Skin care for men: Products and tips

"Traditionally it was not emphasized that men needed a skin care regimen," says Alexis Young, MD, a dermatologist with Hackensack University Medical Center in NJ. "So for men who grew up without that routine, it's a behavioral change."¹

Today, about half of people assigned male at birth have a cuidado de la piel routine, and that number is growing.² We have tips for newcomers and for those who have been using skin care products for years.

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Skin care routines

The right skin care moves can help improve skin health, especially when it comes to the face. Proper cleansing, moisturizing and daily use of sunscreen goes a long way toward keeping skin healthier looking, hydrated and youthful.³

Pull them all together into a complete skin care routine. A couple of routines may help: one for morning and one for evening. Learning about other products and the intricacies of skin might inform the routine, too.

The first steps are really getting to know your skin, then learning what dermatologists say about caring for skin.

What’s my skin type?

Knowing your skin type isn't common knowledge, so don't worry. Some simple signs can help tell if skin is combination, dry, normal, oily or sensitive.

• Combination skin may feel dry in some areas and oily in others.
• Piel seca can be red, itchy and flaking.
• Normal skin generally feels comfortable and clear.⁴
• Grasa may be shiny and can feel greasy.
• Sensitive skin often develops rashes, stings or burns after product use.

It's always best to talk with a health care provider when starting out with any new products. A dermatologist can tell you about your particular type of skin and its specific needs.

Limpiadores

It’s recommended to wash the face with lukewarm water and a mild, nonabrasive facial cleanser at least once a day and after sweating.⁵

Hot water and harsh bar soaps or fragranced body washes can cause dry, irritated skin.⁶ So it’s a good idea to invest in a suave limpiador facial. For people with sensitive skin, it may be best to look for a cleanser that says “fragrance-free” — and not “unscented,” which might have scents that mask the smell of certain ingredients.⁷

A quick, simple way to make sure the face is clean after sports or exercise is to use disposable facial cleansing wipes. "You don't need water - you can throw them in your gym bag and wipe your face down after practice, a game or coaching," Dr. Young says. "It's an easy way to wash the sweat away."⁸ Plus, it is recommended to wash skin as soon as possible after sweating.⁹

Cleansers to consider: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Facial Cleanser with Soothing Oat y Neutrogena Cleansing Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

Hidratantes

A hidratante facial is another recommended daily product. It helps keep moisture in the skin, hydrating and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for one that contains ceramides, which help replenish the skin barrier.¹⁰ To get the most out of a moisturizer, apply it when skin is still damp from washing or shaving.¹¹

Dr. Young's tip for finding the best moisturizer is simple: Find one with a texture you like. "If people can 'feel' the moisturizer on their skin, they tend not to wear it," she says. Choose one you will actually use. Ointments are thicker than creams and may feel better in cold, dry winter months or at night.¹²

Moisturizers to consider: Neutrogena Daily Facial Moisturizer, e.l.f Holy Hydration! Hydro-Gel Moisturizer y Bubble Skin Care Level Up Balancing Gel Moisturizer, Normal, Oily & Combo Skin.

Protector solar

“Everyone should be wearing sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and signs of aging,” Dr. Young says.¹³ Apply a layer of broad-spectrum (ultraviolet A [UVA] and ultraviolet B [UVB] filtering), water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to exposed skin before leaving home.¹⁴ (That’s in addition to other sun-protecting measures, like wearing a hat and sunglasses and staying out of the sun whenever possible.)

Here again, finding the right texture can go a long way toward using protector solar regularly. "Some patients find that the mineral sticks go on easily," she says. "You don't have to rub it in, and when you sweat it won't run into your eyes and burn."¹⁵

Sunscreen to consider: Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50, CeraVe Ultra-Light Face Moisturizer, SPF 30, with Hyaluronic Acid y Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick.

Face shaving and irritation

Shaving the face can lead to daily irritation, especially with sensitive skin. These tips may help reduce irritation:

• Wet the skin and hair to soften it (or shave in or after a shower)
• Use a thick, hypoallergenic shaving cream and a sharp blade
• Shave in the direction of hair growth
• Rinse the razor after each swipe

Some might develop pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), which looks like acne but is more like an ingrown hair. To help reduce PFB, try clipping hair short instead of shaving it closely. Retinoids may also be helpful in minimizing bumps.¹⁶

Shave products to consider: Barbasol Sensitive Skin Thick and Rich Shaving Cream for Men, Nivea Men Sensitive Cooling Post Shave Balm y Schick Quattro Titanium 4 Blade Razor + 3 Razor Blade Refills.

Serums, eye creams and masks

Beyond the basics of cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens, there is a world of skin care add-ons. These include serums, eye creams and masks. Each can help target certain skin concerns - and in some cases, they just feel good on the skin. It's always best to discuss with a dermatologist before introducing any new skin care products.

Sueros¹⁷

Sueros deliver a concentrated dose of ingredients that target skin concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and skin texture. They're typically applied on clean skin before moisturizer. Key ingredients may include:

• Hyaluronic acid for hydration¹⁸
• Vitamina C to help prevent sun damage (when used in combination with a broad-spectrum sunscreen), diminish dark spots and improve acne¹⁹
• Niacinamida to slow sebum production and reduce oily skin²⁰
• Retinol to increase collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and unclog pores²¹
• Glycolic acid to remove surface dead skin cells²²

Serums to consider: La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum with 10% Glycolic Acid, Olay Regenerist - Suero facial Micro-Sculpting, CVS Health Refining Retinol Serum y Cosrx The Vitamin C 23 Serum.

Eye creams²³

Eye creams are typically thicker than facial moisturizers, intended for the delicate skin around the eyes. They might contain the same key ingredients found in serums, targeting different skin issues.

Eye creams to consider: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness, CVS Health Repairing Eye Cream, RoC Retinol Correxion - Crema para ojos

Mascarillas²⁴

Facial masks can be a relaxing ritual - whether they're peel-off masks, mud masks, sheet masks or gel masks. They can feel soothing on the face and may also contain ingredients to target dry skin, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, or other concerns. It's important to follow the instructions regarding sensitivity and to remove the mask at any sign of irritation.

Facial masks to consider: Urban Hydration Aloe Vera Gel Facial Mask, Neutrogena Moisturizing Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask y Burt's Bees Detoxifying Sheet Mask.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.