Men have long established that they believe in “less is more” when it comes to skincare. However today, due to the alarming pollution levels, sun exposure and sometimes even occupational skin hazards have prompted men to give proper skincare routine a chance. Now as the weather warms up and harmful sun rays penetrate more deeply into the skin, it calls for the need for some quick summer skincare tips for men
Men’s skincare tips are essential to understand and implement in order to ward off all the unnecessary skin problems that arise in summer. These skin issues may include acne breakouts, heat boils, irritated skin, prickly heat rashes, Melasma, and sunburn among others. However, before you move on to understanding these skincare tips, you need to identify your skin type – normal, sensitive, dry, oily, or combination – so it’s easier to select the right skincare products and the perfect routine. You can perform a patch test on your face or forearm to identify your skin type.
Now that you know your skin type, let’s take a look at some important skincare tips for men which will keep all the summer skin problems at bay.
Depending on your skin type, choose products that are oil-free (dry skin), non-comedogenic (acne-prone skin), and mild & fragrance-free (sensitive skin).
Wash your face daily with lukewarm water and a mild face wash or cleanser.
Apply moisturizer to your face and body immediately after showering or shaving while the skin is still damp to lock in moisture and avoid any dry skin issues.
Check your skin regularly for any new spots or moles that either itch, bleed, or even change colour. If you notice anything suspicious, make an appointment to see a dermatologist immediately.
Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher sunscreen to all exposed areas of the skin, including ears, neck and face, and reapply every two hours.
Elaborating on these skincare tips for men, it will be easier to form a skincare routine that works best for every individual.
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- Choose the right products with the right ingredients
As mentioned earlier, choosing the right product depends on identifying and understanding your skin type. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, an oil-free cleanser and moisturizer will be best for your skin. Similarly, if you have sensitive skin avoid products with harsh chemicals or even fragrances as they can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated. Instead, use gentle soaps and moisturizers that keep your skin hydrated.
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- Wash your face with mild soap or cleanser
After your wake up or even during your bath, wash your face with soap or face wash that is gentle on the skin. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, no matter what your skin type. And always use lukewarm water to wash your face.
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- Moisturise on a daily basis
A moisturizer traps water in your skin thus keeping it hydrated and helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines. To get the best results, you need to apply moisturizer to your face and body right after your bath, when your skin is still slightly damp.
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- Examine your skin regularly
Check your skin regularly for any new moles or spots that may itch, bleed, or even change color. These are usually early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice anything that looks suspicious, see a dermatologist immediately. Some studies suggest that men over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma which happens to be the deadliest form of skin cancer than the general population. Therefore, if caught early, it is treatable. So, lookout for any signs and consult a dermatologist if you find any.
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- Wear sunscreen, indoors and outdoors
Overexposure of skin to harmful sun rays can cause irreparable damage to the skin. Therefore, avoid stepping outside without wearing sunscreen which is at least SPF 30 or higher, is broad-spectrum, and water-resistant. It helps prevent skin issues such as age spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer to a certain extent. Remember to reapply every two hours. Also, when indoors, especially if you’re working in front of a screen, the infrared rays emitted from the screen can cause skin damage too. So apply sunscreen even when you are indoors but you may not necessarily have to reapply it every two hours unless you have stepped outside your house.
Taking care of your skin, especially in summers, is essential due to multitude of skin issues that may arise if you don’t. It is important to know that skin problems occur irrespective of gender, therefore skincare should be given priority, whether you’re a woman or a man. Setting up a proper skincare routine works in your favour and gives you ample time to do other things that you had planned for the day. Hope these skincare tips give all the men a kick-start to great skin.
