Dr. Truitt talks about how to get that healthy, glowing skin for men.
Men have been known to keep their skin routine simple if perhaps nonexistent; but maybe it’s time for an upgrade to ensure healthy, younger-looking, and protected skin like their female counterparts. While women have traditionally taken the lead in skin care, men are quickly catching up albeit with a few differences particular to the needs of male skin.
Start moisturizing: While it will add an additional step to the morning routine, it’s essential to moisturize and hydrate the skin. To best accomplish this (delete “step”), it is important to know your type of skin. Oily skin requires an oil-free or non-comedogenic formulation to reduce oil and acne such as Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator. Normal skin may simply require a light moisturizer like Neutrogena facial hydroboost or Vanicream lite lotion. For dry skin, consider L’Occitane Aqua Mineral Moisture Mask with hyaluronic acid and glycerin for increased hydration and moisture retention.
Give up the soap: Replace your soap with a soap-free cleanser. Soaps can be more drying as they can strip the natural oil of the skin, especially those soaps with sodium lauryl sulfate which is a surfactant to remove oil. Cleansers are less abrasive and can be used daily without the drying effect of soap. Consider Neutrogena, Cetaphil, Cerave, and Aveeno cleansers for a less drying experience.
Choose a single or double razor blade: Manufacturers of razor blades often tout increased numbers of blades for a closer shave. While they are right, multiple blades can often lead to folliculitis (irritation of the hair follicle) and ingrown hairs. Consider keeping the number of blades to one or two. And ask any woman: never dry shave! Always soften the hair by wetting with warm water or shaving just after a shower to get a smooth shave devoid of nicks and razor bumps.
Cancel the aftershave: A bit of history for you: shaving was originally performed with a single straight razor, often leading to nicks and cuts. Aftershave contains alcohol as a disinfectant. As straight razors are rarely used today, there is little need for a disinfectant, especially as it can lead to dry skin. Choose a moisturizer instead after your shave.
Grab the sunscreen: Zinc oxide gives the best broad-spectrum coverage, and as a mineral it’s reef safe. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and at least 5% or higher of zinc oxide. Elta MD, Neutrogena, LaRoche Posay, and Cerave all make great products.
Go for those cosmetic procedures: Why shouldn’t men share in the cosmetic procedures that are so common for women? Consider neuromodulators to reduce wrinkle formation and Potenza microneedling with radiofrequency to smooth those fine lines and wrinkles. Let’s get that youthful skin look and leave that “rugged” look to your clothing choices.