Consistency > Complexity: A Simple Skincare Routine for Men
After a couple of decades of being blessed with brothers, I decided it’s time to be of service and write an informative manual on skincare for men. For the men out there who cleanse, moisturize and treat like pros, I applaud you. For the men who are not quite there, I definitely don’t blame you. The skincare world has long been packaged in femininity and discussed primarily in women-dominated spaces. So, here is my contribution for the men out there ready to start or grow their skincare journey.
The Most Common “Guy Skin” Issues
Men have a hair-bearing area, which makes things a little different for them. The way they shave and treat the hair on their face greatly impacts the skin. In the shaving process, they remove the dead skin cell layer, which makes the skin more sensitive to the application of products containing acids. So, if you’re a man and often find irritation and breakouts where you shave, this is why.
If you’ve experienced tiny bumps, redness, or that “my face is mad at me” feeling after shaving, you’re one of many. Much of this is likely folliculitis, an inflammation around the hair follicle, or ingrown hairs. Common, but not necessarily something you have to live with. My best tips to combat this are easy fixes: always shave in the direction of hair growth, never dry shave, always use a sharp blade, and keep it simple in the post-shaving routine. A gentle gel moisturizer goes a long way. We love Clear Clinical’s Moisturizing Gel.
The difference between those who shave their face and those who do not is that shaving removes some of the protective dead skin that acts as a shielding barrier against products. Because of this, acids and stronger products can sting more and irritate the skin, especially right after shaving. If you are using exfoliants, such as salicylic acid or glycolic, try using them at night and not on freshly shaved skin. It is also wise to start slow with a few times a week, and work your way up if your skin reacts calmly.
The Three Simple Steps
- Cleanse
Washing your face with a gentle cleanser is essential.
- Moisturize
Even if your skin feels oily, moisturizing helps calm the skin and balance out the cleanse.
- Sunscreen
Important! Sunscreen will give you the “good genetics” claims. Go for a lightweight formula that will leave you feeling fresh and clean. Try the SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray by Clear Clinical, especially designed for oily and acne-prone skin.
Keep It Simple
Skincare isn’t supposed to be complicated. It’s about basic maintenance. Start simple, be consistent, and if your skin is irritated, the answer is rarely “add more harsh products”. Most of the time, it’s slow down, simplify and let your skin recover.
