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

According to recent studies, 70% of men report experiencing skin issues, yet only 30% actively invest in a skincare routine. The skin is the largest organ in the human body and the most exposed, making it susceptible to damage and disease. That's why skin care is crucial and should be an integral part of every man's daily routine.

Understanding your skin type—whether it be oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—will help tailor your routine effectively. Unfortunately, many men still view skincare as a feminine pursuit. This couldn't be further from the truth; men have the same skin concerns and needs as women, often compounded by larger pores and higher oil production.

Why should men care? Skincare isn't just about looks—it's about health. Men face unique challenges, such as acne and razor bumps, and must protect their skin from various environmental threats. The sun's harmful UV rays can lead to dark spots and skin cancer.

Let’s be clear: taking care of your skin isn’t girly—it’s smart. The men’s skincare market is projected to reach $166 billion, showcasing a significant cultural shift towards male grooming. It's time to recognize that skincare is essential for everyone.

6 Benefits of Men’s Face Care

Everyone can benefit from a solid skincare routine, and men are no exception. Here are six benefits of adopting a men's skincare routine:

Cancer Prevention

A good skincare routine can help prevent skin cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men. Even when the risk appears lower than in women, protection against sun damage, primarily through daily use of sunscreen, is critical.

Aging is a Real Thing!

Effective skincare can delay the aging process. No one wants to appear older than they are, so incorporating products like hyaluronic acid can help minimize wrinkles and maintain youthful skin.

The Razor is a Killer

Men's skin is generally thicker but can be sensitive when it comes to shaving. A dull razor can cause irritation and bumps, while a sharp one can lead to cuts and nicks. Adopting a proper routine—including post-shave balms—can help mitigate these risks.

Target Specific Skin Concerns

Regardless of gender or skin type, everybody has insecurities. Many men experience adult acne and other skin conditions. Establishing a routine can help keep skin clear and healthy.

Hey Handsome, Looks Are a Plus!

Taking care of your skin can enhance your appearance and overall confidence. When you feel good about yourself, it reflects in your demeanor and interactions. Investing in skincare is an excellent way to boost how you feel.

Just like fitness, consistency is vital in skincare. Commit to your routine—a basic morning routine with cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF, paired with an evening routine including cleansing and targeted treatments, can go a long way. Who knows? You might find a newfound appreciation for taking care of yourself.

For further learning, consider exploring reputable resources that delve deeper into men’s skincare. Remember, it’s never too late to start caring for your skin!

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!).