Male Skin Care
The skin is the body’s largest organ so taking care of it is vital. Often, we focus on the female skin and how hormones, day-to-day activities and stressors affect it. Well, this month it’s all about men’s health and we are focusing on our male skin!
Research shows that men’s skin is between 10-20% thicker than women’s skin. Androgens such as testosterone can affect the overall thickness and oiliness of male skin. While this is a great from a wrinkle-prevention perspective it also means it’s more difficult for men to absorb the vital ingredients from skin care products. I’m going to share with you my idea of a great male skin care plan, but when thinking about introducing a new skin care routine into your life, remember simplicity is key! Male skincare routines should not take longer than 5 minutes.
First, it’s important that everyone, including men, identify and understand their skin type:
- Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use
- Normal skin is clear and not sensitive
- Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough
- Oily skin is shiny and greasy
- Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others
Step 1-Cleanse: Cleanse twice a day (morning and night) and after exercise. Cleansing will remove dirt, excess oil, and pollutants that have settled in your pores and surface layer of the skin. “BAR SOAP” contains harsh ingredients that will dry out your skin! My husband makes this mistake daily!! It’s best to use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water, I personally prefer to wash my face in the shower out of convenience. I recommend using
Dry/sensitive/normal: Alumier Sensi calm
Oily/combination: Alumier Acne Clarifying cleanser
Step 2- Exfoliate: Exfoliating is NOT a daily step, but it is important to utilize a good scrub once or twice a week to help remove the dead superficial skin cells. It also helps to clean pores and keep breakouts at bay. If you work in any outdoor environment, with heavy machinery where your exposed to excess oils/lubricants and dirt this is a must for you. * I do not recommend use of mechanical exfoliator for sensitive/red skin.
Dry/oily/combination/normal: Alumier MicroDerm Polish
Sensitive: Enzymatic Peel (1 time weekly)
Step 3-Target/Treat: Serums can seem like an unnecessary or tedious step, but I highly recommend you consider adding at least one serum to your skincare regime. Serums tend to be the most expensive items of skin care but for a good reason. Serums are highly concentrated and scientifically formulated to penetrate the skin at a deeper level to help target and treat your skin conditions. Most of these serums are safe to be applied once or twice daily. Some of my favorites are:
Dry/normal: Alumier EverActive C&E peptide or ultimate boost serum
Sensitive: Alumier Calm R
Oily/combination: Slumier retinol resurfacing serum .5-.1 (PM ONLY)
Step 4-Hydrate: Moisturizers deliver vitamins and nutrients to the skin while creating a protective barrier to protect your skin from environmental aggressors like pollution. It is important to moisturize every morning to help replenish moisture lost during sleep. I recommend:
Dry/normal: Alumier HydraDew
Sensitive: HydraCalm
Oily/combination: HydraClarite
Step 5: Protect: We all love how the sun feels on our skin but it’s crucial to wear an SPF daily. It protects our skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause premature aging, skin cancer and helps keep an even tone. You should be reapplying sunscreen every two hours or after excessive sweating or swimming. I understand this can be hard to do especially with our busy summers filled with kids and sports but putting the effort into the sun protection will save you in the long run. I recommend at least a SPF 40.
All skin types: Alumier sheer hydration SPF 40 (untinted)
Also NOTE:
Watch your shaving technique. For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well or shave too closely to your skin. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, use a single- or double-blade razor instead and do not stretch your skin taut while shaving. Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after each swipe of razor and change your blade after 5-7 shaves to minimize irritation.
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