When it comes to skincare, the beauty industry has traditionally focused on women. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness among men that taking care of their skin is just as important. Skincare isn’t about being vain or feminine – it’s about looking after your body and your health.

Why is skincare for men important? By taking care of your skin, you can slow down the process of aging, increase the health of the skin and even get rid of imperfections. Women want a man who takes care of themselves and this includes their skin. By looking your best, you build confidence and make yourself more attractive to women. But one thing that men don’t realize is that skin care also helps with shaving.

When you shave it’s important to have healthy skin. By shaving on a clean canvas you will have much nicer results when shaving. But if your skin has bumps, ingrown hairs, acne or other blemishes, these could get in the way of a good shave. Shaving with skin in poor condition could lead to cuts and undesirable results.

Here are some tips for men to take care of their skin for better shaving results.

Cleanse your Face

The first step in any skincare routine is to cleanse your face. This means using a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause acne or bumps. Men should look for a cleanser that is specifically designed for their skin type, whether that’s oily, dry, sensitive or combination. This is important because using a cleanser that’s not right for your skin type could leave your skin too dry, irritated, or too oily. Combination skin is where skin is naturally oily in the T-zone which is the across forehead and down the nose to the chin but dry on the cheeks.  Cleansing your face leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

If you’re rocking a beard and/or mustache, it’s important to cleanse facial hair as well. Facial hair can harbor bacteria and dirt so it’s important to remove the impurities.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This helps to unclog pores and improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin. Men should exfoliate once or twice a week using a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid.

But did you know that shaving is type of exfoliation as well? When you shave you are taking off the outer layer of skin. So shaving is a great way to exfoliate. However, it’s important to use a very sharp blade. If you use a dull blade or a low-quality blade, this could damage your skin and leave it irritated. And the more blades you have (5 blade cartridges for example) the more irritation this may create. So if possible, the best type of blade is a single blade. Use a safety razor or double edge razor for shaving as this will give you the closest shave and create less irritation to the skin than cartridge blades.

It’s also recommended to shave with a non-foaming shaving cream as this will allow you to see what you’re shaving. You don’t want to shave over any bumps or acne. By using a clear shaving cream or gel you can see what you’re shaving and give you the ability to shave around any skin imperfections.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is an essential step in any skincare routine. It helps to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness, which can lead to premature aging and wrinkles. Men should look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps to retain moisture in the skin, and vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties. Men should also look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic which means the product won’t clog or block pores. This helps prevent acne.

Many men forget to moisturize or think this step is not that important. But it is very important. When you cleanse the skin to remove the oils, you need to put them back in to prevent over dryness.

Protect your Skin from the Sun

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging and skin cancer. Men should always wear sunscreen when they are going to be outside for extended periods of time, even on cloudy days. Check the UV index on the weather app to know if it’s necessary to wear it. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin. It’s important to note that sunscreen generally only lasts for 90 minutes. So it’s important to reapply if you plan to be exposed to the sun for hours at a time. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat that has full face coverage. Baseball caps don’t provide complete coverage, but they can at least cover the forehead and sometimes the eyes. Be sure to reapply as necessary.

Watch your Diet

Your diet can have a significant impact on the health of your skin. Eating a diet that is high in processed foods and sugar can lead to inflammation and acne. These kinds of foods have poor nutritional value so they can have a negative effect on the skin.

On the other hand, a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants which fight against oxidants which damage the skin and promote disease. Health fats such as omega-3s and monounsaturated fats promote healthy hormones and healthy cell function. Hormones, when not in balance, can lead to skin issues such as acne.

In conclusion, taking care of your skin is not just for women. Men need to pay attention to their skin too. A simple skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, sun protection, and a healthy diet can go a long way in keeping your skin looking and feeling its best. So, don’t be afraid to take care of your skin – it’s an investment in your health and wellbeing.