Men have unique needs for their facial skin and hair that should be understood and addressed to ensure good health, hygiene, and comfort.
What was once brushed under the rug is now a hot topic as men of all ages are taking a more proactive approach to taking good care of their skin and facial hair. Whether you're brand new to the world of skincare or have been washing your face with a bar of soap for years, it's time to brush up on the top ten tips to keep your skin healthy.
1. Cleanse Thoughtfully
Men's skin is a little bit different in that it is often more oil-prone, which can lead to prolonged acne after puberty and, with the use of the wrong products, dryness, itchiness, or flaking. When you wash your face (which should be at least once a day to remove grime from the day), wash with something that will restore moisture so your skin doesn't need to overproduce oil. Our Cream Cleanser is a great place to start—gentle, hydrating, and fragrance-free.
2. Toner Matters
All skin—men's and women's—needs to be pH balanced to look and feel its best. When your skin is too acidic or alkaline, you're more likely to see zits, dryness, or excessive oil production. The best way to keep things in check is to use a toner every time tap water touches your face. Tap water is far too alkaline for your skin, so after you shower, mist your face with something simple, like Rosewater Toner, to bring it back to equilibrium. This is a quick step that will make a world of difference for your face.
3. Moisture for Men
Moisture, moisture, moisture. You've heard us say it before and we'll say it again—hydration is incredibly important and certainly critical in a man's skincare routine. Using a moisturizer will keep your face from feeling tight, looking ashy, or reacting unfavorably to shaving. It will also ensure that your skin doesn't overproduce sebum (oil) and clog up your pores. This step should be incorporated every day at least once in the morning. For extra credit, use a little bit more at night. No need to slather it on, just a few dabs on each cheek, chin, and forehead will do the trick. We recommend our Deep Hydration for most men, unless you are especially oil- or acne-prone, in which case Hydration will work wonderfully.
4. Acne Happens
Unfortunately, because men naturally have drier skin, they are also prone to acne and breakouts, especially in their teen years. Thankfully, this is completely normal and can be remedied with gentle ingredients, like tea tree oil and matcha tea extract. Our Acne Serum is gentle enough for a spot treatment and effective enough to be used all over and every day if needed. When a breakout happens, keep your hands away from your face as much as possible, wash gently, add your serum and moisturize, and you'll be cleared to play again in no time.
5. Antioxi-what?
If you're ready to step up your skincare game, consider using an antioxidant. What's that? It's a substance that inhibits the production of free radicals, which are known to damage skin cells. When your skin is irritated from shaving, adding a soothing antioxidant to the skin will help you to avoid razor burn and bumps. Our Antioxidant Spray is also loaded with Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production, keeping you oil-free and feeling fresh.
6. Shaving Safely
Speaking of shaving, it's important for every man to treat his face delicately when removing facial hair. Most know to use a clean, sharp razor and to go with the grain of the hair, but many overlook the importance of using the right shaving cream. Most commercial creams are full of glycerin, sulfates, and lathering agents that actually irritate the skin and do little to provide a closer shave. A true bar of soap should lather up enough to give you the suds you need for an easy shave and a soft, comfortable face. Try our Unscented Soap the next time you're ready for a clean-cut look.
7. Sun Protection
Sun safety is crucial for men, but it is often ignored because sunscreen can be greasy or strongly fragranced. Keeping your skin safe from UVA and UVB rays will not only ensure that it looks and feels great but also will protect you from skin cancer. Men should apply sunscreen whether it's sunny, cloudy, winter, fall, or summer. Sun damage can happen no matter what the weather looks like or what time of year. Apply something light and natural, like our Red Raspberry Seed Sunscreen in the morning before you leave the house and reapply if you sweat or shower.
8. Two Cents on Soap
Skincare doesn't stop at your face because, to state the obvious, you have skin everywhere. Washing your body with a bar of soap shouldn't leave you feeling dry, stripped, or tight. A proper soap is loaded with oils to cleanse thoroughly and restore hydration to your skin.
9. Don't Forget Body Lotion
Most men don't take the time to apply body lotion after they shower, assuming it's an excessive step that only women need to take. The truth is that your entire body will benefit from moisture. The right body lotion will leave you comfortable and feeling soft without making you feel greasy or smelling like roses (unless you're into that, in which case, rock on with your bad self). Try our Unscented Body Lotion—you'll feel the difference.
10. Take Care of Facial Hair
Last but not least—facial hair. Whether you're fully bearded or clean cut, you need to take care of your facial follicles to avoid ingrown hairs and razor burn. Using our Antioxidant Spray is a good start, but to keep the hairs themselves from growing backwards, curling up, or getting too dry, it's important to moisturize with softening ingredients that work follicle-deep to keep your beard healthy and happy every day.
If you're ready to start a new approach to your skincare routine, or you're shopping for another man in your life, drop us a line! We're always happy to help you find what you need.
