Best Skin Care Routine For Men
Whether you’re a man or a woman, skin is just skin, right? It is our first line of defense against toxins and harmful pollutants, and it regulates body temperature and manages the amount of water and electrolytes coming in. It performs the same functions for everyone.
And yet there are some key differences between women’s skin and men’s skin – enough that men should consider following a skin care routine and use products formulated specially for them.
“Men’s skin is about 25% thicker than a woman’s and has higher collagen density in their skin”
Is Men’s Skin Really Different?
So, what is the difference between men’s and women’s skin?
“Men’s skin is about 25% thicker than a woman’s and has higher collagen density in their skin,“ says Alana Henrikson, Eminence Organics Product Support Representative. That said, nature has not been completely unfair to the “fairer sex”: Collagen levels do go down for men as they get older too, but it does so at a constant rate. In comparison, women’s collagen levels remain steady and then suddenly plummet after menopause.
“These are a couple of the reasons why men tend to age more slowly or the changes may not be as noticeable,” says Alana. Men also sweat more than women, and their skin has more sebum because of testosterone. Excess sebum makes men more prone to oily, shiny skin, large pores and acne. Lastly, shaving brings with it a whole set of problems women don’t have to face, like irritation, inflammation and, sometimes, infection. Men are also more likely to develop rosacea, which makes blood vessels visible on the surface of the skin, causing redness.
A Simple Skin Care Routine For Men
So, what kinds of skin care products and daily regimen are best suited to men? Like women, men need to do all the basics: cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing, eye care and sun protection. Everyday skin care should also include a variety of more potent serums, concentrates and oils that double down on specific skin care benefits. And a facial mask once a week reinforces the good work your everyday routine is doing on your skin even more.
Cleansing:
Stone Crop Gel Wash is a gentle cleanser that works for all skin types. Infused with stone crop and shea butter, it washes away impurities without over-stripping your skin. For those with normal to oily skin, our Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser is loaded with charcoal, malachite gemstones and blue matcha. Rich in antioxidants, this gel lather unclogs and deep cleans pores.
Toning:
In the morning, follow up cleansing with a healthy spritz of Stone Crop Hydrating Mist. Oilier complexions would do well with some Lime Refresh Tonique. Lime juice, green tea and lavender minimize the appearance of pores, heal dry skin and restore moisture.
Exfoliation:
If it’s nighttime, then exfoliation comes after cleansing. Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™ deploys microgreens, stone crop and rice flour to de-gunk clogged pores and protect against the aging effects of environmental stressors. Simply add water to see it transform from powder to foam.
Eye Care:
Reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes requires daily doses of Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum. Neroli oil, coconut water and green apple stem cell technology are designed for the eye area’s especially delicate skin. The Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream is going to help you with dark undereye circles. This formula uses naturally derived plant peptides and innovative algae extract to visibly improve the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness, as well as give your delicate undereye skin some hydration.
Boosters Before Moisturizing:
A dollop of Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum firms and plumps the appearance of skin, and reduces the look of redness and inflammation.
A thin layer of our Bamboo Firming Fluid’s deeply hydrating coconut, bamboo and Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells delivers tauter, tighter, younger-looking skin.
For intense hydration and protection, the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil contains jojoba, rosehip and sea buckthorn oil to help fight the signs of aging, smooth out wrinkles and hydrate deeply.
Moisturizing:
More men are realizing how essential moisturizing is for maintaining skin health. The trick is finding the right moisturizer for your skin type. For those with normal to oily skin, Stone Crop Hydrating Gel should be their go-to moisturizer. Those whose skin errs on the dry side can try the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer or the lightweight Rosehip & Lemongrass Soothing Hydrator for Face & Body. Rosemary and rosehip repair dry skin and redness while menthol and camphor provide a cooling sensation that feels nice after shaving.
Sun Care:
Before heading out for your day, finish off with Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30. Sporty types like its non-greasy texture and water resistance, which stays protective even if you perspire.
Weekly Face Mask:
Enhance the effectiveness of your daily skin care routine with a once-a-week face mask. Just emulsify a small quantity of the mask with a few drops of water, apply it to your face, and leave on for 5-10 minutes before washing off.
Again, your skin type determines which one is best. For normal skin types, our Allure 2020 Best of Beauty Award Winner, the Eight Greens Phyto Masque - Hot, is your best bet. Men with dry skin should try our Bamboo Age Corrective Masque, while those with tricky combination skin that’s both oily and dry should use the Balancing Masque Duo. Its deep-cleaning, pore-refining Charcoal T-Zone Purifier draws oil, dirt and bacteria right out of your skin.
Want to learn more?
Make an appointment at our locations in MA and RI for a free virtual or in-person consultation and find out more about product recommendations and available treatments.