We know you’re short on time, so we’ll make this snappy. Use this quick cheat sheet to help you make the most of your men’s face moisturizer.
DO
Get a men’s facial moisturizer with active ingredients. Any good moisturizer should have a range of active ingredients for the best results. Look for “true” moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which maintain skin’s moisture levels and keep it soft and pliable, as well as antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E, which condition the skin and provide nurturing to ensure that the skin stays healthy-looking.
DON’T
Use a moisturizer that contains alcohol, especially if you have normal or dry skin; alcohol may dry out or irritate the skin even more. Just to be clear: We’re talking about common alcohol (aka SD Alcohol or Alcohol Denat). Even though cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol have the word “alcohol,” they’re actually commonly used and acceptable skincare ingredients.
DO
Apply on a clean face. You should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening to remove residues and pollutants. For a deep clean, use a men’s face wash to clear your pores and keep your skin feeling fresh.
DON’T
Apply a face moisturizer on a sweaty or dirty face. This can encourage germs and bacteria that can attack your skin, resulting in acne breakouts and other men’s skin problems. Always wash your face beforehand (see above tip).
DO
Apply with clean hands. Hands can contain dirt and bacteria, and you do not want to transfer these to your face. Wash your hands before touching your face or applying any men’s facial product.
DON’T
Apply too much moisturizer. This will only pile up and give you a shiny, greasy appearance — about half a teaspoon is the right amount. It should not take more than 30 seconds for a good moisturizer to be absorbed.
DO
Apply after your men’s anti-aging cream has absorbed. A good men’s moisturizer lotion will create a barrier over your skin and this can prevent the active ingredients of a men’s anti-aging cream from reaching your needy skin cells.
DON’T
Use a face moisturizer in the area around the eyes. This skin is more delicate, thinner and subject to specific concerns like dark under eye circles, so it needs a dedicated product with extra nutrients like an eye cream for men.
DO
Reapply in the evening. The active ingredients in a quality men’s facial cream or lotion will diminish in potency as they are absorbed by the skin or naturally degraded by the elements. So even if your skin feels soft and moisturized, reapplying a moisturizer in the evening ensures that your skin is getting a booster dose of skin-conditioning ingredients.
DON’T
Apply too much to the “T” area. The T area is the t-shape area defined by your forehead, nose and chin; these are usually the areas where you skin tends to be more oily (especially the sides of your nose), so go light on this areas.
DO
Apply a men’s moisturizer if you’re exfoliating your skin with something like a men’s face scrub. Exfoliation is a great way to keep your skin looking its best, but because it exposes younger skin cells, you need to make sure these are provided with sufficient moisture and nurturing ingredients to stay at their peak.
DON’T
Apply a moisturizer without sunscreen if you’re going to be spending significant time under the sun. Use a moisturizer with sunscreen SPF 15 or more if you plan on spending a few hours outside in the heat.
