Men’s skin care trends reflect the growing consumer interest and demand in how today’s male consumer cares for his skin. In the last decade, there has been a fundamental shift in how the males pamper their skin. Men’s toiletries once consisted of shampoo, deodorant, and shaving cream. Today’s male consumers seek moisturizers, facial cleansers, eye serums, bronzers, concealers, anti-agers and mud masks, all of which are specifically designed for men.
The importance of men maintaining a regular skin care regimen cannot be understated. It is important men utilize skin care products that are clinically proven to treat men’s skin. Men’s skin tends to be oily and subject to trauma caused by daily facial shaving. Failure to maintain enough moisture leads to dry and irritated skin.
Great product solutions for facial and body care include Neutrogena Men’s Sensitive Skin Oil Free Moisture with SPF 30, Freddi Jones Luxury Men’s Naked of Shea body whip which is a light moisturizer and natural sunscreen which is fragrance free, and Clinique Skin Supplies for Men light body wash. Such brands provide a three step approach to treating men’s skin affording solutions which provide added hydration, counteract oily residue and provide sun screen protectants.
The following serve as the top six skin care tips for maintaining total body care throughout the seasons:
Wash
Wash your face with a good gentle cleanser. Avoid the use of harsh soaps or face scrubs, this makes your skin dry and dry skin tends to appear aged and wrinkled. For facial care try Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing face wash contains citrus extracts to refresh skin and present a fresher, healthier appearance. For body care, try as the Freddi Jones Men’s vodka-infused cocktail body scrub. The cocktail scrub is made with a sea salt and sugar blend scrub serving as an exfoliant and a moisturizer all in one!
Bar vs. Liquid Soap
Studies have shown a good number of men prefer bar soap in comparison to liquid alternatives. However, bar soap tends to dry skin out more than liquid cleansers. If you insist on bar soap, look for moisturizing soaps made with vitamin E oil, jojoba oil or olive oil. Great liquid soap alternatives include Lab Series for Men, Clinique, Dove Men + Care and Neutrogena.
Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize!
It is important to follow-up washing your face with a great skin moisturizer. Gentlemen, if you suffer from dry skin, try a thicker emollient. Conversely, for normal skin, settle for a lighter, less oily-based lotion alternative. Lastly, for oily skin, it makes sense to go with a skin toner or gel to assist with drawing out the oil and tightening pores. According to dermatologist Dr. Carolyn Jacob, if you experience difficulty with acne, utilize moisturizers that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid which removes dead skin and unclog pores.
Shaving
For the man that shaves, invest in putting your best face forward! Be sure to pick-up a quality razor which serves to benefit your skin and beard coarseness. Applying a great facial moisturizer helps to seal in hydration and provide the skin with a daily protectant.
Astringents for Men
Astringents are helpful in tightening the skin, narrowing the pores and creating a firmer skin barrier. Men should avoid toners and astringents that contain alcohol which can tend to cause dryness. If you are looking for a great toner check out Dr. Hauschka’s clarifying toner, Kiehl’s men’s alcohol-free herbal toner or Anthony Astringent Toner Pads. Toner products are great for the elimination of impurities and limit the shiny or greasy appearance of skin.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important whether you spend time indoors or outdoors. According to the skin cancer foundation, anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. Even those who work inside are exposed to brief ultraviolet radiation during the day. In 2014, several of the top rated sunscreen brands for men included the Hampton Sun sunscreen, a water-resistant formula with SPF protection for up to 80 minutes and free of parabens and sulfates. Additionally, MDSolarSciences offers a moisturizing, non-greasy SPF 50 UVA/UVB mineral lotion which provides sun protection for all skin types and active lifestyles.
My fashion gents no matter how you fashion your skin care, remember to love the skin you are in, as great skin is what YOU make it! – kass
