Introduction
Men have typically kept things simple when it comes to skincare and maintenance. It’s a fantastic time for guys to assess their skin care regimen and learn more about how to take care of their body’s largest organ because more men are now interested in healthier, younger-looking skin.
Men’s skin is thicker than women’s, for instance, but the fundamental components of an efficient skin care regimen are the same regardless of the significant variances between men’s and women’s skin.
It doesn’t take much to maintain, safeguard, and even pamper your skin. For long-lasting advantages, we advise you to make the simplest tweaks. All you have to do is take a little time to pamper your skin and give it what it desires, and in return, your skin will make you look young and attractive. For this, we don’t mean clocking hours in front of the mirror, in fact, just add these easy and regular skincare tips to your daily routine.
Simple skincare ways to make your skin glow
Restore collagen
In comparison with women, the skin of men has more elastin and collagen which is why their skin is hard and thick. This is also a reason why skin ageing signs in men appear much later as compared to women. Therefore, it is important for men as well to take care of their skin. Collagen is a structural protein that plays an important role in setting up a framework of cells and connective tissues. All human bodies require collagen to:
- Repair tissues
- Boost the immune system
- Promote better cell communication
As we get older, collagen production in the body slows down. Alcohol consumption, UV radiation, inadequate sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle can also cause a decrease in the production of collagen. When our body produces less collagen, the skin loses its elasticity, resulting in sagging and fine lines. Besides, low collagen levels also contribute to joint discomfort and bone density deterioration.
Our bodies can produce collagen naturally, but a few of the supplements and foods are available that help us to take collagen such as seafood, broth, berries, capsicum, and chicken.
Add these above-mentioned foods to your diet and keep your skin glowing and shining.
Avoid skin infections
Men usually take it very casually when it comes to taking care of their skin. However, without a proper skincare regimen, they develop the chances of contracting skin infections, combating pimples, and dealing with premature crumples. It is advisable to visit a dermatologist if you experience new moles or spots that itch, bleed, or change appearance frequently as these can even be the early signs of skin cancer.
Know your skin type
Before using any skincare products, it is important to know about your skin type. Men usually have thick and oilier skin than women, and thus are more prone to acne and infections. Always check the labels and ingredients of skincare products before use. For men, it is preferable to use ‘oil-free’ or ‘non-comedogenic’ products which wouldn’t clog their skin pores. For males with sensitive skin, mild or ‘fragrance-free’ products are suggested. Beware of products labelled ‘unscented’ as many of these products contain masking fragrances that can irritate your skin, leaving it dry.
Be consistent
An effective skincare regimen should not be complex or fancy – all a man needs is a couple of good and mild skin care products and consistency.
5-step skincare routine
Cleanse frequently
Since men have thicker, oilier skin, they are more susceptible to acne. Males most often use bar soap which contains harsh ingredients that leave their skin dry. Therefore, it is important to cleanse your skin regularly with a mild facewash and lukewarm water before dust and impurities settle down in your skin pores. Frequently wash your face to get rid of all impurities for a healthier and softer skin experience.
Moisturize daily
Moisturizer is the key to healthy skin, particularly in winter. A moisturiser cream works by trapping water in your skin. Though men’s sebaceous glands produce more oil than women, still there is a need to use moisturisers. This will aid in restoring hydration to the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and forming a protective barrier over the skin, leading your skin to look younger and brighter.
In winter, you can also use an organic moisturiser i.e., coconut oil. Coconut oil is very nutritious for the skin and penetrates easily. For the best results, apply moisturizer or coconut oil on your complete body immediately after bathing, showering, or shaving while the skin is still wet.
Use an after-shave lotion
Persistently dragging a razor on your skin can cause irritation. This can leave your skin with dryness, redness, and razor bumps.
For certain men, multi-blade razors may operate too well or shave too closely to the skin. Use a single or double-blade razor and avoid stretching your skin tight when shaving if you frequently get razor bumps, burns, or ingrown hairs.
Wet your skin and hair to make it softer before shaving. Shave in the direction of the growth of the hair while using moisturising shaving cream. To reduce irritation, rinse your face after each razor stroke, and swap out your blade every five to seven shaves.
It is recommended to use an after-shave balm to soothe your skin and reduce the chances of getting bumpy, grainy skin.
Don’t forget the sunscreen
Men often avoid using sunscreens or lotions no matter what the season is. But did you know when it comes to creating fine lines, wrinkles, ageing spots, and the risk of developing skin cancers, our great enemy is the Sun? Slathering on a bit of sunscreen before going outdoors just takes a few minutes. Wear it every time you step out in the Sun.
Before heading outside, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and lips, even your scalp. This will help prevent UV damage from the Sun. For the best protection, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or perspiring.
In addition to wearing sun-protective apparel like a light, long-sleeved shirt, slacks, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses when appropriate, you can also rescue your skin by finding shade. Pick clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) label for more efficient sun protection.
Combat signs of skin ageing
Although men have more collagen than women as discussed above and they have better chances to look younger because of adequate collagen production in the body, skin ageing often comes with age. But still, you can slow down the ageing process. You don’t need to make much effort for this. Just inculcate a lot of vitamin C in your diet as well as your skincare routine.
If you experience any skin ageing signs, use an under-eye vitamin C gel serum to lessen dark circles, eye bags, puffy eyes, and skin wrinkles. Look younger and brighter for longer just by avoiding ageing signs at the earliest.
Final thoughts
It is a harsh truth that skincare and Indian men do not go hand in hand! However, in this contemporary era, men’s skin also deserves the same care, love, attention, and nutrition as women’s.
If shaving and washing your face with soap is your daily routine, it is time for you to make changes in your hygiene and skincare routine to keep your skin glowing, shining, and healthy.
In addition to adding skincare tips, you should cut down on your fatty foods as some nutrients have a direct impact on the body. Instead, incorporate foods which contain nutrients such as vitamins A, D, C, and many more as the list is endless, into your diet that help improves blood circulation levels.
Moreover, resting adequately and unwinding yourself on a regular basis also soothes your mind and body and thus nourishes the skin.
For better diagnosis and timely treatment, you should always opt for full body checkups as well as skin allergy tests to keep track of your body vitals. If the condition seems to be undiagnosed, you can also go for genetic testing for a detailed and predictive analysis of any medical conditions.
