There's more to beauty essentials for men than just grooming products. Industry leaders and brands are becoming increasingly inclusive with their product lines, engaging the interest and needs of men's skin in their products. And for a good reason, because men need skincare, nay, the right skincare, too! Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, concurs. "Men have been conditioned since the beginning of time that they need to be rough and tough, while beauty is a concept that's supposed to be for women," she says.
However, the perception of skincare is slowly evolving. Regardless of gender, everyone is subject to skin concerns, and the desire for healthy skin is universal. Having said that, environmental exposure, stress levels and hormones impact men's skin distinctly from how they affect women, believes Dr Agarwal, which means that what works for your women's skin may not work for you. Developing a consistent routine of essentials will ensure that you aren't dealing with unexplained breakouts, premature signs of ageing or dry, lifeless skin throughout the year. Dr Agarwal shares a beginner-friendly skincare guide for men to get started on their journey towards clearer, healthier skin.
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Get your skin care basics right
As with women's skincare, the fundamental skincare tips stay the same. If you are confused about the options available in the market, Dr Agarwal recommends starting from the fundamentals and then building from there: a pH-balanced face wash, a moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen according to your skin type. "Men need to cleanse their face at least twice a day to decongest the skin and clear off any impurities. Hydration is important to maintain the skin's barrier and avoid irritation," states Dr Agarwal. "Lastly, men also need to protect their skin from UV damage to prevent premature signs of ageing and maintain the oil balance," she surmises.
Level up
For men looking to go beyond the basics, Dr Agarwal sheds light on some other valuable skincare products for men. "I would also recommend a vitamin C serum—which can be a component of the sunscreen—and a chemical exfoliator once a week, as men's skin is thicker and oilier and their outdoor exposure is higher as compared to women," she shares.
The AM-PM skin care routine for men
Step 1:
Start your skincare routine by cleansing your face with a gentle face wash for men—and not a bar soap—twice a day. Those who feel like kicking it up one notch can optionally add a vitamin C serum to their routine, which should be used right after the cleanser. Once a week, follow your cleanser with a chemical exfoliator containing either salicylic acid or glycolic acid to clear excess dead skin cells and other impurities.
Step 2:
Apply a moisturiser to your clean skin both in the morning and before bed. Allow your choice of moisturiser to be guided by your skin type—gel-based for oily skin and oil-based creams for dry skin. If you opt for a heavier moisturiser, use it at night to ensure maximum absorption without any extra greasiness.
Step 3:
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and PA+++ at least once every morning, even if you think you will be spending your day indoors.
Once you start seeing the results from a consistent skincare routine, you'd want to take it a notch higher. Make a trip to a dermatologist for a detailed consultation on what gaps you need to fill in your routine for your healthiest skin ever!
Cover Image : Instagram/@roundaround_official
