Men often let skin care slide until they develop unsightly or uncomfortable skin conditions. Male skin may seem tough, but it takes a beating from sun, shaving and the effects of gravity. While healthy skin makes you look and feel younger, the onset of wrinkles, blotches or chronic irritation reminds you that you're getting older every day. Act now to take charge of the aging process through body and facial care.
Function
Daily cleansing washes the outer surface of your skin to reduce damage from foreign substances and keep it free from blemishes. Your face shows the effects of dirt and toxins more than the rest of your body because skin is more sensitive there. Male skin produces more sebum, or oil from the glands surrounding hair follicles, than female skin. Clearing this away daily keeps your pores free to do their jobs of sweating out waste and impurities. Moisturizing and using sunscreen protects exposed areas and promotes healthy skin.
Misconceptions
Regular facial care is encouraged by doctors of dermatology for everyone, not just for women or people with sensitive skin. Men's skin may be thicker and less delicate but is still subject to aging and the elements. As we age and enjoy the sun, skin tissue breaks down. Even though you may think that a good tan means healthy skin, aging and sun exposure work against your skin's effectiveness from birth. The damage usually isn't apparent until years down the road. Just because your skin feels moist and firm today doesn't mean that it won't change with age.
Features
The three main steps to caring for male skin are: cleanse, moisturize and add topical sun protection. Occasionally exfoliate, too, to help your skin shed dead surface cells for a fresher look. Face, hands and feet need more attention than other body parts. If you must prioritize, emphasize facial care.
Method
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests that you cleanse and moisturize twice a day. For facial care, apply a gentle, nondeodorant soap with your fingertips, not a cloth. Body skin may be less sensitive to soap ingredients and washcloth abrasion; adjust cleansing the body to your personal skin type. If you have dry skin, shave your face in the shower for extra moisture. After, pat--don't rub--dry with a towel. Use a moisturizing aftershave or lotion and a sunblock of SPF 30 or higher.
Benefits
Look your best and live as long as possible by paying attention to the specific needs of male skin. Daily skin care reduces irritation, which can add up to more healthy skin tone and texture over time. Time will be on your side if you heed the AAD's advice to use sunscreen on exposed skin every day. Preventing skin cancer, which can be deadly in extreme cases, adds to the number and quality of your days.
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