4 Step Easy-To-Follow Skincare Routine For Men
by Chiara Micallef
Basic skincare sounds basic, but at times it's anything but.
When looking for a solid routine that will help you bring the best out of your complexion (or improve it) you might be barraged with a number of different suggestions, elaborate routines and time-consuming articles.
This article is aimed to present men – both overwhelmed and not – with a very basic but effective skincare routine. It's a simple, short and quick-to-get-used-to routine, particularly aimed at those who never really tried their hand at skincare.
Taking care of your skin can help you deal with a bunch of unwanted issues such as acne, blackheads and dull skin. Moreover, it will give you a big bump when it comes to combating breakouts and preventing shaving irritation.
Curious to learn more? Here are the 4 easy-to-follow steps that will help you improve your skincare game.
1. Cleanse
A refreshing cleanse is the first and most important step when it comes to tackling a number of skin-related issues. Cleansing does not only target skin-related issues, but it also removes any dirt, oil and unwanted debris from your skin.
Cleansing is fairly simple and can be done as you take a shower as well. Most men prefer to cleanse their face in the morning, others in the evening, and some even do it twice daily, so you can choose which one works best for you.
To cleanse your face, lightly wet your skin, rub the cleanser into your hands until it becomes foamy and gently massage it into your face and neck. Focus on 'problem' areas that you feel might need extra attention, such as your nose, forehead and chin. You can visit a local pharmacy to find a decent cleanser created to target a range of skin issues.
Tip
Cleanse your face before you shave, to remove any unwanted oils that might cause irritation.
2. Exfoliate (twice weekly)
The buildup of dead skin cells leads to clogged pores, and clogged pores lead to breakouts. Exfoliating your face twice-weekly will unclog your pores and cleanse your complexion. When exfoliating, keep in mind that you need to be gentle – do not use any force and scrub your face softly to avoid abrasion or skin damage. There are a number of shops that specialise in the provision of such products, and most times they can help you find a whole range best suited for your skin.
Tip
Face scrubs can easily become your new secret weapon for a smooth shave – using an exfoliator will prevent ingrown hairs and bumps.
3. Tone
Toners are light water-based products that act as an inbetweener for your face cleanser and moisturiser. They can do a lot of good to your skin in terms of pH balancing and pore minimisation. By adding this step to your basic skincare routine, you will protect your pores from getting clogged.
There's a myriad of toners out there waiting for you to try them out, and even though we do encourage finding a product that is best suited for your skin, we do recommend that you avoid toners that contain alcohol. This is due to the fact that alcohol is drying, and can induce breakouts in sensitive skin. Some toners are designed to provide a deeper cleanse, while others fight bacteria and calm inflammation. A number of local pharmacies hold a range of different toners ideal for a number of uses.
If you would like to go for the natural route, you can opt for witch hazel, aloe vera or rosewater.
Tip
Apply your toner with a cottonwool or splash a drop or two on your face after cleansing for a quick pick-me-up. Let it air dry.
4. Moisturise
After you're done cleaning your face, apply moisturiser all over your face. A tiny drop of moisturiser can go a long way, so you do not need much to hydrate your skin. It is important to not skip this step – even if you have oily skin. Keeping your face hydrated will prevent your skin from producing excess oils. If you spend a lot of time outside or you love hanging out in sunny spots, pick a moisturiser that has SPF in it. A lightweight formula between 15 and 30 SPF should suffice to protect your skin from UV rays.
You can find a choice of moisturisers at leading beauty salons.
