Skin Care Tips for Men

Men’s skin is very different from women’s, as their skin is thicker and many use a razor every day. As someone who has many male clients, I know that men are less likely than women to fuss with their skin and therefore, the simpler approach to skin care, the better. Here are some simple, but effective tips that can be helpful for the men in your life.

Never use bar soap.

The binders that hold a bar of soap together are in an alkaline base (high pH balance), which will strip all the water and natural oils out of the skin, causing the surface of the skin to dehydrate. Instead, use a low-foaming cleansing gel that still will give a deep pore cleaning, but won’t leave the skin feeling tight and dry. Our Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel is a favorite of our male clients because they enjoy the refreshing sensation. The skin cells need to stay moist in order to be healthy, as without water, acne conditions and sensitive skin will be aggravated…

Read a fun review of Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel from a guy’s perspective at Temptalia!

Use a shaving gel instead of foam.

The key to a comfortable shave is to condition the skin prior to shaving to soften the hair and the hair follicle. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, this one is important. Many men shave after showering when the skin is moist, but for sensitive skin, that may not be enough. You need an emollient-based shaving cream that, when applied to the skin, softens the hair and follicle so that when a razor goes across the skin, there is less irritation. Typical foam shaving creams are not emollient enough. Look for gel-based shaving creams that instantly lubricate and hydrate, so that the razor glides easily across the skin, lessening irritation, rashes, and ingrown hairs.

Wear moisturizer with sunscreen.

Knowing that the number one cause of aging is exposure to daylight, it is important to keep the skin protected by using a moisturizer (with the sunscreen built in) 365 days a year. Most men certainly don’t like anything feeling greasy on the skin, so choose formulas with zinc oxide that give a much lighter feel on the skin. Daily Protection SPF 30 is ideal for men because it is lightweight and dries to a matte finish. My male clients love it because they don’t do greasy.

Get deep pore cleansing facials every change of season.

Men are prone to blackheads and clogged pores mostly on the nose and forehead area, and the safest way to get those pores cleaned out is with a professional facial. And you’ll get to enjoy their freshly clean face as well, which is always a plus.

Avoid using alcohol-based aftershave.

Many men like the clean and tight feeling associated with using alcohol-based aftershaves, and they have been told that these close the pores. Contrary to popular opinion, pores do not open and close like doors. Using alcohol-based aftershaves only results in more problems, as alcohol causes dead skin cell buildup, keeping hair trapped in the skin, leading to more ingrown hairs and sensitivity. Instead use a calming, oil-free moisturizer that will soothe the skin after the abrasiveness of shaving instead of burning it.

Men like an easy routine. These small tips for the men in your life will make sure their routine stays simple while their skin stays healthy and radiant.

Read: Got a Special Event? Skin Tips to Look Your Best

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Renée Rouleau

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”