Clear, Smooth, and Confident: The Importance of Men’s Skincare

Breaking the Stereotype: Skincare for the Modern Man

As a friend, I was approached by a close male friend who confided in me about his struggles with his skin care routine. He expressed a desire for guidance in skincare. My friend is in his mid-40s and despite having sisters, he felt out of his depth when it came to understanding and maintaining a proper skincare routine.

He also shared that he was hesitant to ask for help from strangers, such as store assistants, out of fear of being mocked. I took it upon myself to help him navigate this unfamiliar territory and create a personalized skincare routine. 

Where to Start?

My friend was hesitant to spend a lot of money on skin care, and I understand his concerns. Many skin care products can be quite expensive, especially when purchasing multiple items at once. Typically, women will start as young adults with a basic routine, such as a cleanser and moisturizer, and gradually build upon it as they learn more about their skin's needs.

After some research and consultation, I decided to introduce him to The Ordinary skincare range.. The Ordinary is a well-known brand in the skincare industry, known for offering a range of clinically-formulated, affordable products to target various skin concerns.

With The Ordinary, my friend was able to find a range of affordable, clinically-formulated products online that target his specific skin concerns.

The Products We Selected

We started by identifying his main skin concerns: dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. To address these concerns, I recommended he use a combination of the following products from The Ordinary.

First, I suggested he use the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum to hydrate and plump the skin. Next, we added the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and congestion.

In addition to these serums, I also recommended the Squalane Cleanser to remove impurities from the skin and the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

To finish off the routine, I suggested he use the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA as a moisturizer to hydrate and protect the skin.

We also added a Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Night Cream to use at night time which is a lightweight and non-greasy cream that provides intense hydration for dry skin.

Why Aren't More Men Invested in Caring for their Skin?

There are a few reasons why men may not be as invested in proper skincare as women.

Firstly, societal expectations and stereotypes can lead men to believe that grooming and taking care of their appearance is not a "masculine" thing to do. This discourages many men from seeking out skincare products or advice, and makes them feel self-conscious about using them.

Men also have less access to skincare information and resources. Historically, skincare has been marketed primarily towards women, and men may not know where to find information or products that are tailored to their specific needs.

Many men may not realize the importance of skincare in maintaining healthy skin. They may not understand the benefits of regular cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection and proper skincare.

Unfortunately, men are more likely to wait until they have a skin issue before addressing it, as opposed to taking preventative measures. It may not be until later in life that they think of taking regular care of their skin.  

Thankfully, with the growing awareness of the importance of skincare for overall health and wellness, it's becoming more common for men to take an interest in proper skincare.

How to maintain a skincare routine that is easy to follow and consistent.

Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is crucial for achieving and maintaining healthy, clear skin. However, it can be challenging to stick to a routine, especially for men who may not be used to incorporating skincare into their daily routine. Here are a few tips to help make it easier to follow and maintain a consistent skincare routine:

Keep it simple: Start with a basic routine that includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. As you learn more about your skin and what it needs, you can gradually add in other products.

Make it convenient: Keep your skincare products in a visible and accessible place, such as your bathroom counter, so you are reminded to use them daily.

Set reminders: Use your phone or calendar to set reminders to use your products at the same time every day.

Use travel-sized products: Keep travel-sized versions of your skincare products in your gym bag, office, or car so you can continue your routine when you're away from home.

Make it a habit: Incorporate skincare into your existing daily routine, such as washing your face after you brush your teeth or before you go to bed.

Be consistent: Be consistent with your skincare routine, even on days when you're feeling lazy or short on time. A little bit of effort each day is much better than a lot of effort once in a while.

Be patient: Have patience and give your skincare routine time to work. It can take at least a month to see the results of consistent use. Even if you don't notice a change, others may still compliment your refreshed appearance. Keep in mind that compliments about men's complexions may not always be direct.

By following these tips, you can make it easy to follow and maintain a consistent skincare routine, and see the benefits of healthy and youthful skin.

How's My Friend Getting On?

It's been a few weeks since he started this routine and my friend has already noticed a difference in his skin. It's looking more hydrated, plump (in a good way), and even-toned. He's also more confident in his skin and less self-conscious about his age. I'm glad that I was able to help him out and give him the guidance he needed.