Men's Skin Care Guide

Men are increasingly inquiring about skin care, as it’s becoming more popular for them to do so. I frequently receive product-related messages on Instagram. Guys have just as many skin concerns as women, I've discovered; they just haven't had a place to express them until now. I frequently advise individuals to begin with the fundamentals and get to understand their skin. Men who are beginners to skincare are prone to purchasing stuff they will never use or overlooking products that'd be excellent for them. My goal has always been to show guys the benefits of skincare, but these days they don't need much persuasion. Males are looking for a beginning point.

The days of men's skincare consisting only of herbal soap and strong aftershave are long gone. In today's urbanised lifestyle, metro areas, and red-eyed deadlines, taking good care of one's skin has become crucial. A men's skincare routine that is simple, well-thought-out, and well-curated is a crucial part of self-care and love.

You might think that getting skincare ideas from Reddit is a deep technical rabbit hole similar to astronomy or neuroscience. If you just obtain your information from your local big box store's men's personal care section, you're probably under the notion that a multi-purpose product can handle everything. The truth of skincare, on the other hand, is something in the middle.

Due to the vast number of product options available, skincare can be overwhelming at best and baffling at worst. Perhaps this is why so many men don't have a skincare routine. They don't want to get into the trouble of figuring it out. Or perhaps they are unconcerned. They, as well as you, should be worried. Good skincare is one of the most powerful weapons we have against the bulk of the problems men experience, such as acne, wrinkles, and even sun damage. In the short and long run, it might make a big difference between someone responding, "Wow, you look great!" and "Oh, are you getting enough sleep?"

Effective skincare requires more than just washing your face with whichever soap you have available and hope for the best. Finding the perfect Products for you takes dedication, consistency, and effort, as well as a healthy regime of trial and error like it does with anything excellent. That's why I'm here; it's a safe setting, and no one wants you to realize the difference between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in a single day.

After all, establishing a skincare routine from scratch just takes a few simple steps, and you'll be amazed at how much of a difference you'll feel after only a few weeks. I'll take you through it all, from beginner to advanced, because when you see your Perfect face after a few weeks of moisturising, you'll never want to go back.

It's time to debunk the myth that men can't take care of their skin. That's why I put together this guide for older men who wish to improve their skincare practises.

If you really want to enhance your skincare routine, this is for you. Don't be intimidated; there's more to it than just buying goods. In the sections below, you'll find enough knowledge to get you started—fine, take your time. You'll get the knack of it eventually and be able to take care of your skin like an expert.

Identify and understand your skin type

You must first assess your skin type as well as any skin diseases you may have before beginning to build your skincare programme (which can change over time). Your skin type will decide the goods and chemicals you'll require. It also has an impact on the non-skincare decisions you make on a regular basis, such as the foods you eat. It's not tough, but for someone new to skincare, it's a good place to start because it may help you determine which products are best for you. Keep in mind that this isn't to mean you can't use products tailored for different skin types; rather, consider it a starting point. 

You should also be conscious of any skin conditions you might have, such as eczema or rosacea, as well as sensitive or acne-prone skin. This could have an effect on your daily skincare regimen.

The most frequent skin types are as follows:

• Normal Skin
• Dry Skin
• Oily Skin
• Combination Skin
• Acne-Prone Skin

• Normal Skin

There aren't many breakouts on your body. Your skin is unaffected by changing products or weather changes. During the day, you don't feel forced to hydrate or blot oil from your face. Your skin is wrinkle-free and smooth, with only a few fine creases and wrinkles.

Our Recommendations: Goya Basics Morning Bliss, BLISCENT Gooseberry & Turmeric Face Toner, Earth Rhythm REVIVE OVERNIGHT GEL WITH 20% PROPOLI

• Dry Skin

Although dehydration and dryness are two separate problems, they share several same symptoms. Here's how to know whether you've got them on your skin: 

Dryness is caused by the lack of moisture in the skin. Some of the symptoms include flakiness, sensitivity, itching, and cracking. It could be the result of a long-term illness or a mix of lifestyle and environmental factors (in the case of eczema or related conditions).

When your skin does not maintain enough moisture, it becomes dehydrated. When squeezed together, your skin may feel tight, appear papery, or show small, fine creases.

Our Recommendations: Amayra Naturals Ghritkumari-Face Hydration Gel, Unsweetened Beauty- Royal Flush Hydration Boost, STEMVEDA Premium Aloe Vera Gel Enriched With Geranium & Frankincense Essential Oils

• Oily Skin

Your skin looks to be glowing at all times. You're undoubtedly familiar with blotting papers. It's possible that skin care products won't always stay put as well as you'd like.

Our Recommendations: ​​Aminu The Microdermabrasion FACE SCRUB, Lacuna LightSkin Balance Glow Tonic, STEMVEDA Premium Aloe Vera Gel Enriched With Holy Basil & Spearmint Essential Oils

• Combination Skin

If you can't seem to figure out which type of skin you have, it's most probably a combination skin. Is your skin dry in some places but greasy in others? Combination skin has an oily T-zone (the band across the forehead and even the line along the nose) and dry or normal skin on the remainder of the face.

Our Recommendations: Ohria Ayurveda Papaya & Yoghurt Facial Cleanser, The Unplugged HydraGlow Face Moisturizer, STEMVEDA Face Oil

• Acne-Prone Skin

You probably have acne-prone skin if you have frequent outbreaks (or ones that never seem to go away). This indicates that your pores clog more easily than other skin types, making you more prone to whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules. Acne can affect people with oily or dry skin.

Our Recommendations:  Earth Rhythm BLEMISH CONTROL CONCENTRATE AZELAIC ACID, Qurez Acne & Sebum Controlling Serum| 5% Lactic Acid & 1% Salicylic Acid, Ohria Ayurveda Rose & Honey Hydrating Gel

Healthy skincare routine for Men

The cornerstone of proper grooming is a healthy skin-care programme. With well-cared-for skin, you'll have fewer breakouts, less irritation and redness, and you'll be less likely to show symptoms of age. If you start doing these things seriously, you'll look better nearly immediately—and age more gracefully for the rest of your life. But the gratification that comes from a daily ritual of self-care is more significant than all of that. It just makes you happy.

This guide will assist you in developing a five-step regimen that will take you five to ten minutes every morning and evening. It's not that difficult once you get started, but if many stages and products seem overwhelming, start with something simple—a drugstore facial cleanser and a cheap hyaluronic acid serum, for example—and see how you get on. (It may go a long way if you're beginning from the ground up!) If you're ready to commit to a true routine, on the other hand, let's get started.

The Steps

You may absolutely make it fancier, but there are just five essential stages to a thorough skin-care routine:

1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Serum
4. Eye Cream
5. Moisturizer

Write it down on a sticky note and post it on your bathroom mirror until it becomes part of the routine, or keep this list on your phone.

Beginner Routine

You've never used, much less purchased, a moisturiser and have never cleaned your face with anything other than hand soap.

Step One: Cleanse

We've been conditioned to expect a dry, squeaky-clean feeling when we think of clean skin, but it's actually a sign that you've over-cleansed, which isn't good. It signifies you've damaged your skin's protective barrier and removed the healthy oils that keep it hydrated. Instead, use a skin-type-specific face cleanser. If you have dry skin, search for a cleanser that contains hydrating components, and if you have oily skin, opt for a gel cleanser that contains oil-controlling compounds like salicylic acid. To get the most out of your cleanser, use it both morning and night.

Our Recommendations: Ma Earth Botanicals- Exfoliating Foaming Almond Face, Earth Rhythm RESTORE CREAM CLEANSER 6 Essential Ceramide Complex Hyaluronic Acid, Himalayan Origins Kapaas Soap Free Rose Face Cleanser

Step Two: Eye Cream

Eye cream is akin to the Swiss army knife of a man's skin-care regimen: it's a simple item that may solve a variety of issues. Do you have dark circles under your eyes? It might be able to assist you in getting rid of them. Late-night rager's puffy bags? It has the ability to send folks packing. Are you starting to notice wrinkles and fine lines on your face? An eye cream can help you maintain a youthful appearance. Because eye skin is thinner than the rest of your face, it requires more concentrated chemicals and is prone to moisture loss. Even if you don't do anything else, start applying an eye cream after cleansing in the morning and evening.

Our Recommendations: Ma Earth Botanicals UNDER-EYE NOURIHING OIL, BLISCENT Pumpkin & Rosehip Under Eye Oil, Qurez Tamanu, Pumpkin & Frankincense Under Eye Roll On

Step Three: Moisturizer

The most common reason I hear men say they don't use moisturiser is that they dislike how it feels on their skin. That is something I understand. Who wants to wake up with a glop all over their cup all day? However, finding a moisturiser that you can tolerate is simple (new lightweight formulas are being released every day), and using one can, at the absolute least, protect your skin from feeling dry, and at the very worst, help it preserve moisture that will keep it looking good for years to come. If you're a beginner, look for words like "lotion" or "gel" on the label instead of "cream." To lock in moisture, apply it after your eye cream.

Our Recommendations: Amayra Naturals - Mango Butter & Grapefruit Face N Body Creme, Aminu The Doting - NUTRIENT DAY CREAM, Ohria Ayurveda Turmeric Butter

Step Three: SPF

The last and most critical step is to wear sunscreen every day, regardless of your skin tone. UV Rays from the sun harm us no matter in what circumstance we are in. It is the leading cause of skin cancer as well as early signs of aging. The most effective anti-ageing product we have is daily sunscreen. But, unlike moisturiser, most guys don't use it because they don't like how it feels. That is no longer an acceptable justification. Look for a sunscreen with skin-hydrating chemicals rather than a moisturiser with a little quantity of SPF. That way, you may layer it over your moisturiser (a little extra hydration never hurt anyone) or use it alone on warmer days.

Our Recommendations: Earth Rhythm SPF 50 - HYBRID SUN FLUID, Qurez Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50, Amayra Naturals Ban The Tan

Intermediate Routine

Congratulations: as an adult, you've figured out how to properly wash your face, and you've even found a moisturising sunscreen that you enjoy applying every day. It's time to progress to the next level.

Step One: Active Exfoliation

Exfoliation is vital because it removes dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of our faces, clogging pores, preventing moisturisers from working properly, and making our skin appear dull. But, before you tell me that exfoliation belongs in the novice group, keep in mind that guys exfoliate every time they shave. As a result, some of us exfoliate on a daily basis without even recognising it. If you're going to exfoliate (which most of us should do once a week), avoid using scrub because it's too abrasive. Instead, search for an exfoliant that contains alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, to gently remove dead skin cells. Use your active exfoliator once or twice a week after cleansing, but before applying the rest of your skincare products.

Our Recommendations: Aminu The Essentials - A-HA FACE WASH, Earth Rhythm Smooth Skin Face Masque, PROJECTEA Matcha Green Tea Revitalizing Face Scrub

Step Two: Serum

Serum would be the wheatgrass shot in your skincare routine if it were a smoothie . Serums are more powerful than regular moisturisers, and they're designed to deliver active ingredients and nutrients to the skin faster and more effectively. The good news is that a serum exists for practically any skin issue. The bad news is that figuring out what you need can be challenging. If you're new to serums, look for one that tackles a variety of conditions: Moisturizing and skin-building ingredients are usually included, which are good for all skin types. It should be used after cleansing and before moisturising twice a day.

Our Recommendations: Qurez JoRo Oil, Aminu The Nectar - RADIANCE FACE OIL, Earth Rhythm VITAMIN E ANTI OXIDANT BARRIER SUPPPORT, ULTRA CONCENTRATED

Step Three: Mask

There are numerous varieties of masks, but they all serve the same purpose: to supplement our daily skincare procedures. They're similar to serums in that they're made up of highly concentrated ingredients and are meant to treat certain skin problems. The best sort of mask for men, especially beginners, is a clay mask. These masks employ clay and mud to wash deep into your pores and remove built-up filth, oil, and debris (deeper than your twice-daily cleansers can reach). Masks, like serums, can do almost anything - exfoliate and moisturise, for example - so whatever you're looking for, there's a mask for it. The bulk of masks are only meant to be worn once or twice a week.

Our Recommendations: Earth Rhythm Smooth Skin Face Masque, Ohria Ayurveda Himalayan Clay Masque, BLISCENT Chocolate & Licorice Face Mask

Expert Routine

There isn't a single dead skin cell to be found, and your pores are spotless. You might even have several serums. You've made it to the big leagues.

Step One: Retinol

Some people mistake retinol for an exfoliant, but it's actually a type of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover (the growth of new skin cells while removing old ones) and fights indications of age. Because it can be harsh on fragile skin, it's a more advanced maneuver, and if you do it, you must wear sunscreen every day (it can make skin more sensitive to light). It can also leave skin flaky, especially when used for the first time, so search for a gentle version with hydrating elements. After washing your skin and before applying any other products, apply your retinol at night.

Our Recommendations: Aminu The Wisest Counselor - BIO-RETINOL CREAM, Earth Rhythm PHYTO-FUSE MULTI-VITAMIN FACE MOISTURISER, Goya Basics After 10

Step Two: Toner

Many people think of toner as a second cleanser, and while it can help remove debris and oil left over from your cleansing process, it's not always necessary. However, the true goal is to get your skin's pH back into balance after cleansing. Toner can be an essential step in keeping your skin clear and shine-free if you have oily skin or struggle with acne; if you have dry skin, it can help restore much-needed moisture. After cleansing, swipe some of it over your face with a cotton pad, or if you don't like cotton pads, use one in a gel form after washing.

Our Recommendations: The Unplugged Toner & Facial Mist, Myra Veda Pure Rose Water, Prakrta- Rose Ek Miracle - Daily Toning Mist

Step Three: Night Cream

Wearing a specific moisturiser at night may seem counterintuitive at first, but your skin is attempting to repair itself while you sleep. Night creams are often extremely moisturising and contain active compounds such as peptides to aid in the regenerative process. Try a night cream with anti-aging retinol or gentle exfoliating acids that work overnight for added value. It's fine to use the same moisturiser day and night, but having a separate night cream is the real pro move.

Our Recommendations: Tvam Night Cream - Anti-Wrinkle Mantra, Aminu The Gleaming - NIGHT REPAIR CREAM, Aarvika Naturals MULTIVITAMIN WITH HYALURONIC ACID CREAM 

Key rules to buying products 

Seek for Active ingredients

This may appear intimidating to some, but it isn't difficult. The active substances in the product you're utilising do the job that the product claims to do. Each product claims to target specific concerns for your skin type, but it's the active chemicals that actually do the work. Of course, the formula, the amount of components utilised, and the quality all play a role. Every ingredient is utilised to address a specific skin problem or to achieve a desired result. Consider it like medicine: you wouldn't take Pepto for a headache, so you discover which elements work best for your skincare concerns at any particular time with skincare.

Antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, green tea, and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) can protect and brighten your skin, while retinol can aid with skin texture, acne, and wrinkles. Using those is unlikely to lead you astray (though retinol can cause sensitivity so always use it at night or with SPF). It is not necessary to learn everything at once, and mistakes are bound to occur. What matters is that you learn about your skin and what it requires.

Read The labels

I recently had a talk with a man who openly acknowledged that he never checks the labels on his products. There's no need to pass judgement, but knowing as much as possible about the goods you're using is beneficial. Labels serve a purpose beyond just describing what a product does or claims to do. It's critical to know the product's shelf life (the small jar symbol with the number inside of it) or whether an element in the product, such as strong perfumes, can irritate your skin. You don't have to guess how often you should use a product because the label tells you. Finally, labels indicate how much of an active component was employed in the product's composition. One thing to keep in mind: the ingredient with the highest content will usually come first on the list. This understanding allows you to make better-informed selections and ensure that you're spending your money on a product that contains active substances rather than filler.

Final takeaways

Although everyone's skin is different, it's never too early to begin a skincare routine. Some people can exhibit evidence of wrinkles and aging as early as their twenties, and everyone should start protecting themselves from the sun as soon as they can.

• Understand your skin type.
• Be mindful of any skin problems you may have.
• Check to see if you're sensitive to any of the substances.
• Find out which active compounds are most effective for your needs.
• Always read the labels on products.
• Products that have passed their printed expiration date should always be discarded.
• To see actual benefits, follow your skincare routine every day and night for 30 days (though you may see results earlier)
• At least once per year, see a dermatologist.
• Be kind to yourself and to your skin.