Key takeaways:
- Skincare is an important care practice for everyone, including men.
- A consistent skincare routine can support healthy skin, regardless of gender.
- Men’s skin does have several unique features. Shaving creates specific skincare considerations for people with facial hair.
There is a broad cultural emphasis on women's skincare routines—just look at advertising, women’s magazines, and the number of products by the average woman’s bathroom sink. But skincare is not a gender-specific luxury. Everyone, including men, can benefit from dedicated skincare routines tailored to their skin’s health needs.
Let’s explore why skincare is a practice for everyone, what special skincare considerations men face, and what skincare routines men—particularly men new to skincare—can follow to get started.
Skincare is self care, irrespective of gender
Skincare is often marketed heavily towards women, creating the perception that it’s a feminine concern focused on beauty and anti-aging. While skincare can help you improve or maintain your skin’s appearance, its primary function is restoring and maintaining your skin’s health.
For example, wearing sunscreen regularly protects your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing premature aging. Using a gentle cleanser keeps skin clean and clear by removing dirt, excess oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Meanwhile, moisturizing hydrates the skin, improving its barrier function and helping to prevent dryness and irritation.
Skin health is an important part of taking care of yourself, no matter your gender. If you’re a man who’s new to skincare, here’s what you need to know.
Special skincare considerations for men
A review of 67 studies related to skincare found that, when comparing the biophysical properties of the skin between men and women, the following were generally reported in men:
- Higher sebum content: Men produce more sebum (skin oil) due to higher levels of sex hormones like testosterone. As you might expect, this can lead to oilier skin, which might require more frequent cleansing.
- Increased skin pigmentation and thickness: Men generally have thicker skin and more pigmentation, which can affect how their skin responds to sun exposure and aging.
- Deeper facial wrinkles and more sagging: Men often experience deeper wrinkles and more prominent skin sagging, especially under the eyes, due to having thicker skin and the effects of gravity over time.
Shaving and facial skincare for men
Regular facial shaving can impact skin health. Shaving doesn’t just remove hair—it scrapes the top layer of skin, which can create micro-tears and strip skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation, razor burn, ingrown hairs, dryness, and sensitivity. And shaving products with fragrances or harsh ingredients can disrupt the balance of the skin microbiome.
When shaving, we recommend using a sharp, clean razor and shaving in the direction of hair growth. Opt for fragrance-free products and consider applying a using a gentle moisturizer after you shave to restore hydration and repair the skin barrier. If you’re dealing with dryness or irritation after shaving, explore Gladskin’s Micreobalance® products, which restore balance to the skin microbiome.
Easy-to-follow skincare routines for men
First, keep in mind that achieving healthy skin is a gradual process. Introducing several products simultaneously makes it challenging to assess their effectiveness or identify any potential negative reactions. We recommend reading our article on adding new products to your routine to get a better sense of best practices.
That said, a solid skincare routine can be straightforward. A basic skincare routine should include three key components: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
A simple face care routine for men
Morning: Start by cleansing your face with a face wash to remove any oils that have built up overnight and to prep your skin for the day. Next, apply a moisturizer to hydrate and support the skin barrier. Finish with gentle sunscreen that’s SPF 30+ to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sun damage.
Evening: Use your face wash again to remove dirt, oil, and sweat from the day, ensuring your skin is clean and ready for nighttime care. Then apply a moisturizer to replenish moisture lost during the day and to support skin repair overnight.
Skincare routines for the rest of the body
Whether you shower in the morning or at night, using a gentle body wash in the shower helps cleanse your skin of built-up sweat and dirt. After your shower, apply a body lotion or cream to your entire body to keep your skin hydrated. If your skin is prone to dryness, you might need to apply moisturizer both in the morning and at night, regardless of when you shower.
If you’ll be exposed to the sun, apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed areas of your body, such as your arms, legs, and neck. Remember to reapply frequently when spending extended time outdoors!
Additional times to use cleansers and moisturizers on your face and body:
- After exercise and/or outdoor activities. Sweat, dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants can all irritate the skin, so be sure to rinse them off and apply moisturizer.
- After swimming. Chlorine and salt can dry out the skin, so it's important to shower and moisturize afterwards.
- After shaving, use a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and support the skin’s natural barrier.
Lastly, cold temperatures and dry climate strip moisture from your skin — you may want to apply moisturizer more frequently in these conditions.
Find your skincare routine with Gladskin
Ultimately, adopting a skincare regimen is a practical choice for anyone looking to improve their skin health, including men. But here’s the rub: While skincare is an important component of overall health, many skincare products contain ingredients that may actually worsen skin issues like dryness, acne, redness, etc.
Gladskin’s range of skincare products is designed with a focus on supporting the skin’s microbiome, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria that helps keep your skin healthy. Our science-backed, microbiome-friendly ingredients promote a healthier skin environment.
Whether you’re dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or simply looking to enhance your routine, Gladskin’s products offer a gentle yet effective approach to skincare that works in harmony with your skin.
Discover how Gladskin can help you achieve and maintain your best skin when you check out our bestsellers today.