Dr Mir Shahnawaz (MBBS, MD)
When it comes to skin care, men have traditionally kept it simple. However, with increasing awareness, men too desire of having a healthy, brighter and flawless skin. Although there are key differences between men and women’s skin — for example, men’s skin is thicker than women’s — the basic elements of an effective skin care plan remain the same.
First, it’s important that before starting any skin care routine, men must identify and understand their skin type:
Normal skin is clear and not sensitive
Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use
Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough
Oily skin is shiny and greasy
Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others
Starting a men’s skincare routine from scratch can often feel intimidating—especially if you’ve never dedicated much time to taking care of your skin before. To help men develop healthy skin care routines, the following guidelines may be considered:
Consider product labels and ingredients: The skin care products you choose will depend on your skin type. If you have acne-prone skin, look for cleansers and moisturizers that say “oil free” or “non-comedogenic,” as these won’t clog your pores. If you have sensitive skin, use mild, “fragrance free” products, as products containing fragrances can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. However, beware of products labeled “unscented,” as many of these contain masking fragrances that can still irritate your skin.
Wash your face daily and after exercise: Throughout the day your skin accumulates dirt, dust, oil and debris which facilitates bacterial infections. Because regular bar soap often contains harsh ingredients that can be drying to the skin, wash your face with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm — not hot — not cold water.
Watch your shaving technique: For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well or shave too closely to your skin. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, use a single- or double-blade razor instead and do not stretch your skin taut while shaving. Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after each swipe of the razor, and change your blade after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.
Use Moisturiser daily: Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and younger. For the best results, apply moisturizer to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering or shaving while the skin is still damp. Prefer Ceramide based or oatmeal based moisturizers.
Wear sunscreen whenever outdoors: This is which you must never skin.To help prevent sun damage , apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including your face , ears, and neck. For best protection, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You can also protect your skin by seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible.
Use a Targeted Serums : Every man’s skincare routine should include a targeted serum that offers simple, multifunctional benefits. Use Vitamin C Serum in morning as it offers antioxidant benefits, and helps to visibly brighten your complexion and promote a more even skin tone. Retinol serums can be used at night for anti-ageing effects while Hyaluronic acid serum can be used for intense hydration if the skin is excessively dry.
Pay attention to your lips: Lips also tan and get chapped and can look bad. A good lip balm is a must to cure all these problems; it also makes them soft and supple. Avoid smoking as it can make your lips darker.
Dont ignore your Under-eye area: It’s easy to forget that the skin underneath your eyes is delicate and can give way to aging if uncared for. Don’t let under-eye bags, puffiness and dark circles give your age away. After you moisturize your face in the morning and night, dab on an eye cream formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, caffeine and low concentration retinol, it depuffs, reduces wrinkles and brightens the eye area.
Exfoliate: Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells from your skin. Use a mild scrubber at least twice weekly.
Avoid touching your skin too much: Your hands contain dirt and oil. Therefore, you should avoid touching your face too often. This may lead to more ‘acne-breakouts’.
Have a healthy diet: Cut down on sugar and oil. Take plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Improve your sleeping schedule: To keep your skin looking fresh, you need to make sure you get between seven and eight hours of sleep every night.
Avoid smoking and excessive drinking: Smoking leads to early skin aging, pigmentation and wrinkles. Excessive drinking too may have adverse effects on skin.
A lot of men share certain common skin related issues that hamper their self-esteem and confidence. We, as dermatologists, have to come up with certain scientific and promising treatment modalities to address their concerns. Some of the common problems faced by men and their relevant treatment options are as under:
Pitted Acne Scars: Microneedling Radiofrequency (MNRF), RF- Thermolysis, and Fractional Co2 laser are the some of the effective treatment options.
Unwanted Facial Hair over Cheeks: Consider Laser Hair Reduction. Usually 5-7 sessions may be needed for effective results.
Tanning: Double detan Medifacials work better. Toning with Carbon Laser may also be helpful
When it comes to men’s skincare, it’s important to remember that there’s no “one size fits all” approach and that each individual’s skin has unique needs.
