When we think of skincare, our minds flash to a woman, splashing water onto her face with some type of specialty cleanser. But why? Men’s skincare has been overlooked for ages, complying and submitting to the stereotypical thought that only women should and need to care for their skin. As it turns out, this thought process is completely bonkers. According to Michelle Whitman PA-C, one of the most unfortunate mistakes she sees regarding men’s skincare is that moisturizer and specialty skin products are seen as feminine, and men in general lack the understanding of keeping the integrity of the skin barrier. Is it because men just don’t care, or because our society has mainly kept them in the dark when it comes to skincare?
Whatever the reason may be, it is crucial for men of all ages to establish a dedicated skincare routine in order to preserve and strengthen their skin. We know this sounds like a lot, and we don’t want you to get overwhelmed so we have put together a quick list of easy tips for men to work into their daily self-care routines.
1. CLEANSE
This one is super easy! Take time to find a cleanser that works for your skin, keep it simple, with all-natural ingredients in order to cleanse the skin without stripping it of it's natural oils. Make it a habit to cleanse your skin with this cleanser and warm water daily, instead of just a quick rinse in the shower.
Pro Tip: It is also important to cleanse after you exercise.
2. MOISTURIZE
Generally speaking, men have a barely-there relationship with moisturizing the skin. Change this! It is just as important to moisturize your skin as it is to cleanse it. Try to moisturize while the skin is still damp to allow it to really penetrate the skin. A moisturizer is a great addition because it not only protects the skin, it promotes regrowth and regeneration of healthy, well-nourished skin cells. We recommend 2 items for this, our Conditioning Beard Oil, or our Nourishing Face Oil - both work very well for locking in moisture and keeping the skin dewy and moisturized all day.
3. SUNCARE
It is crucial for men to be aware of sun exposure. Sun exposure is a sure fire way to damage and age your skin exponentially faster than you may want. Using a natural option for sun protection is also an important thing to remember when looking for something to protect yourself from those intense rays... A couple great options that we love are: Supergoop! and Suntegrity.
So men, please mind yourselves in the sun on a daily basis, and just not on your beach vacations!
4. EXFOLIATION
This is a simple step in a skincare routine. Exfoliating provides an opportunity to get rid of dead skin cells and layers, which in turn, promotes the growth of new, healthy, restored skin cells. On top of this, exfoliation can also help to clear out clogged pores, which is something we can all appreciate!
5. STIGMA-BE-GONE
Men, we want you to feel empowered when it comes to your skincare and overall wellness! Be proud to take time to learn about and properly care for your skin. Believe it or not, it is just as important as hitting the gym, or mowing the lawn on a Saturday morning.
So men, take these tips and run with them! It is up to you to take charge of your skin, and it is never too late to start. Trust us, your entire-self will be thankful you did.