Skincare has long been thought of as a feminine concern – but now, as gender boundaries break down and we all begin to appreciate looking after our looks, men everywhere are waking up to the possibilities! Washes, serums, creams, toners and oils are not just for the women in your life, they’re there for you too. There’s no reason why you can’t also enjoy the benefits of a good skincare routine! But while we all want to look energised, vibrant and youthfully vigorous, men’s skin does differ from women’s. It’s important, therefore, to think about this before picking up a jar from a shelf.
How Is A Man’s Skin Different?
Interestingly, there are many qualities that differ between men and women in terms of skin. Aside from the simple ability to grow facial hair, and rock any look from stubble to a full beard, there are structural variations that present different needs. It’s a good idea to consider these differences before you begin helping yourself to anyone’s products!
- Thickness. As skin ages it naturally thins, resulting in far more visible signs of ageing. This can vary enormously from individual to individual. Higher amounts of testosterone, however, result in a man’s skin being around 25% thicker than a woman’s of the same age. However, men’s skin gradually gets thinner on a continual basis throughout their lives, and when wrinkles do appear, they are likely to express themselves as thick grooves rather than fine lines. Women’s, on the other hand, remains stable until around the age of fifty.
- Collagen Density. This structural protein complex is found in many parts of our bodies, offering skin significant strength. At any age, men have a higher amount of collagen relative to the thickness of their skin, which has been associated with a more youthful look. However, as with skin thickness, men lose collagen at the same rate throughout their lives, while women go through more ups and downs.
- Texture. Superficially, men’s skin can be seen to be rougher and less soft, as the outermost layer of skin is thicker. Simultaneously, adult men have larger and more active sebaceous glands, which leads to higher amounts of oil, generally more sweating and larger, more open and visible pores. Higher amounts of lactic acid in sweat is responsible for longer-lasting acne and build-ups of impurities.
- Skin Stressors. While these might not be innate concerns, there are some unique external influences that male skin goes through. Shaving puts skin through a lot: the average man who shaves does so sixteen thousand times in his life. This makes skin far more sensitive and reactive, removing the uppermost layer and exposing cells that are technically premature. Nicks, razor burns and ingrown hairs can also result. Men are also less likely to wear sun protection, leading to premature ageing.
What About Facial Cleanser For Men?
For every single person, a face wash is absolutely essential. It’s tempting just to reach for your regular shower gel or a standard bar of soap, but if you want to look your best, there are many options that work just for facial skin. At the same time, men’s facial skin has a tendency toward both oiliness, for genetic and hormonal reasons, and sensitivity due to ongoing facial shaving. You want to look for a wash that thoroughly cleanses, without aggravating and leading to redness.
There are many botanical factors to be found in nature, that can help to cleanse your skin of sebum. Sage is renowned for it’s purifying qualities, while Soapberry was named exactly for its traits! Additionally, other natural ingredients can be incorporated, to give you an enlived expression. These include energising Ginseng! If you’re concerned by blemishes or pore size, Tea Tree Oil works brilliantly against unwanted microbes, while herbal astringents like Witch Hazel will tighten them right up. If you do have dry skin, look for a wash created with natural hydrators like Aloe Vera or Shea Butter.
Whatever you’re using in the shower is part of your skincare routine, too! Don’t just reach for a basic bar of soap when there are so many alternatives. The right shower gel will be packed with skin-loving factors, so that you look, feel and smell fresh! Lavender is sure to relax you at the end of the day, while citrusy ingredients will put a spring in your step. Many natural ingredients are innately rich in vitamins, that will help you to enjoy a glowing body from top to toe.
How About Moisturisation?
Men’s skin does have a tendency toward being more hydrated, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t still need the occasional top-up! At the same time, external stressors to both body and facial skin can strip moisture away. And essentially dry skin does occur in men too, and is no more attractive than it is on a woman.
Still, if you do want to start regularly using a moisturiser, it’s a good idea to consider your skin’s essential nature. Especially as your skin is essentially oilier, lighter applications that are more lotiony than creamy are a smart move. Aloe Vera is an especially potent, time revered addition. Not only does it add hydration, it also refreshes, cools and cleanses. Jojoba Oil has a powerful affinity with human sebum. This makes it incredibly easy to absorb, so that you’re not left with any unwanted residue. Coconut Oil and Shea Butter also make fantastic additions to a man’s moisturiser.
If you think these might be a bit heavy, there are many super-light serums out there for you to try. These can work to address many individual needs, but overall are great for achieving sexy softness. Moroccan Argan Oil smooths, soothes and nourishes with a near invisible touch that certainly won’t be too heavy. Serums also often blend several factors together into a satisfying, enjoyable to use product, that will be suitable for your skin whilst offering many benefits. If you find the right one for you, you’re sure to reach for it again and again!
How About Anti Ageing For Men?
Due to essential structural differences, men do age differently to women. Not only is the process more continually consistent over a lifetime, but due to thicker skin, any creases that do occur are likely to be deeper and more prominent, even if they’re fewer. While once upon a time it was women alone who were expected to prize the appearance of youth, now men too want to enjoy a fresh, vigorous look into their later years!
Have you thought about investing in a good eye cream? The eyes are the first place most people look, and we all know how important eye contact is to making connections and exuding a confident aura. Dark circles, wrinkles and saggy skin can occur to anyone, and can make something of a dent in our charisma. Eye creams combine factors, such as toning Coffee, Cardamom, Lemongrass and Bay Leaf, to help firm up that area. Mineral extracts can reflect light away from dark circles, while Wheat proteins can bolster skin and restore its innate fortitude.
Wrinkles might develop differently, but men are no less concerned by them! They might add a craggy attractiveness to Daniel Craig, but most men will understandably want a lifted, smoothed effect. A good anti ageing cream can help address all manner of visible ageing signs, from skin that needs tightening up to fine and thick lines. Look for naturally derived products that can help to restore skin with lost nutrients, rather than chemically based formulations that might cause more harm in the long run.
Can I Re-Energise My Skin?
There might be a certain something lacking… that you just can’t pin down! A dull, flat complexion might leave you fading from notice in both personal and professional circles, and as its so seemingly intangible, you might imagine it can’t be addressed. But you’d be wrong! There are so many natural factors out there that can restore an energised, vital look. Just establishing the basics can bring your skin back to a certain point of vital, healthy attractiveness, as dead skin is purged and moisturised bounciness is restored.
If you’re eager to enjoy greater life in your expressions, the next step is to look at slightly more specialised products. A face scrub can revitalise and stimulate circulation, for a renewed appearance. Special face creams are now being created with skin-boosting botanicals at the heart. These include famed Ginkgo, clearly understood to stimulate and refresh. Vitamins like B, C and A are not just important dietary elements, they can also make an important contribution to your skincare routine. These can work in harmony to give skin the wake-up call it needs, so that you’ll look like you’re ready to jump into action!
The world of skincare is no longer just a woman’s domain – now it’s catering to your needs, too! You don’t need to just accept what nature has already given you, when botanical secrets are ready and waiting for discovery.
Grace Thiele 