With hundreds of skincare products available to men, it can be difficult finding ones that actually deliver the results you want and need. We’re here to help you make the right choices for your skin’s sake. Follow these tips to look and feel your best – ever.
Figuring out your skin type
The most important step to picking the best products is determining your skin type. Once you figure that out, you can look for products that target your specific type. Here’s a brief guide to skin types:
Dry skin: This skin type is often itchy, flaky and tight. If you have dry skin, you should stick to products that have strong hydrating ingredients like allantoin and aloe. Also, you may be tempted to pile on moisturizer to combat dryness, but a light men’s moisturizer will do the job just fine. For more moisturizer advice, check out “Men’s Moisturizer Tips.”
Oily skin: This skin type has a greasy look and feels slick – you’re likely to have bigger pores. A big downside to this skin type is that it’s more prone to acne. It is usually more prone to blackheads and whiteheads. Stick to products that don’t contain oil and make sure to stock up on exfoliating products, which can help control oil levels. For more on exfoliation, check out “Exfoliation 101.”
Acne-prone skin: Acne-prone skin is usually seen together with oily skin but that doesn’t mean that dry skin gets off easy. Acne-prone skin lives up to its name – blackheads and other blemishes are a common sight. Buy products that don’t clog pores (non-comedogenic) and try to find acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Both are very effective at fighting acne breakouts in men. Want more acne advice? Check out “Acne Facts vs. Acne Fiction.”
Normal skin: This skin type is just that – normal. If skin issues like acne and ingrown hairs aren’t common for you, chances are that you have normal skin. The majority of men’s skincare products can be used by men with normal skin – unless stated otherwise.
Sensitive skin: If your skin gets irritated way too easily, you probably have sensitive skin. Weather, certain skincare ingredients and even stress can affect sensitive skin. Read product labels carefully and avoid anything with dyes and fragrances – both of these can contribute to redness and other skin issues.
Combination skin: This is the most common skin type among men. Parts of your face – such as your forehead and your nose – are oily while others are normal. You can use most men’s skincare products unless otherwise stated. One exception: don’t use as much moisturizer on the oily parts of your face – this can lead to a greasier appearance.
How to spot high-quality skincare products
Even after you’ve figured out your skin type, there are still plenty of products to pick from. What to do? Start simple. Develop a men’s skincare regimen that covers these four areas: cleaning, exfoliating, shaving and moisturizing. In other words, get a face wash, face scrub, shaving cream and aftershave, and an ultra-light moisturizer. Some other tips:
– Don’t let nice packaging distract you. Opt for irritant-free products that have natural ingredients.
– Don’t pick the most expensive product thinking that it’s the best. A high price doesn’t necessarily mean high quality. Read the labels and see if this product really works for you.
With this solid foundation in skin care, you can eventually start focusing on specific skin issues. Tired of dark circles? Try an eye cream for men. Need sun protection? Get a broad spectrum sunscreen. Wrinkles got you down? An anti-aging cream for men will do the trick. Most importantly, be patient. You won’t see results overnight. Stick with it, though, and you will eventually get the results you want.
