How Men Can Effectively Take Care of Their Skin
Who said that beauty is only for women? Men also care about their appearance and pay attention to skincare. However, men are generally more laid-back and less focused on skincare, so their skincare routine tends to be simpler. So, how can men take care of their skin in a simple yet effective way, considering their specific needs?
Skincare for Men: Methods and Differences from Women
The Skincare "Disaster Zone" of Mature Men
Since the beginning of the 21st century, men's cosmetics have been jokingly referred to as the "last supper" of the beauty industry. On one hand, many international skincare brands have launched male-specific product lines, and with the endorsement of handsome celebrities, men who value self-improvement have gradually become more interested. On the other hand, this is also an inevitable result of successful men striving for perfection. However, as observed by the author, there are still many men over the age of 30 who neglect skincare due to their upbringing and background.
It is worth noting that although maturity is an attractive trait appreciated by women, it does not necessarily have to be reflected on the face. Men's skin needs to combat environmental pollution and the stress of work caused by factors such as polluted air, intense ultraviolet rays, air conditioning, and dry climates. Even if they don't focus on skincare, it is still necessary to provide adequate moisture and protection. When you encounter a man in his forties with smooth and clean skin, you will strongly feel that he is someone who understands self-control and self-care.
If the mature men around you have not yet realized the importance of skincare, please tell them: they need to take anti-aging care specifically targeting areas prone to wrinkles, such as around the eyes, mouth, and forehead, in order to truly reveal the charm of a handsome man.
Men generally prefer simple, direct, and effective products that hit the mark. This is the key to appealing to men when it comes to skincare. Therefore, the most effective skincare advice for men can be summed up in six words: "simple, quick, and effective."
1. Cleansing: Advocate for "High Definition Freshness"
Modern men have a busy and dynamic lifestyle, constantly exerting themselves and needing to maintain high energy levels. However, sweat and greasiness seem to always cling to men like their "tail bugs", as if they can never get rid of them. Therefore, cleanliness is the first priority for men's skincare. The feeling of "high definition freshness" can restore a man's natural elegance! By using men's specific facial cleansers, just like brushing your teeth, cleanse your face twice a day for 3 minutes each time. Through thorough penetration, removal of dirt, sweat, and excess oil, you can regain the feeling of "freshness".
2. Toning: I Want the "Most Comfortable" Feeling
After cleansing, the second step is to tone the skin. Men usually use very little toner, but it is actually as necessary as aftershave. Toner can help further remove residual oil from the skin surface, tighten pores, and maintain the slightly acidic pH value of the skin. Some toners containing moisturizing factors can further soften the skin. When used after cleansing and shaving, it feels more comfortable and can effectively prevent the occurrence of "ingrown hairs" or allergic reactions caused by shaving.
3. Moisturizing: Pursue "Zero Burden"
Men are often afraid of burdening their faces with skincare products. They dislike the feeling of their face being "covered" by skincare products. Therefore, pursuing "zero burden" is one of the criteria for good men's skincare products. Lightweight moisturizers that are not greasy can make the face feel relaxed and quickly penetrate, forming a protective barrier to effectively lock in moisture and provide long-lasting hydration to the skin.
Differences in Skincare Between Men and Women
Difference 1: Different Skin Types Determine Different Product Choices
Men and women have significantly different skin types. Women generally have thinner and drier skin, making them more prone to wrinkles. Therefore, women focus on achieving smooth and nourished skin, and the various added fragrances in their skincare products are designed based on female characteristics.
Men's skin is thicker than women's, with larger pores and more active sebaceous glands. Men have a thicker stratum corneum, so their skin ages slower and has better elasticity compared to women. They are less likely to develop fine lines. However, more than 80% of men have oily skin, excessive sebum secretion can lead to clogged pores and the formation of blackheads or acne. Therefore, oil control is the primary task for men's skincare, and most men's skincare products are specifically formulated to address this characteristic, with oil-free formulas being particularly popular.
The psychological aspect of using skincare products also differs between men and women. Women use skincare products for beauty purposes, while men focus more on health and vitality. Describing a man's skin as smooth and delicate implies a lack of masculinity, whereas using the same description for women is endearing. This difference in perception reflects the fundamental disparity in the positioning of skincare between men and women. Therefore, it is not suitable for men to use women's skincare products.
Difference 2: Strive for "High Definition Freshness," Not "Super Nutrition"
Due to differences in skin type, men's skincare routine does not need to be as complex as women's skincare routine. As men used to believe, the best way to take care of the skin is to keep it clean. This statement actually holds some truth, but the key is how to achieve thorough cleansing.
Due to differences in hormones, men have more active sebaceous and sweat glands compared to women. In addition, men's skin has a slightly acidic pH value. Their skin is more prone to oiliness and sweat, so cleanliness is indeed the first priority for men's skincare. However, this cleanliness cannot be achieved by washing the face multiple times. On the contrary, the more times you wash your face, the more moisture your skin will lose. In response, the skin will produce more oil as a protective reaction, resulting in "the more you wash, the oilier it gets." The imbalance between oil and water will lead to clogged pores and the formation of blackheads and acne.
To address the characteristics of excessive oiliness, sweat, and acne-prone skin, the focus of men's cleansing should be on achieving effective cleansing and repairing the skin to achieve "high definition freshness." This differs from women's cleansing routines that focus on achieving whitening and nourishing effects. Therefore, if men use their girlfriends' or wives' skincare products, it often leads to increased oiliness and a higher likelihood of acne.
Difference 3: Keep it Simple, Not Too Complicated
If you ask a man to sit in front of a mirror every morning and evening, diligently apply seven or eight layers of skincare products in a specific order, he would probably have fled long ago. Therefore, men's skincare products should be simple, quick, and effective. Men fear burdening their faces with skincare products and dislike the feeling of their face being "covered" by them. This is different from women, who prefer using skincare products that are more oily and nutrient-rich. Therefore, products that feel "zero burden" when applied to the face are an important criterion for judging the quality of men's skincare products. Men tend to prefer refreshing facial cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that are non-greasy, quickly absorbed, and provide hydration and nourishment to the skin.
