You’ve got your hands full - working a nine-to-five job, taking care of the kids, doing chores around the home, and you have to bring your part in the kitchen too. With all of this going on, it’s easy to forget just how important it is to take really good care of your skin. If you neglect a skincare routine, then you may end up with premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, at a relatively young age. As a man, you need to realize that your skin is not the same as a woman’s. We’ll help you create a men’s skincare routine that is perfectly suited to your skin.
The Basic Principles of a Streamlined Skincare Routine
Let’s start with some of the most important principles that have to be implemented for a skincare routine that’s streamlined. By streamlined, we mean quick - you don’t have time to put on masks and lie back in the bathtub for half an hour. You want something that won’t take up a lot of time, but it should still do the trick.
1. Keep It Simple
The first thing is to keep it simple. There’s no use in overcomplicating a men’s skincare routine when you have a busy life. Try to find simple solutions that do not require multiple steps or additional tools and devices to work.
2. Multi-Functional Products
It’s also useful to turn to multi-functional products if you’re looking for men’s skincare tips that fit a busy schedule. Some products contain ingredients to combine different types of lotions, creams, or skincare solutions. For example, one moisturizer that targets acne and provides anti-aging benefits at the same time can reduce the effort required to apply all of your skincare products.
3. Consistency Matters
When looking at the principles of a men’s skincare routine, you also have to ensure you implement consistency. You need to create a routine that takes care of your skin in the morning and at night. Then, you have to ensure you follow the steps every day.
Identifying Your Skin Type and Concerns
Before you can start to develop a skincare routine, you first have to identify your requirements. This means determining what type of skin you have and identifying specific concerns that you want to address with your new routine.
1. Quick Self-Assessment for Skin Type
Your skin type matters when it comes to looking at men’s skincare essentials. Start by wiping your face off with a tissue. Wait a while, and then target your t-zone. See if there is more oil that has been building up on your skin.
If you have oily skin, then you’ll likely notice that your skin starts to look greasy throughout the day. People with sensitive skin will often experience a rash and itchiness when they use certain skincare products. If no oil comes off your face after wiping with the tissue for a second time, then you likely have dry skin. With this said, it’s possible to have combination skin too.
2. Common Skincare Concerns for Men
As a man, your facial skin tends to be naturally oilier than a woman’s, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never struggle with dryness. Apart from knowing your skin type, you should also understand what concerns you have. Oily skin is quite common among men [1], but so are acne, sensitivity, wrinkles, and dark circles.
3. Selecting Products for Your Specific Needs
Once you have a greater level of awareness regarding your skin type and concerns, you can use this information to help you pick specific skincare products that are developed to target these needs.
Building Your Streamlined Skincare Routine
Once you know your skin type and the concerns you want to address, it’s time to build a routine and pick up the right products. Let’s take a look at a step-by-step system that you can use.
Step 1: Cleansing in a Flash
Always start with a high-quality cleanser. This is the first step and shouldn’t take too long. A cleanser helps to remove any debris, dead skin cells, and other particles that have been accumulating on the surface of your skin. It also opens up your pores and gets your skin ready for the next step of the skincare routine. Keep your skin needs in mind when choosing a cleanser. An option like the Dermpura cleanser helps to balance your skin, while Rejuvoderm offers a rejuvenation effect.
Step 2: Targeted Treatments
If you have specific concerns with your skin, get a product that offers targeted treatment for the issues you have. For example, the Blackstone Collection Face + Body Mist is a great way to freshen up your skin mid-day, while also taking care of your acne concerns at the same time.
Step 3: Time-Saving Moisturizing
Use a moisturizer that provides a long-acting formula, and that offers protection for your skin. A multipurpose moisturizer can save you a lot of time compared to applying different types of lotions and creams to your face. The Blackstone Collection 24-Hour Moisturizer Cream, for example, offers powerful antioxidants, and anti-aging benefits, and keeps your skin moisturized for the entire day.
Step 4: Eye Cream - A Quick Fix for Tired Eyes
A men’s skincare routine should also include an eye cream, which is something that a lot of men overlook. The skin around your eyes is very delicate and should be treated with care. An eye cream helps to address specific problems that often affect this area of skin, without being harsh or irritating. With an option like the Blackstone Collection Daily Pick-Up Eye Cream, you can revitalize the skin around your eyes and reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines.
Skincare Hacks for Busy Men
There are even more ways that you can keep things simple, but still take good care of your skin. Apart from not touching your face regularly, which is a seemingly common problem [2] among the general population, let’s take a look at a couple of extra skincare hacks that you should consider using in your daily life.
1. Overnight Treatments: Maximizing Sleep Time
Before you get into bed and call it a day, consider using your sleep as a way of improving your skin health too. This can be part of your men’s night skincare routine. There are several ways that you can maximize the benefits of your skincare routine by taking advantage of your sleep time. A serum or overnight mask, for example, can work throughout the night while you sleep. You simply get up and rinse it off the next morning.
2. Quick Refresh: Energizing Your Skin Mid-Day
If you find that your skin feels dull during the day or you’re struggling with dryness, simply use a face mist. This type of spray solution can help to add more hydration to your skin without making your face appear oily. Facial wipes can also come in handy when you are dealing with oily skin.
3. Grooming and Skincare Integration
Integrating your new skincare routine with your grooming habits can also be a good idea. This way, you don’t have to set aside two separate times for each of these routines. This type of integration can be used in different ways. For example, apply a mask to your face before you wash your hair. By the time your hair is done, you can remove the mask from your face. After shaving your beard, integrate your skincare routine by cleansing and applying a toner.
FAQ
Why do men need a skincare routine?
Your face naturally produces sebum throughout the day. Dirt, debris, bacteria, and several other particles can also collect on your face, alongside the sebum. Taking care of your skin helps to remove these particles, prevent acne, and can ensure your skin looks good, even as you age.
What are the benefits of using a moisturizer in a men’s skincare routine?
A moisturizer can help to retain moisture and improve hydration in your skin. Some moisturizers also help by creating a protective layer that protects against environmental factors, such as pollution and UV exposure.
Can outdoor activities and sports affect the choice of skincare products for men?
Yes, men who participate in these activities tend to be exposed to the sun more often. This means they need to look for skincare products that offer UV protection (SPF) to wear during the day.
Conclusion
A men’s skincare routine doesn't have to feel like a hassle. Start by recognizing your skin type and make sure you also address any specific skin concerns you have when choosing the products to use. Take advantage of multipurpose formulas and keep things simple to ensure you stay on track with the routine.
References
1] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605215/
2] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7350942/
Dr. Ahmed Zayad
Dr. Zayed, has years of experience in the field and has been contributing to public health awareness. Dr. Ahmed Zayed holds a baccalaureate of Medicine and Surgery. Egypt. Dr. Zayed believes in providing knowledgeable information to readers. His articles were featured on many websites like HuffingtonPost, Chicagotribune . Other than his passion for writing, Dr. Zayed spends his time outside the hospital, either reading or at the gym.
