Guys, we know you typically like to keep it simple when it comes to a so-called “skincare routine.” Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of men prioritizing their skin health and striving for a more youthful appearance in recent years. This presents a wonderful opportunity for men to assess their skincare regimen and gain a better understanding of how to properly care for their body’s largest organ.
An important part of cultivating the right skincare routine is understanding your 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
Once you’ve determined your skin type, you can decide which products will be better suited for you. To start caring for your skin, we recommend the following:
Consider Product Labels and Ingredients
The skin care products you choose will depend on your skin type. If you have acne-prone skin, look for cleansers and moisturizers that say “oil free” or “non-comedogenic,” as these won’t clog your pores. If you have sensitive skin, use mild, “fragrance free” products, as products containing fragrances can leave skin feeling irritated and dry.
Cleanse After Exercise
Wash your face daily and after exercise. Because regular bar soap often contains harsh ingredients that can be drying to the skin, wash your face with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm — not hot — water.
Shave Mindfully
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. It can also be helpful to use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth.
Moisturize
Moisturize daily, applying moisturizer to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering or shaving while the skin is still damp. Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and younger.
Check For Changes
Check your skin regularly for any signs of changes like new spots or moles that itch, bleed, or change color are often early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Men over age 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than the general population. However, when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
Sunscreen
To help prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at minimum whenever you are outdoors (even better if you use a daily moisturizer with spf in it already).
If you have more questions about how to take care of your skin, or what products to use as part of your daily regime, ask your dermatologist! We’ll be more than happy to help you and we do carry a wide variety of great cosmetic products in office.
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
