Men Care About Skincare, Too
When it comes to makeup and skincare, most people tend to picture an image of a woman applying eyeshadow or testing out a new eye cream. But, the truth is, men care about their skincare too.
Gone are the days when men were frowned at when walking into a salon for a pedicure or a facial. That taboo is quickly disappearing - in fact, it’s more common these days to hear a woman say, “There’s something about a man that cares about his skin.”
If it’s your first trip to a store, like Ulta, whether on your own or with your lady friend, consider first reading up on the key differences between your skin and her skin and the types of products best suited for you.
The differences between men’s and women’s skin
You may know that men have more hair follicles than women do. You may even know that men have larger follicles than women do. However, did you know that men’s skin is 25% thicker? It’s true, men have more collagen than women do. Research suggests these key differences are directly related to the fact that men produce more androgens, like testosterone, than women do. The upside? Male skin may be less sensitive and more able to handle stronger ingredients. The downside? Increased androgens can lead to oilier skin and make men more acne-prone.
What types of products will be most beneficial for men?
Everyone’s skin is unique. Not every man will need the same skincare products. But if you’re a male who’s never considered a skincare regimen, here are some common issues you may have noticed and product recommendations to get you started.
Ingrown Hairs
Unless you’re rocking a long, thick beard, the age-old question remains: to 5 o’clock shadow or not to 5 o’clock shadow. One of the most bothersome effects of the daily shave routine is ingrown hairs. When your shaven hair follicles attempt to regrow outwardly, but instead curl around and get trapped growing back into the skin, the painful results can be redness, inflammation, and later, dark marks. If you struggle with ingrown hairs, consider finding a set of ingrown hair products that work together to cleanse, soothe and reduce the reappearance. (Don’t forget you can also adjust your method of shaving to reduce ingrown hair production as well).
Acne
During puberty, increases in androgens can lead to the production of sebum, which is the yellow, oily substance that causes acne. Depending on your skin type, however, acne may be something you deal with for the rest of your life. Keep your follicles clean and your skin exfoliated by washing your face at least 1-2 times a day with a facial cleanser that’s best suited for your skin type. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid a heavy moisturizer that is going to clog your pores.
Dark Spots
If you have melanin-rich skin, dark spots may be your biggest enemy. Dark spots, also referred to as uneven skin tone, can be caused by hyperpigmentation, increased sun exposure, and skin irritation due to product use, and acne. If you’re not ready to try a chemical peel, consider an even tone package complete with a range of products designed to treat your dark spots.
Discovering the right skincare routine as a male may seem like an intimidating task. However, it’s worth the journey. Men deserve to look good and feel good just as much as women do. Start your journey towards strong and healthy skin by considering a kit that’s designed just for men!
Check back often for more tips on how to get your Glow-Up!
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