Men’s Grooming and Skincare

Men’s grooming and skincare is a hot topic!  The men’s beauty/grooming space is blowing up!!  I know, I know…. I’m not supposed to call it men’s beauty or men’s makeup, in any case, let’s call it what it is shall we?  Some so many men are no longer ashamed to walk into a store and purchase a moisturizer or serum and are curious about how to use the products and what the products can do for them.  I think I can speak for everyone here and say we are here for it!  There is nothing wrong with a man taking care of himself.  I personally think it’s hot!

Are you of the male persuasion and want to be able to cover some dark circles or that blemish that popped up last night while you were sleeping?  Excuse me, are you a gentleman with dry skin and want to get moisturized?  Are you a bro that wants to exfoliate so your skin looks better?  Don’t know where to start?  Dude, take my hand and let me be your guide!!  Let’s get into this.

Let’s begin with a starter skincare routine.  Please follow this order when you do your skin routine and follow the links to our favorite men’s products.

1. Wash

2. Exfoliate

3. Tone

4. Serum

5. Moisturize

6. Sunscreen

Step One-Wash

Our skin is subjected to all sorts of pollution and environmental stressors every day, and for it to stay healthy we must wash it twice a day.  Once in the morning and once in the evening before bed, and SIR, if I find out you are using bar soap or hand soap on your beautiful face we will have words!!  Face wash is meant for your face.

Pro Tip:   You should double cleanse!  Especially if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen.  Once with an oil-based face wash to remove makeup and sunscreen and once to wash away the oil cleanser.  Your face will thank you.

Step 2-Toner

Using a toner is mandatory.  When we wash our face we throw off the skin’s natural pH level and for us to return it to normal we should use a toner that doesn’t have alcohol in it.  Alcohol strips the skin of its natural oils and dries it out.  We want soft supple skin, not skin that looks like it’s been in the desert for a week.  Toner also preps your skin to receive the maximum benefits of whatever serum and moisturizer you are going to use.

Step 3-Exfoliate (every 2 to 3 days)

Exfoliation is necessary to help our skin shed dead skin cells, get rid of hyperpigmentation, and smooth your skin’s texture.  Your skin will look brand new when you exfoliate regularly and by regular basis I mean once every two to three days.  There are two types of exfoliators, chemical and physical.  Physical exfoliators will have tiny abrasive pieces in them to manually scrub away dead skin cells.  These abrasives can be sugar, jojoba beads or microbeads.  Chemical exfoliators will have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s) that eat away your your dead skin cells.  The most common chemical exfoliators are Glycolic Acid which is an AHA and Salicylic Acid which is a BHA.  If your skin is normal it’s a good idea to use Glycolic Acid if you choose to chemically exfoliate, and Salicylic Acid if you have oily skin.

Pro Tip:  More is not better when it comes to exfoliation.  You can overdo it and cause your skin barrier to be damaged which causes way more issues.  Once every two to three days is fine.  If you choose a physical exfoliator don’t rub too hard this can do more harm than good.

Step 4-Serum (this is also your pro tip)

While serums are not necessarily something that needs to be used, they are very beneficial for tackling any skin concerns you may have.  Things like fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, and acne.  If you want to add extra hydration or brighten your skin, serums are where it’s at!

Step 5-Moisturizer

There is a moisturizer out there for every skin type.  Please understand that almost all of the population has dehydrated skin.  Between us not drinking enough water, all of our vices like smoking and drinking, our all-consuming love for coffee, and the sun that shines on us, all of our skin needs moisture.  I am not saying to give up any of those, I would never give up my martini but, since we’re gonna indulge anyway let’s get in front of the problem.  If you have oily or combination skin you should use a water-based moisturizer and dry and sensitive skin should use an oil-based moisturizer.

Pro Tip:  If you really want to get pro-level with it you can target certain parts of your face using different moisturizers.  Dry parts get oil-based and oily parts get water-based based etc.

Step 6-Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to protecting your skin from pre-mature signs of aging and skin cancer.  I know we all worship the sun and crave that golden brown color, but the sun is the number one thing that damages your skin.  You should be wearing sunscreen no matter what color your skin is.  Our more melanated friends are at a much higher risk for things like skin cancer because it’s harder to see.  Another big aggressor is the light that comes from your computer or phone and you know how addicted you are to your phone!  Both the sun and our devices emit UV light and not the good kind.

Pro Tip:  You should be wearing sunscreen and reapplying every couple of hours even if you are inside your home.  You should be protecting yourself from the light that comes through your windows too!

A lot of companies now are also making these products multi-purpose!  Check out The Ware Co., Menaji, and Oracle Jane Station.  All three of these companies are favorites of ours.  The Daily by The Ware Co. is a daily face wash that does triple duty as a shaving cream and an exfoliator!!  Just follow the instructions on the box!  Power Hydrator by Menaji is both a moisturizer and and aftershave that has no sting.  Menaji’s Liquid Powder Shine Eliminator has a cult following.  This product eliminates shine from the face, head, and neck, minimizes pores, and provides a soft matte finish while absorbing excess oil.  Check out Oracle Jane Station’s Hand and Body Scrub.  This stuff smells just like a cup of coffee!  Perfect for after a workout or if your skin is oily.  Great for a good back scrub with a partner!  (wink, wink,)

Let the revolution begin for men’s grooming and skin care.  Check out these products and let us know what you think.  Now, go forth and take care of your skin!!