if you get your information about skincare from Reddit, you may believe that it's a mysterious branch of study similar to neurology or astrophysics. If all of your information comes from the men's personal care section of your neighbourhood big-box store, you most likely believe that one multipurpose product (so long as it contains charcoal) can solve all of your problems. However, the truth about skincare is in the middle.
The sheer number of products available makes skincare, at best, intimidating and, at worst, perplexing. Perhaps this is the reason so many men don't really have a skincare regimen—they don't want to make the time or effort to figure it out. Or perhaps they are indifferent. You should care about them as well. Maintaining proper skincare is one of the most effective weapons we have against the majority of common facial problems that men encounter, like wrinkles, acne, and even sun damage. Furthermore, it might make the difference between someone responding, "Wow, you look great!" and, "Oh, have you been getting enough sleep?" in the short and long terms.
It takes more than merely cleaning your face with whatever soap you happen to have on hand and crossing your fingers for effective skincare. Like anything important, it requires care, attention, dedication, and a good dose of trial and error until you find the things that work best for you. I'm here for a reason; nobody here is expecting you to become an expert on the differences between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide over night. This is a safe place.
Nevertheless, starting from scratch with a skincare routine only requires a few easy steps, and you'll be shocked at how much of a difference you notice in just a few weeks of consistent use. I'll cover everything here, from beginner to expert, because you probably won't want to go back after you see your face after using moisturiser for a few weeks.
Beginner
You've never used or purchased a moisturiser, and you've only ever cleaned your face with hand soap.
- Step 1: Facial Cleanser
Use a facial cleanser first. We've been trained to associate clean skin with being dry and oily, but that actually indicates that you've over-cleaned, which is not good. It indicates that you have removed the healthy oils that keep your skin hydrated and have damaged the protective layer of your skin. Use a face cleanser made specifically for your skin type instead. Choose a cleanser with moisturising components if your skin is dry, and choose a gel cleanser with oil-controlling compounds like salicylic acid if your face is oily. For optimal effects, use your cleanser both morning and night.
- Step 2: Eye Cream
Eye cream is a basic tool that may solve a wide range of issues, much like the Swiss army knife of a man's skin care regimen. shadowy circles? It might aid in their removal. Bloated sacks after a late-night binge? That's capable of sending those packing. Are fine lines and wrinkles beginning to appear? Using eye cream might help you seem young. Because the skin around your eyes is thinner than the rest of your face, it requires more concentrated chemicals and is prone to rapid and easy moisture loss. Even if you don't do anything else, apply an eye cream every morning and evening after cleansing (although you should do other stuff too, so continue on).
- Step 3 : Moisturizer
The main excuse I hear from guys is that they dislike the way moisturiser feels on their skin. I understand that. Who like having glop all over their cup during the day? Finding a moisturiser that works for you is simple, though, as more and more lightweight formulas are being released daily. Using a moisturiser will, at the absolute least, prevent dryness in your skin and, at best, help it retain moisture so that it looks great for years to come. If you're a novice, look for terms like "lotion" or "gel" on the label rather than "cream." Apply it subsequent to your eye cream to seal in moisture.
- Step 4: SPF
The most crucial step is the last one: daily use of sunscreen is required, regardless of skin tone. Really? Unless we are vampires or reclusive, we all spend our days in the sun, which emits UV rays that not only cause skin cancer but also contribute significantly to the ageing of our skin. Using sunscreen every day is the best anti-aging product available. However, most men don't use it in place of moisturiser. It's no longer a valid justification. Search for a sunscreen with skin-hydrating chemicals rather than a moisturiser with a low SPF. In this manner, you can wear it alone sometimes—during a hot day, for example—or over your moisturiser (more moisture never hurt anyone).
Intermediate
Congratulations! You've mastered the art of adult face washing, and you've even discovered a moisturising sunscreen that you enjoy using on a daily basis. It's time to advance to the subsequent phase.
- Step 1: Exfoliation
Frequent exfoliation is essential because it removes dead skin cells that accumulate on the face's surface and can clog pores, impair the effectiveness of moisturisers, and leave your skin looking lifeless. Men exfoliate every time they shave, so hear me out before you tell me that exfoliation should only be used by beginners. That implies that some of us exfoliate without even realising it once a day. Scrubs can be overly harsh, so avoid using them if you intend to exfoliate. Rather, search for an exfoliant that has alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, as they will more gently remove dead cells. Once or twice a week, use your chemical exfoliant following cleansing but before applying your other products.
- Step 2: Serum
Serum, or any other booster—I don't know what your life is all about—would be the wheatgrass shot in your skincare regimen if it were a smoothie. Serums are designed to deliver active elements and nutrients faster and more efficiently than your average moisturiser since they are stronger. The good news is that there is a serum for every skin issue. The bad news is that determining your needs might be challenging. If you're new to the world of serums, seek out ones that cover a range of problems: They often include skin-beneficial, moisturising, and skin-building substances. Apply it twice daily, one time after cleansing and once before moisturising.
- Step 3: Mask
Although there are countless varieties of masks, they are all intended to be used in addition to our regular skincare regimens. They work on particular skin issues and deliver components that are more concentrated than serums. Clay masks are the greatest kind for males, especially those who are just starting out. These masks use substances like clay and mud to eliminate built-up filth, oil, and debris from your pores, cleaning deeper than your twice-daily cleanser can. Similar to serums, masks may be found that do a wide range of tasks, such as hydrating and exfoliating, so there's bound to be one that fits the goal you have in mind. It is recommended to use most masks once or twice a week.
Advanced
Not a dead skin cell can be seen, and your pores are immaculate. You may even be using more than one serum. Greetings from the major leagues.
- Step1: Retinol
Retinol, a type of vitamin A that promotes cell turnover—the production of new skin cells and the removal of old ones—and combats the effects of ageing is sometimes mistaken for an exfoliant. It's an advanced move because sunscreen must be applied every day if you wear it because it can be harsh on sensitive skin. Additionally, especially in the beginning, it might cause skin to become flaky; therefore, opt for a mild version that also contains moisturising components. After washing your face at night and before putting on makeup, apply your retinol.
- Step 2: Toner
Toners are often thought of as second cleansers, and in certain cases, they can aid in removing residue and oil from your initial washing process. However, the actual goal is to restore your skin's pH equilibrium after cleansing. Toners can be a crucial step in maintaining clear, shine-free skin if you have oily or acne-prone skin, and they can help replenish much-needed moisture if you have dry skin. After cleansing, apply a small amount to your face using a cotton pad, or use a cotton pad in gel form if you're not a fan of cotton pads.
- Step 3: Night Cream
It can seem strange at first to use a specialty moisturiser at night, but your skin is actually working to repair itself as you sleep. Typically, night creams are incredibly moisturising and include particular active ingredients, such as peptides, to aid in the process of regeneration. Try a night cream with gentle exfoliating acids or anti-aging retinol that works overnight for further benefits. It's acceptable to use the same moisturiser during the day and at night, but the smart strategy is to use a different lotion at night.
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