Ones skin care options are vast and finding what works for you can take time. When it comes to male skin, it is important to understand how it differs from that of the fairer sex to understand what is needed to address specific skin concerns.
Due to the presence of the hormone testosterone, male skin tends to be thicker and oilier than the skin of their female counterparts. The presence of more oil helps men age a little more gracefully, but it also means that their skin needs are different.
During adolescence testosterone starts peaking which can result in acne. An influx of oil provides the ideal environment for p-acnes to flourish which leads to papules, pustules and sometimes even cysts. This can be present on the face, neck, chest and back.
An instinct would be to try and strip the skin of as much oil as possible which is counter productive. Products with harsh surfactants and high doses of salicylic acid can dry the skin too much, resulting in more oil production. Results may be temporary before it worsens. This is usually when visits to the dermatologist leads to the introduction of topical antibiotics and retinoids. These can serve a purpose but there is a time and a place before such drastic measures. Always do your research to ensure that you know what the pros and cons are.
At times dietary changes can make a profound impact, and consulting a dietician is highly recommended. Supplements such as Vitamin A, Omegas and Probiotics can produce exceptional results, in conjunction with regular facial therapies, and an at-home skin care regimen.
Once hormones stabilize the male skin will still produce oil, but not to the extent produced during puberty. Oil serves the purpose of lubricating the skin and providing a protective layer together with dead skin cells and perspiration. This oily layer prevents trans-epidermal water loss, protects against ageing, and various environmental factors.
In short, male skin needs a gentle cleanser to help remove excess oil without stripping the skin. This will maintain the oil production balance needed to keep skin healthy but not overly shiny. As male skin is thicker, the need to exfoliate!
Exfoliation is one of the most overlooked steps in a skin care routine, by both sexes. By exfoliating the skin superficial, dead skin cells are removed to allow the skin to eliminate, breathe and digest. This means the expensive skin care that you are applying to the skin after exfoliation will drop into the skin to facilitate change, instead of sitting on the surface of the skin producing almost zero results. Exfoliants help to stimulate cell turnover, in turn keeping skin active and youthful!
Exfoliate twice per week with an exfoliant that is salicylic based which helps to manage oil production by cleaning out the pores. Paired with a targeting serum, moisturizer and SFP, you are good to go!
Yes, men need to moisturize and wear SPF! When we say moisturize we are not referring to thick, heavy creams, but rather lightweight gel to cream-like moisturizers to keep skin hydrated and protected. In an earlier post we talked about the importance of each step in a skin care routine, and mentioned that daytime moisturizers help protect, hydrate and prevent trans-epidermal water loss, while night time products help to repair and rebuild skin.
Pair a great skin care routine with regular professional therapies and you will be pro-ageing! Professional therapies help to identify and address subtle changes in the skin and adjust your routine as needed.
May your Urban Man skin care routine be easy and effortless when incorporating a few tips from this post!
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