With each passing year the skin care market for men is growing. What was once a minuscule section of aftershaves has turned into row after row of cobalt blue and gunmetal color packaging with bold type faces. So how do you choose what products are worth it and how do you break through the hype?
Men’s Needs can Differ
There are several common issues men deal with regards to their skin:
Oil and Acne: Sebum, the oily skin lubricant, is produced within the follicle. Because guys have more hair on their face, they subsequently can produce more oil. Men are more likely to participate in physical work that causes more sweat. If skin is not properly washed or there is lax approach to hygiene, bacteria and oil get trapped within the follicle leading to breakouts. Generally men do not see a reason to be as nit picky as women. Before you know it, you are in the gym on the treadmill, you have taken your germ-covered hand to wipe the sweat from your brow and have deposited bacteria directly into your dilated pores. Oh and that beanie or baseball cap you have been wearing for years? Yes it is the reason you have pimples across your forehead and hairline.
Folliculitis: This is a bacteria infection within the follicle. It is characterized by whitehead pustules around the hair accompanied by inflammation and can be painful. Severe cases are treated by a dermatologist, with the use of antibiotic or anti-fungal/ yeast medication. Folliculitis has a lesser evil but never the less annoying little brother, pseudofolliculitis, you know this as razor rash or razor bumps. This occurs when facial hairs start to grow curled into the skin due to shaving. It has the appearance of red bumps and ingrown hairs. Changing you shaving technique can eliminate this problem.
Dry Skin/Dehydrated Skin: Skin that is dry and tight can be genetic or environmental. Some people naturally have dry skin but many other factors can contribute to this issue. If while taking a nearly scalding hot shower, you are choosing to use a certain overly scented green bar of soap on your face, then it is no wonder upon toweling off that your face feels so tight and uncomfortable. Bad habits such as over exposure to the sun and smoking will also dry out the skin.
After 8 years in the skin care industry this is what I have learned about men:
They cannot be bothered by having to deal with far to many products or too many multiple steps.
Men are more likely over women to discontinue the use of a product solely because they do not like the feel or scent of it.
Contrary to the two points I just touched on, I embrace men as an important part of my clientele because men are more likely to be consistent when following an estheticians instructions. They are some of my most loyal client base and like to adhere to a consistent schedule; this same mindset can overlap into grooming and skin care.
If you are a guy interested in starting a skin care routine or you are trying to get your man into skin care, here are a few key pointers:
Keep it simple and multitask. I would start with only two products, a cleanser and a moisturizer. A cleanser needs to not only remove surface oil but help exfoliate, so choose something that contains AHAs, BHAs or a gentle physical exfoliant. Please stay away from cleansers that have large grit to them. Men tend to be overly rough and excessive scrubbing can lead to, or aggravate an existing condition. The moisturizer should be soothing enough for use post shaving but also contain a broad spectrum SPF.
While “For Men” products are formulated to be more quickly absorbing and to have a more attractive packaging, don’t discount the effectiveness of other products. If you have been secretly using your wife’s facial wash in the shower and you love it, don’t stop!
My Recommendations for Shaving:
Shave after you shower and not before. While in the shower the moisture softens the hair leading to an easier shave.
If you consistently have sensitivity to shaving, shave with the hair growth, not against the grain. An electric razor is another option for sensitive skin types.
Razors with five blades may be a bit much. While for some it is the closest shave they can get, other guys find that the friction caused by multiple blades can lead to irritation.
My Favorites for Men willing to go Beyond Just a Basic Cleanse:
FOREO Luna for Men- Whether you have sensitive skin or you are a gadget guru, this device preps the skin for shaving, helping you get a closer shave and with less razor burn. It takes the place of an exfoliant wash. Exfoliated skin appears more even in tone. It is less likely to have clogged pores and more easily absorbs moisturizers and aftershaves.
Turo skin Daily Moisturizing Lotion + SPF 15- This lotion is a true multi-tasker. It sooths and moisturizes the skin post shaving all while protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum- This anti-aging serum is in an easy to use roller-ball style pen applicator. The roller-ball remains cool to the touch to help sooth eyes. Caffeine reduces puffiness and tightens the skin making you appear more awake and ready to take on the day.
While getting some guys to even wash their face is a gigantic task, others are willing to follow some sort of skin care regiment. The bottom line with men is there cannot be major time and money invested to only yield unnoticeable results.
Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!
Men’s Needs can Differ
There are several common issues men deal with regards to their skin:
Oil and Acne: Sebum, the oily skin lubricant, is produced within the follicle. Because guys have more hair on their face, they subsequently can produce more oil. Men are more likely to participate in physical work that causes more sweat. If skin is not properly washed or there is lax approach to hygiene, bacteria and oil get trapped within the follicle leading to breakouts. Generally men do not see a reason to be as nit picky as women. Before you know it, you are in the gym on the treadmill, you have taken your germ-covered hand to wipe the sweat from your brow and have deposited bacteria directly into your dilated pores. Oh and that beanie or baseball cap you have been wearing for years? Yes it is the reason you have pimples across your forehead and hairline.
Folliculitis: This is a bacteria infection within the follicle. It is characterized by whitehead pustules around the hair accompanied by inflammation and can be painful. Severe cases are treated by a dermatologist, with the use of antibiotic or anti-fungal/ yeast medication. Folliculitis has a lesser evil but never the less annoying little brother, pseudofolliculitis, you know this as razor rash or razor bumps. This occurs when facial hairs start to grow curled into the skin due to shaving. It has the appearance of red bumps and ingrown hairs. Changing you shaving technique can eliminate this problem.
Dry Skin/Dehydrated Skin: Skin that is dry and tight can be genetic or environmental. Some people naturally have dry skin but many other factors can contribute to this issue. If while taking a nearly scalding hot shower, you are choosing to use a certain overly scented green bar of soap on your face, then it is no wonder upon toweling off that your face feels so tight and uncomfortable. Bad habits such as over exposure to the sun and smoking will also dry out the skin.
After 8 years in the skin care industry this is what I have learned about men:
They cannot be bothered by having to deal with far to many products or too many multiple steps.
Men are more likely over women to discontinue the use of a product solely because they do not like the feel or scent of it.
Contrary to the two points I just touched on, I embrace men as an important part of my clientele because men are more likely to be consistent when following an estheticians instructions. They are some of my most loyal client base and like to adhere to a consistent schedule; this same mindset can overlap into grooming and skin care.
If you are a guy interested in starting a skin care routine or you are trying to get your man into skin care, here are a few key pointers:
Keep it simple and multitask. I would start with only two products, a cleanser and a moisturizer. A cleanser needs to not only remove surface oil but help exfoliate, so choose something that contains AHAs, BHAs or a gentle physical exfoliant. Please stay away from cleansers that have large grit to them. Men tend to be overly rough and excessive scrubbing can lead to, or aggravate an existing condition. The moisturizer should be soothing enough for use post shaving but also contain a broad spectrum SPF.
While “For Men” products are formulated to be more quickly absorbing and to have a more attractive packaging, don’t discount the effectiveness of other products. If you have been secretly using your wife’s facial wash in the shower and you love it, don’t stop!
My Recommendations for Shaving:
Shave after you shower and not before. While in the shower the moisture softens the hair leading to an easier shave.
If you consistently have sensitivity to shaving, shave with the hair growth, not against the grain. An electric razor is another option for sensitive skin types.
Razors with five blades may be a bit much. While for some it is the closest shave they can get, other guys find that the friction caused by multiple blades can lead to irritation.
My Favorites for Men willing to go Beyond Just a Basic Cleanse:
Turo skin Daily Moisturizing Lotion + SPF 15- This lotion is a true multi-tasker. It sooths and moisturizes the skin post shaving all while protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum- This anti-aging serum is in an easy to use roller-ball style pen applicator. The roller-ball remains cool to the touch to help sooth eyes. Caffeine reduces puffiness and tightens the skin making you appear more awake and ready to take on the day.
While getting some guys to even wash their face is a gigantic task, others are willing to follow some sort of skin care regiment. The bottom line with men is there cannot be major time and money invested to only yield unnoticeable results.
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!