Is luxury skincare and a multi-step facial care regime just for women, or can men get in on the action, too? I know I’m asking, as I really need to ensure this money-maker of a face is kept at the best condition as it can be.
With beauty bloggers reaching millions of views on YouTube and skincare influencers racking up hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram, it’s clear that skincare is having a moment in popular culture. Space NK, Liberty London, and even Boots are now releasing massive Christmas Advent calendars stuffed with skincare goodies. Even Aldi and Lidl are cashing in on the trend!
At first glance, you might think that skincare regimes are just for women and girls, but men’s skincare is also a booming business. More and more men around the world are realising that with just a few extra steps in the morning and evening, they can revitalise their skin and look their best. Men’s skincare branding tends to focus less on the ‘glow’ and more on health and hygiene.
By spending a little bit of extra time on your skincare, you can go from ‘hey, did you get enough sleep last night?’ to ‘Whoa, you look way younger than your age!’ That said, there are so many products, brands, and methods out there that designing your own skincare routine can seem like rocket science. No fear – skincare for men can actually be a lot simpler than you might think.
Your 4 step men’s skincare routine
Start with this easy 4 step daily men’s skincare routine, and you can always add on different products, specialised for your needs, and build from there.
Step 1. Exfoliate two or three times per week
Step 2. Cleanse twice daily
Step 3. Apply a serum twice daily
Step 4. Moisturise twice daily
Step 1. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is a step that many men misunderstand and underestimate, but its importance cannot be overstated. It helps to remove the dead skin, sebum (your skin’s oils) and dirt from your pores, and aids in deep cleaning. By cleaning all of this grime from your face, you prepare a clean canvas that can be cleansed and moisturised more effectively.
There are 2 main types of exfoliants – chemical and abrasive. Chemical exfoliants are specialised acids that can eat through all of the gunk and grime on your skin and are good for people who have sensitive skin. Lactic acid, Glycolic Acid, and AHA are all examples of chemical exfoliants.
Abrasive exfoliants include scrubby bits that help to physically slough the dead skin and dirt from your skin. It is very easy to overdo it with an abrasive exfoliant, so make sure that you don’t apply too much pressure and scratch your face. Remember – you should only exfoliate your face two or three times per week.
Step 2. Cleanse
You should cleanse your face every morning when you wake up and every night before bed. This is the most important daily step, as it removes the bacteria, dirt, and environmental toxins that collect on your skin all day, and the sweat when you sleep at night. Massage a gentle cleanser into your face for 30 seconds and rinse, and pat dry with a clean towel.
How about doing this after a dusty ride in the wilderness in the Outback of Australia: Campervanning in Australia
Step 3. Apply Serum
A serum is a lightweight oil and/or nutrient-rich solution applied to your face before your moisturiser. Think of this as a high dose of vitamins and beneficial compounds designed to help your moisturiser sink in and keep you looking well-rested and youthful. Apply a small amount of serum to your skin before you apply your moisturiser.
Step 4. Moisturise (and sunblock)
Moisturising is a vital step that helps to restore and maintain hydration in your skin, firming it and replenishing lost nutrients. A moisturiser adds a protective layer on your skin, preventing clogged pores and guarding you against the bacteria that causes spots. Apply moisturiser and sunblock every morning, and just moisturiser at night before bed.
Are you ready to build your own men’s skincare routine?
Starting with this basic template, over time you can add additional steps and specialised products to address your specific needs. Acne, signs of aging, dry patches of skin, and rosacea can all be addressed with specific products in your skincare routine. Monitor your skin for signs of irritation, and enjoy your smoother, more supple and youthful-looking appearance!
