply a small amount of the product to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.

This play is especially beneficial if you have sensitive skin or want to apply certain products after shaving.  

Have fun! 

There is no straight way to find the best skin care for men *or women*, just keep trying until you come across the best skincare products! 

Don’t be afraid to fail. If you bought a product with shea butter and it irritated your skin, replace it. If the clay mask your lover bought for you dried your skin, try another face mask. If a celeb-approved eye cream didn’t remove your dark circles, find another one! Just don’t give up, you will thank us later. 

Before you go: quick tips after shaving

If you want your skin to look its best, it's important to take care of its appearance properly. This means more than just splashing some water on your face after you shave. Follow these skin care tips for men, and you'll be sure to have healthy, happy skin:

1. Wash your face to ensure clean skin 
2. Exfoliate! Exfoliating before shaving can help remove dead skin cells and make your skin softer and smoother. It can also help reduce the risk of razor burn and any other sensitivity sign. Just be sure to use a gentle exfoliator formulated specifically for the face.
3. Always use a clean razor when you shave. A dull razor can cause irritation and lead to ingrown hairs. 
4. When you're done shaving, rinse your face with cold water to close up your pores and help reduce inflammation.
5. Next, apply a post-shave balm or cream to soothe your skin. Look for products that contain aloe vera or chamomile, which can help reduce redness. 
6. Finally, don't forget to moisturize! Good face moisturizer or cream, with ingredients like shea butter, will deliver hydrated skin. Be sure to apply it every day, especially if you have dry skin.

Now, let’s shop for the best skin care products for men

So, forget about gender! 

Folks, don’t be fooled into thinking skincare is just for the ladies! Don’t give any more excuses, your skin is just as important as a woman’s and needs just as much care. 

Not sure where to start? Check out Asian Beauty Essentials roundup of the best men’s skincare products and get ready to see some amazing results. 

Believe us, your boo will thank you for finally starting to take care of yourself (and your skin!).