Do men have skin care needs? Yes, men have skin care needs just as much as women do! There was a time when skin care was considered  to be something that only women were interested in,  but that's not the case anymore. With the increasing awareness and a significant shift in attitude, more men have started taking skin care seriously. 

Whether you're a skin care beginner or a seasoned pro, this blog will help you learn all about the unique skin care needs of men, and tips for developing a skin care routine that works for you. So, let's dive in!

It’s no secret that men’s skin is different from women's skin in a number of ways. And while skin care basics are the same for men and women (yep you got it, wash your face and sunscreen everyday), there are some differences. Men's skin is typically thicker and oilier than women's skin, which is why men often have a rougher texture to their skin and larger pores that are prone to clogging. All these factors make it important for men to have a skin care routine that caters to their specific needs. 

Let's start with the basics for men:

For the minimalist at heart, a simple routine will do! In the morning, wash your face with a gentle cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. For example, If you have more acne prone skin, pick a cleanser formulated for acne prone skin with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Make sure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 afterwards. Now there are some areas men need to apply sunscreen that can be forgotten. Men with short hair should apply sunscreen on their ears, back of their neck, and scalp if balding. Sorry guys, a baseball cap won't do as it still leaves your ears, sides of the face, and back of your neck exposed to the sun. Consider using a sport sunscreen which won't run in your eyes when you sweat throughout the day. 

Shaving may seem like a simple task but it can definitely be a point of contention for men. Here are some tips to help prevent those uncomfortable razor bumps:- 

1. Shave after showering or letting skin get damp and wet. This helps soften the skin and hair follicles making it easier to shave and remove the hair.
2. Apply a shaving cream in a circular motion to coat the hairs for easier removal. 
3. Use a clean and new(ish) razor. Pro tip: don't store it in the shower as bacteria can grow in damp warm areas.
4. Apply a moisturizer after shaving to seal in moisture and hydrate the skin. 
5. Avoid alcohol based aftershaves as this can irritate and dry out the skin.

While it can be easy to get swayed into buying various skin care products, remember that a minimalist skin care routine is not only less overwhelming but also more sustainable in the long run!

 Check out my latest podcast episode where I discuss all about men's unique skin care needs and how you can incorporate simple, sustainable steps into your daily skin care routine.

New podcast episodes are released every Tuesday.