Dear men, it’s time to upgrade your skincare routine; a splash of water might not do the trick anymore.
Not long ago there was a trend on social media where women showed men different beauty and skincare products and asked them to guess what they were for. The results were pretty outstanding – one man claimed a beauty blender was “boob stuffing”, another thought a gua-sha was a bar of soap. If that doesn’t summarise men’s relationship to the beauty industry, it’s hard to imagine what would.
Mind you, it makes sense. Historically, makeup and skincare have been lady business, but our current society is more open to different lifestyles (and rightfully so, may we add). Consequently, we are witnessing a beauty industry revolution of sorts, where more men and more brands offer and entirely new market of beauty products geared specifically to the male population.
That being said, a 2022 market report stated that a staggering 87% of men use soap as part of their facial skincare routines.
Is Male and Female Skincare Different?
The short answer is yes and no. In the most general sense, male and female skincare is built upon the same pillars; a good moisturiser, sunscreen and cleanser. In reality, however, small biological differences do affect the effectiveness of certain products.
For example, men tend to have thicker skin than women, with larger pores and more sebum production. This means that men may need to use products that are formulated to penetrate deeper into the skin to be effective, and may need to cleanse more often to keep their complexion clear.
Additionally, men may be more prone to certain skin concerns, particularly those related to shaving such as razor burn, ingrown hairs, and acne. This means that they may need to incorporate products like shaving creams and aftershave balms into their routines to prevent and treat these issues.
What is different, however, is how males and females shop, and consequently the kinds of products and marketing behind them. Men often prioritise efficiency over pampering, whilst women stereotypically have a better grasp of the lexicon of skincare products and their benefits. As such, you often see male skincare marketed as “simple three step routines”, whilst female-oriented products speak about specific ingredient benefits and product composition.
Nailing The Basics
Skincare is somewhat like cinderella; the shoe doesn’t fit everyone. Different skin types beckon different treatments and products, but the basics are often similar and can be narrowed down to
- Cleanse: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. Use lukewarm water and gently massage the cleanser into your skin, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Tone: Use a toner to balance your skin’s pH level, remove any remaining impurities, and prepare your skin for the next steps. Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it over your face.
- Serum: Serums contain concentrated ingredients that target specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, or acne. Apply a few drops of serum to your face and neck, and gently massage it into your skin.
- Eye cream: Apply a small amount of eye cream to your under-eye area to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.
- Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer to your face and neck to hydrate your skin and protect it from environmental damage. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or combination.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen every day, even if you’re not planning to spend a lot of time outdoors. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging and skin cancer.
Some Well-Known Brands
Clinique For Men
Clinique For Men is a skincare brand that is part of the Clinique line, which is known for its dermatologist-developed products. Clinique For Men offers a range of products that are tailored to meet the unique needs of men’s skin, such as moisturizers, cleansers, and shaving products. Their products are free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrances, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
Khiel’s
Kiehl’s is a brand that has been around since 1851 and is known for its high-quality skincare products. They offer a range of products for men, including moisturizers, cleansers, and anti-aging creams. Kiehl’s uses natural ingredients in their products, such as avocado oil and squalane, which help to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Bulldog Skincare
Bulldog Skincare is a brand that was founded in 2006 and is known for its natural and affordable grooming products for men. Their skincare line includes products that are made with natural ingredients, such as aloe vera and green tea, which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. Bulldog Skincare products are also free of artificial colors and synthetic fragrances, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
La Mer
La Mer boasts of high-end and effective skincare products. Their creams and serums are formulated with their signature Miracle Broth, a blend of ingredients that help to hydrate, soothe and rejuvenate the skin. La Mer offers a range of products for men, including cleansers, moisturizers, and anti-aging creams.
Guerlain
Guerlain is known for its high-quality and effective skincare products. Their skincare line includes a range of products for men, such as cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Guerlain products are formulated with natural ingredients, such as royal jelly and black bee honey, which help to nourish and protect the skin.
Sisley Paris is a luxury skincare brand that is known for its high-quality and effective skincare products. Their skincare line includes a range of products for men, such as cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Sisley Paris products are formulated with plant-based ingredients, such as white horehound and wild pansy, which help to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Dermalogica is yet another luxury skincare brand that is known for its professional-grade and effective skincare products. Their skincare line includes a range of products for men, such as cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Dermalogica products are formulated with active ingredients, such as salicylic acid and niacinamide, which help to unclog pores and improve skin texture.