About Face: Skincare Essentials for Men. By Lauren D. Weinstein
About Face” is a self-care series devoted to looking and feeling your best, penned by Lauren Weinstein, a professional makeup artist, licensed cosmetologist and esthetician who is obsessed with all things related to self-care, skincare and beauty.
There’s no better way to put your best face forward than an easy and effective skincare routine. No matter what life throws at you, starting the day honoring your body’s largest organ, your skin, is an act of self-care that nourishes not only your body, but also boosts confidence and fosters your most important relationship: the one you have with yourself.
Today men have so many options suited to their specific needs and wallet. And purchasing items doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated, they can be found online, in a pharmacy or even your regular supermarket. Below I offer an easy-to-find and less-expensive product, as well as my favorite splurge option if you choose to treat yourself.
Understanding how your skin behaves determines the products you need in order to keep your skin healthy. It’s important to know your skin type before you buy anything. Grab a mirror and look at your handsome face. Generally, these are common types:
Normal: Pores are slightly visible, smooth texture with a healthy glow.
Dry: Almost no visible pores, skin may feel tight or itchy after washing.
Oily: Pores have an orange peel texture, may be prone to blackheads on the nose and breakouts on cheeks and chin.
Sensitive: You may have oily, dry or combination skin and sensitivity. You may break out in bumps, rashes and experience redness and itchiness.
Combination: Most men tend to fall in this category. The “T-Zone” (forehead, nose and chin) tend to be oily and other areas may flake and itch, particularly when the weather is dry and cold.
Here’s what to do.
Wash your face. Your skin is exposed to dirt, bacteria and pollutants. Cleansing your skin twice a day helps to remove build-up of sebum (oil), dead skin cells and impurities allowing the skin to look radiant and healthy. There is no need to break the bank on a cleanser since the ingredients are not absorbed into your skin long enough and are literally washed down the drain. Just pick a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Its better to splurge on a moisturizer that has antiaging benefits (retinols, peptides)
Bargain: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar 4.5 oz, $3.59
Splurge: Brickell Men’s Purifying Face Wash 8oz. $25.00
Moisturize. Moisturizers restore the skin’s barrier and protect it from future damage. For oily skin, look for these keywords: lightweight, oil free, non-comedogenic. This is where you want to splurge if you are going to pick one thing to go all out on.
Bargain: Bulldog Oil Control Moisturizer 3.3 0z, $9.99
Splurge: The Organic Pharmacy Ultra Light Moisture Gel 2.5oz, $65.00
-For normal/combination skin, try ceramides and peptides that preserve and protect the outer layer of skin and act as building blocks to collagen, elastin and keratin. They keep the skin resilient and strong.
Bargain: Huron Daily Face Lotion 3.4oz, $13.60
Moisturize. Moisturizers restore the skin’s barrier and protect it from future damage.
-For oily skin, look for these keywords: lightweight, oil free, non-comedogenic. This is where you want to splurge if you are going to pick one thing to go all out on.
Bargain: Bulldog Oil Control Moisturizer 3.3 0z, $9.99
Splurge: The Organic Pharmacy Ultra Light Moisture Gel 2.5oz, $65.00
-For normal/combination skin, try ceramides and peptides that preserve and protect the outer layer of skin and act as building blocks to collagen, elastin and keratin. They keep the skin resilient and strong.
Bargain: Huron Daily Face Lotion 3.4oz, $13.60
Splurge: Aesop in Two Minds Facial Hydrator 2.1oz, $60.00
-For dry skin.
Bargain: Blackwolf Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer,1.7oz $19.00
Splurge: Caldera + Lab, The Good 1.0 oz, $77.00 (with membership)
-For sensitive skin, look for fragrance free, without sulfates and synthetic dyes.
Bargain: Weleda Moisture Cream for Men 1oz, $12.74
Spurge: Dr. Jart CICAPAIR Tiger Grass Cream 1,69oz $49.00
Sunscreen. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, and your friend. Ideally apply every two hours in the sun, which is extremely aging, leaving you with unsightly sun spots, wrinkles, leathery skin and can cause skin cancer—all year round. Textures vary, so find one that feels right for you.
Best to consider for sunscreen is a minimum SPF 30, Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Bargain: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch, SPF50. Mineral sunscreen, water resistant and hypoallergenic. $10.97
Splurge: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, SPF40 Lightweight and oil-free, matte finish. Perfect for darker skin tones. $34.00
Now that you have the basics you can explore and experiment to see what works for you. You might add ancillary products that compliment your routine, such as exfoliators, eye cream, and lip balms. Like following a healthy diet and other good habits, consistency and using the correct products is key in maintaining good skin.
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