When it comes to skincare, much of the available information and a majority of the products are geared toward women. Look good and feel confident is universal though, something women and men both want. That’s why our med spa in Raleigh is sharing the basics of men’s skin care so you can create your own at home routine that will help you achieve healthy, younger-looking skin.
Knowing Your Skin Type
Before you start shopping for products, it’s important to know your skin type so you don’t use something that will overly dry your skin or lead to breakouts. There are five main skin types:
- Sensitive skin is more prone to breaking out in razor burn or may sting after using products.
- Dry skin tends to be flaky, itchy, or even rough in patches.
- Normal skin is neither oily, dry, or sensitive, and it’s not prone to breakouts.
- Oily skin often feels greasy, especially the forehead, nose, and chin, and you may even notice a shiny sheen on the cheeks.
- Combination skin is often dry on the cheeks and oily in the T-zone.
Once you determine your skin type, it’s easier to narrow down the products you need and the ones that will work best for you. Also, as you age, skin types do change, so it’s important to periodically take stock and notice if your skin feels drier than usual or more prone to breakouts. The cleanser you’re using at 25 may not be the best for you when you’re 35.
A Simple Skin Care Regimen for Men
A simple skin care regimen only takes a few minutes in the morning and a few minutes in the evening and can create noticeable results in how you look and feel.
Cleanse
Clean skin is essential to healthy skin. , Cleansers that are too aggressive, however, can strip your natural oils and cause irritation. In addition, harsh cleansers that are used too often can cause excess oil production, which can lead to breakouts. This means don’t use the same bar soap on your face that you use for the rest of you – instead, choose acleanser that is specially formulated for the face.
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a gentle, cream cleanser that is fragrance free.
- If your skin is oily or prone to breakouts, choose “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” products that won’t clog your pores.
You can use your cleanser in the morning and before you go to bed, plus, make sure you wash your face after you work out. If you find even a gentle cleanser twice a day is too much, go down to once a day in the evening..
Exfoliate
Once or twice a week, you’ll want to exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and open your pores. Dry, sensitive skin often responds to a chemical exfoliant toner with salicylic acid or AHA to break down dead skin whereas oily or acne prone skin may benefit from a physical scrub with activated charcoal, clay, or even finely ground flax or rice.
Repair
UV rays, pollution, poor diet – these all take a toll on your skin, leading to damage and premature aging. Fortunately, applying a restorative serum in the morning or evening after you wash your face can repair the damage and improve your skin. Look for serums containing antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide to brighten and protect your skin, and if you’re looking to reduce fine lines or acne, a serum with retinol can be beneficial. If you use one with retinol, it can make your skin sun-sensitive, so apply that in the evening instead of the morning.
Moisturize
The final step is to use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and smooth and to prevent irritation from shaving. Apply a moisturizer that’s designed for your skin type that also includes sunscreen to protect you from incidental sun exposure.
Contact BodyLase in Raleigh or Cary to Schedule a Skincare Consultation
While daily at-home skin care is important, periodic, professional skin treatments are also a key step in smooth, healthy skin. Working with a skin care specialist who can suggest the ideal products for your skin type as well as provide professional rejuvenation treatments will help you achieve optimal results so you can look and feel your best. Contact BodyLase® online or at 919-954-2288 to book in our Raleigh MedSpa office and 919-851-8989 to book in our Cary MedSpa office.
