Men’s Skincare–What Moisturizer Should You Use?

When you think about men’s skincare—more specifically—men’s skincare, what comes to mind? Maybe that men’s skin looks extremely tough. Or maybe that it’s more resistant to external factors than that of others. Or maybe even that men’s skincare doesn’t even exist.

But in reality, skin doesn’t differ that much when it comes to gender. It’s true that there are differences, for instance, male skin can get greasy and irritated easily. But bottom line: Everyone can get skin concerns and problems. Therefore, everyone needs a skincare routine. 

If your skincare routine currently consists of soap and water, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, while regular soap is great for washing your body, keep it away from your face. The chemicals and formulas in your body wash are way too harsh for your skin, and can cause breakouts, redness, and very dry skin. That’s why to have healthy skin, you’ll need to go a step, or two, further during your skincare regimen. 

Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as you think.

Everyone’s skin is different

Men’s skin is naturally thick. This is because the collagen (what produces skin cells) in men tends to be more thick and elastic. This means skin that’s less prone to breakouts and wrinkles, but more prone to oil and irritation.

What causes oil production are sebum-producing glands, and they can be intense in males. They cause skin to be more oily (and sweaty). Because of this, young men tend to deal with teen acne more often than others.

Even if you have skin that’s clear of breakouts, your skin isn’t bulletproof. It should be treated to prevent future problems down the road. Additionally, if you shave, especially with a razor, it’s easy to damage the top layer of your skin. In turn, the skin becomes dry and irritated. Going further, if you use an aftershave that contains alcohol, be wary of the drying that can occur as a result.

So let’s talk about how to keep your skin moisturized.

Moisturizers for men’s skincare

Skincare isn’t entirely universal. You can shop for skincare necessities thinking universally, but a few products will be formulated with male skin differences in mind. Moisturizers will fit in both categories, so shop using your best judgement

When it comes to moisturizers, they usually have a consistency that allows them to be absorbed without leaving a sticky film on the skin. Thanks to the light formula, the skin can also feel free. 

If your skin is prone to dryness, it’s more sensitive to irritation. If that’s the case, choose formulas for deep hydration. Ceramides and glycerin will be the ingredients to look for—they’re known to lock in moisturization.

On the other hand, if you have oily skin that is prone to acne, be careful not to use products that will clog your pores. They will also reduce the effects of skin problems. Instead, opt for formulas with sebum-absorbing and mattifying properties. In the store, these moisturizers will contain ingredients including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid.

What do you want your moisturizer to contain?

Like previously stated, skincare is mostly universal. Male-oriented moisturizers are going to account for specific men skincare concerns, but you don’t need them to be successful. Moisturizers should contain, among others, antioxidants.

Antioxidants will protect the skin against free radicals. This is important because radicals can damage the skin in a way not visible to the naked eye.

If you want to knock out two necessities with one product, choose a moisturizer that has at least SPF 30. SPF 30 is a strong enough formula to act as a proper sunscreen. Anything less than 30 essentially won’t work. Remember, SPF will protect your skin from harmful sun rays that can dry out your skin and speed up signs of aging. 

When choosing a moisturizer, having vitamin C as an ingredient is also a good thing, though not a requirement. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, making it great for your skin. Additionally, it can improve the brightness of your skin.

After vitamins, minerals such as zinc, copper, or selenium should be in your moisturizer as well. Most moisturizers will have any number, so you don’t have to worry about studying the labels for them. These minerals accelerate the regeneration process after your skin gets irritated, like after shaving. In addition, they will improve the color of the skin and moisturize it even more.

What about aftershave?

Using an aftershave in the form of a balm can help soothe irritated skin. A balm will moisturize the skin and help it recover quickly. Even though the time between shaves is often short, your skin must regenerate itself in that time. This is more important than some may realize. However, without proper regeneration your skin can suffer infections and even serious health consequences. So, though it’s not needed, aftershave can be extremely helpful. Above all else, it works to keep your skin moisturized.