Men and Skin Care Products
Men now understand that they too need to take good care of their skin, just as women do. Of course, not all men are convinced. There are still guys who feel awkward about using skin care products for themselves. This is largely because of the legacy of John Wayne, a wind burnt image of toughness, but, that generation is passing. A beaten up face is just bad looking, not manly.
Men’s skin differs from that of women’s. The consistency tends to be thicker and rougher so men need skin products specific for them and, as usual, the market has responded effectively.
Shaving cream has gone through a revolution. Most products now have solid skin care credentials and much more careful shopping makes sense. After shave lotion still dominates, but as more co-workers object to the smell, this, too, will fade.
Sun products for men are generally well accepted. The infamous white nose stripe of yachtsmen led the way but endless skin cancer studies linking sun overdose to disease is now winning the day. Most guys now understand the tips of their ears need a bit of sunscreen as well.
Why Men Need Different Skin Care Products than Women
Why do men need different skin products? Men's skin differs from that of women not only in thickness which we can easily see but also in hydration, collagen density and texture and bristly whiskers.
- Men have more collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen is a kind of protein which frames the connective tissues making a tighter network of these under the skin. This gives the skin its strength and elasticity and helping it maintain the body temperature and protect the inner body organs. Lack of collagen shows in wrinkles, sagging and aging of the skin. Thus, men usually look younger than their women counterparts except for those who love to expose themselves to strong sunlight with no protection at all.
- Men's skin is also rougher in texture than that of women. There seems to be a difference in the composition and production of sebum. After puberty, sebum production is greater in males. Cells in men's sebaceous glands have more positive receptors for androgens. Thus, they produce more sebum. This is why redness and swelling especially around the nose are often found in men.
- You must have observed that men also sweat more than women. With the appearance of facial hair in men during puberty, sweating is increased. Men have more lactic acid in their sweat which may enhance skin hydration so they don't really need additional moisturizing as women do.
- Some guys shave daily which exfoliates their facial skin regularly. However, men's skin just like that of women also ages and gets dry or more oily so now products have been developed to respond more to men's skin needs.
Male Oriented Skin Care Products
Of course, men can use any skin care product that women use. However, given that men's skin differs from that of women, difference in the skin care products is important. Many companies have realized this and have now taken the steps to create products that really suit men's skin better. Such products are often less creamy which is preferred by men, and maybe a more musky scent. Here are some of these products:
1. Facial Cleansers and Mask
These products are generally used for facial skin that is exposed to dust and dirt perhaps from a long days work. Specialists have confirmed that using these products can greatly reduce the risk of developing acne and other pimple related conditions in the skin. Facial cleansers can be used at any time in the day, depending on the number of times the individual wants to clean his face.
Most men prefer soap bars to cleanse their faces. Although liquid cleansers are better, bar soaps made of olive oil, jojoba oil or vitamin E are also good. However, if you have acne, use products with exfoliating agents such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzyl peroxide. Also, products with deeper pore cleaning and antibacterial properties are useful.
Sometimes, cleansing with light soap and water may just be the best for your skin. Try the product first by getting a tiny bottle and see if it works for you. Try washing in lukewarm water. Boiling your skin is not helpful.
2. Shaving Products
Most men find a comfortable way to shave and stick with it. If you’re still suffering nicks, cuts, razor burn, or razor bumps, it’s time for a change.
There's no excuse for having a bad razor so make sure saving a dollar or two is not written in a pattern of scars in your chin. Guys have individual preferences and they doggedly stick to those even when the evidence suggests change.
Lathering up with water and wiping on your favourite shaving cream seems good enough for most men, but maybe, it's time to look at the products you use. If your shaving leaves you with skin irritation, cuts, and razor burns, it's time for an upgrade.
Some men find a shaving brush really softens up their whiskers and makes the whole task much more pleasant. Combine this with Noxzema shaving cream in a tube and you'll give your skin a treat as well as making your shaving much more agreeable.
Just as important as the shaving cream is the razor you use. Make sure you use one that shaves well and does not cause irritation. Try a few before you make a bulk commitment and pick the one that feels best. The big names like Gilette and Shick but some new home delivered products like Harry's are giving the old guys a run for their money. Electric razors usually sit unused on a shelf other than the beard thinners.
Use after shave lotion and apply moisturizer after shaving. Get an after shave lotion that tightens the skin and creates a firmer skin while not melting the noses of everyone else on the elevator. Avoid the ones that contain alcohol as they make the skin really dry.
Shaving Soap
Kinds of Shaving Cream
3. Sunscreen
This skin product is a must. You need skin protection from the effects of intense sun. If you don't like using cream, get a spray. The point is you need to apply this daily especially when you live in sunny places.
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Find one with a high SPF, maybe around 50, and doesn't make you smell like a coconut cookie. It is the best protection you can give your skin without attracting monkeys.
4. Moisturizers
Depending on your skin type, you will need different types of moisturizers. Some skin can get away with just the toners. Other skin needs more than that if it is too oily or too dry. Look for what fits your skin type and try it out first. For those who really don't have much patience putting on all these creams, get a moisturizer that also contains sun protection. Many moisturizers now contain as high as SPF 30.
If you're prone to rushes, have a look at Gold Bond powder and moisturizer which is really effective in reducing scaling and itchiness.
5. Heavy Duty Hand Cream
Heavy duty hand cream. At the end of the day, chemicals and assorted cleaners can really dry out and roughen hands. Cracks can develop. As you get older, this dryness becomes more intense. Hand creams help to do away with that rough feeling in your hands.
Natural Almond and Milk Beeswax Hand Cream
6. Body Toning Lotion for Everyday Use
Body toning lotion for men is well accepted among those concerned with premature aging of their skin. Studies have shown that toning lotions can be an effective way to delay the chicken skin of the vintage. It's best if body lotion is used as early as possible, at least, from your early forties onwards.
7. Anti-aging Cream
This is a very popular skin care product for men. This is actually the first thing many men look for because they want to maintain a hint of youth. Very few other than Robert Redford want to look like an Arizona cactus. Clinically proven products are recommended because the ingredients used in manufacturing these products are very mild to the skin.
Eat healthy and use supplements
8. Skin Care Supplements
Aside from the usual products designed to pamper the skin, supplements are also widely used. Herbs, pills, and powders that contain vitamin E and Aloe Vera with natural skin rejuvenating properties are said to be best for all skin types. And remember, doing all of these will not convert you to a movie star but it may prevent you from becoming a pineapple.
Here's a poll for you
After-Shave Smell
Skin Care Tips for Men
- Use a hat when going out in intense sun
- Have a regular skin care routine that works well for you
- Stay away from harmful chemicals used in skin care products
- Give your skin a break from over exposure to pollutants and harmful environments
- Eat healthy including in your diet food products that are good for the skin
- Watch the hype; simple products are most often the best
Take note of your skin care routine
More Information on Skin
Professor Mark Birch-Machin, Professor of Molecular Dermatology at Newcastle University said: "Because we were able to analyse the full spectrum of UVA and UVB induced sunburnt DNA damage in the batteries of human skin cells this is an invaluable tool for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and for anti-aging studies."
- Jennifer A Latimer, James J Lloyd, Brian L Diffey, Paul J Matts, Mark A Birch-Machin. Determination of the Action Spectrum of UVR-Induced Mitochondrial DNA Damage in Human Skin Cells. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2015; DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.194
Dr Jim Schwartz, P&G Research Fellow, observed, "Malassezia are at the centre of the incurable yet treatable conditions of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The continued investment in understanding the fundamental nature of these organisms allows a more in-depth appreciation of how and why they trigger the annoying symptoms that reduce quality of life for those responsive to their metabolic activities. Being at the forefront of research in this field assures our therapeutic product technology will likewise represent state of the art efficacy now and in the future."
- Guangxi Wu, He Zhao, Chenhao Li, Menaka Priyadarsani Rajapakse, Wing Cheong Wong, Jun Xu, Charles W. Saunders, Nancy L. Reeder, Raymond A. Reilman, Annika Scheynius, Sheng Sun, Blake Robert Billmyre, Wenjun Li, Anna Floyd Averette, Piotr Mieczkowski, Joseph Heitman, Bart Theelen, Markus S. Schröder, Paola Florez De Sessions, Geraldine Butler, Sebastian Maurer-Stroh, Teun Boekhout, Niranjan Nagarajan, Thomas L. Dawson. Genus-Wide Comparative Genomics of Malassezia Delineates Its Phylogeny, Physiology, and Niche Adaptation on Human Skin. PLOS Genetics, 2015; 11 (11): e1005614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005614
© 2015 Mary Norton
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on April 12, 2019:
I appreciate very much your warning. Some skin may not work well with Dead Sea products. I am sorry it happened to you.
Angelo Samonte on April 06, 2019:
I personally don't recommend Dead Sea products especially for those just starting with a skincare routine. Dead Sea products over exfoliated my face to the extent that it redden months on end. Dead Sea products also contains high concentrations of AHA and BHA exfoliants that are not recommended for beginners or sensitive skin types.
The article is a great read though, I would personally recommend this to a friend, except the Dead Sea product. Wouldn't want a fiasco like mine to be reproduced.
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on December 12, 2018:
Thank you Tim. Yes, I notice the stores giving more attentuon to the needs of men not just women.
Tim Truzy from U.S.A. on December 11, 2018:
Great article, Mary. You bring light to a topic men are just beginning to face. I use coco butter and shea lotion on my skin and it works wonders. However, I will looking at some of the products you mention here.
Great write up and good solid advice.
Sincerely,
Tim
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on January 02, 2018:
Yes, I can't convince my husband to use some.
Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on January 02, 2018:
I have noticed quite a lot of young guys now do this, but the older ones still use the old soap,water, and towel! great advice.
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 16, 2017:
You're so right Jackie.
Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on October 13, 2017:
You really can notice when men take care of themselves. So many think rugged is good but dry rough skin cannot really feel good...to anyone.
Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on July 30, 2017:
It's great to see the change in men and how they are now using skin care. Well-written hub with good suggestions.
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on June 21, 2017:
That is so true. More men are now using these products that department stores have expanded their men's section.
Elaina Baker from USA on June 20, 2017:
Men are becoming more aware of their skin, and it's reflected in the marketing of products specifically to them. Especially those who work with their hands need intensive repair hand cream to heal and smooth the roughness.
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on December 27, 2015:
Thanks teaches12345 for the affirmation. Truly appreciate it.
Dianna Mendez on December 23, 2015:
I do think men are becoming more aware of skin treatment and results. This is a well written and useful article indeed!
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on December 14, 2015:
Mary, very good information. Will forward this article to my men folk. Thank you.
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on December 12, 2015:
Informative and well-presented.
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on December 07, 2015:
Thanks Nell. You're not the only nagging your partner. They think it is not manly at all to use skin lotion and cream.
Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on December 07, 2015:
My partner never ever uses skin cream, mind you he does have darkish skin, but I do nag him! lol! great advice and tips Mary!
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on December 04, 2015:
My husband has also not used sun protection for years and in the cottage, it is courting skin damage. I think now men are really more aware and open to the use of what they think as just beauty enhancers for us women.
Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on December 04, 2015:
Moisturizer and and a pat of Vaseline on the nose for those prone to nose bleed usually helps.
Linda Chechar from Arizona on December 02, 2015:
I do think men are becoming much more aware of skin care. I didn't know that men had more collagen and elastin in their skin. Lucky guys--except for my husband. He is a redhead and spent many years playing golf--most of the time without sun protection. It has really taken a toll on his skin. I have at least convinced him to use moisturizers!
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on November 30, 2015:
Very timely article. With the cold weather, I am in need of a good moisturizer. Thank you for the tips.
