Men have thicker skin with more collagen, which theoretically suggests that they should appear younger than women of the same age assuming they hydrate properly. This isn’t always the case, though.
The majority of men are unconcerned with their skin. By the time they reach their late 30s, many (but certainly not all) men have developed a variety of skin issues, including acne, inflammation, and redness, as well as dull, weary skin.
If you think shaving and then putting on some aftershave is enough to take care of your skin, think again. A proper skincare routine is an important aspect of a good grooming practise since it will help you avoid breakouts, irritations, and obvious indications of ageing.
Men have always kept things simple when it comes to skin maintenance. More men are chasing healthier, younger-looking skin than ever before, making it a great moment for men to assess their skin care regimen and learn more about how to care for their body’s largest organ.
Although men and women’s skin vary in some ways — for example, men’s skin is thicker than women’s — the core aspects of a good skin care regimen remain the same.
Your skin undergoes numerous challenges throughout the day, and if you do not treat it properly, it may not be fully prepared. Pollution, direct sunshine, damaging UV rays, infection, and sweat are just some of the things that your skin has to cope with. As a result, it is critical that you begin to take care of your body. Especially in a colder environment, you must ensure that your skin does not dry out and crack.
For all men who are tired of having skin problems but don’t have time to follow a skincare programme, here are some of the most frequent skin problems men experience and how to solve them.
Dry Skin
Although some people are more prone to dry skin than others, many men suffer from dry skin on their faces as a result of changes in weather and humidity, the use of products with too many irritating components, not drinking enough water throughout the day, stress, or a lack of sleep. Whatever the cause, the good news is that dry skin can be alleviated with a few simple changes to your daily routine.
A dry skin will have a flaky and rough texture. Extreme dryness may lead to cracks in the skin associated with itchiness which are prone to infections.
For this condition, lifestyle adjustments such as drinking at least three litres of water every day, using sun protection products, eating well and sleeping sufficiently are recommended.
Wash your face twice a day and only use a cleanser once a day as part of your bedtime routine. Look for a hydrating, sensitive-skin-friendly product. Avoid face creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), or salicylic acid; these compounds are designed for acne-prone skin and can dry out the skin if used too often or for too long.
Serums, moisturisers, and ointments can enhance the skin’s natural barrier function, which aids in the retention of hydration and moisture. Using a serum during the day is ideal, while a cream moisturiser at night provides additional benefits. Look for serums that have extra moisturising components like aloe vera, vitamin E, peptides, and/or hyaluronic acid, as well as those that are specifically developed for men. If you’re looking for a cream moisturiser, be sure it’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and contains as few ingredients as possible.
Oily Skin
Men’s skin being excessively oily is one of the most common issues they experience. Men’s skin produces more sebum than women’s, hence men are more prone to oily skin problems.
Sebaceous glands, which are found in the middle layer of the skin, have the primary role of providing natural lubrication to the skin. This lubricant is known as sebum, and men’s skin produces more of it than women’s skin, giving them an oilier appearance. This, dermatologists say, can be explained simply by hormonal variations. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone produced by men, and higher levels of this hormone appear to contribute to increased sebum production. On the plus side, oilier skin is more hydrated or lubricated, which means it ages more gracefully — it has fewer wrinkles, is firmer, and has a brighter complexion.
Larger pores, a shiny appearance with an oil-like layer on the surface of the skin, a thicker feeling in the complexion, and/or more prone to acne and breakouts are all signs of oily skin.
Use a cleanser intended for oily skin twice a day, first in the morning and again before bedtime. Avoid over-washing your face, since this can dry out your skin and cause breakouts and excess oil production. When you dry out your face too much, it rushes into overdrive producing oil to restore the skin to its original state.
Acne
Adult acne is one of the most frequent skin problems that affects men after they have outgrown their adolescent years. This is frequently caused by stress and lifestyle changes, as well as a poor diet and skin biology. Men’s skin produces more oil and has wider pores than women’s skin, which raises the likelihood of unpleasant breakouts.
Acne breakouts can be in the form of whitehead, blackheads, pimples or in severe cases, nodules or cysts. Your skin may appear red with inflammation and can be painful as well.
There are numerous ways to battle acne breakouts, ranging from over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to at-home and natural remedies, as well as dermatologist-prescribed medications. While spot treatments may be beneficial, choosing the appropriate cleanser can frequently help prevent pimples from forming in the first place. Look for salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or calendula in your products. These substances will aid in the deep cleaning of pores as well as the removal of dead skin cells from the surface.
Razor Burn (Shaving Dermatitis)
Shaving dermatitis, commonly known as razor burn, is a condition in which ingrown hairs or inflammation of the hair follicle occur as a result of shaving. It is one of the most frequent skin issues among men, affecting at least 60% of them. Hairs that become caught beneath the skin instead of growing straight out, generating little razor bumps, are a common cause. While men with coarse or curly hair are more prone to unsightly lumps and ingrown hairs, almost everyone who shaves will face this problem at some point. It can also be caused by irritating aftershave products.
Shaving dermatitis is often treated by simply waiting it out and not fussing too much with your skin. Doing too much will aggravate the condition because the skin is already irritated. Applying a cool face towel for a few minutes or using aloe vera-concentrated lotions can help soothe down affected regions. Following a few changes to your skin routine is the greatest method to avoid razor burn in the future.
Prepping your face with warm water before shaving is essential to moisten your skin and soften the hairs. This will allow the razor to move more easily across your face, reducing the risk of dragging and straining the skin. It’s also crucial to use the right products. If you’re going to use shaving cream or gel, make sure you get one that will adequately lubricate your skin to avoid razor burn.
Take Home Message
Understanding your skin type will assist you in understanding how to care for your skin and choosing the best skin care products for you.
Every man’s skin is unique, therefore there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” approach to skin care. Visit us at DTAP clinics for assessment and appropriate treatment.
