By Julia Savacool, Men's Journal
Using skincare products designed for women is not bad for your skin, but it’s unnecessary. Men’s skin is different, primarily due to the presence of facial hair.
In order to sustain those hair follicles, a man’s facial skin is thicker, and the blood supply richer. Follicles secrete more natural oils. When men shave, it acts as an exfoliant, getting rid of dead skin cells. And men’s skin is not exposed to the same hormonal variations as women’s.
All these factors make men’s skin less susceptible to signs of aging. This is most obvious on the upper lip. Virtually all women of a certain age have vertical lip lines, but it’s rare for men. Expensive anti-wrinkle ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids, peeling agents, and peptides, are unnecessary.
There are, of course, some needs that are the same. Men’s facial skin loses elasticity in a fashion similar to women’s, so products that help build collagen, particularly vitamin C serum, should be used daily. A moisturizer with sunscreen is also a good idea. Few men need to apply moisturizers more than once daily, and a two-in-one makes it easy.
Embrace a low-maintenance routine. In the morning, wash your face and shave, then apply a serum, followed by a moisturizer with SPF. The key is sticking to it.
Using skincare products designed for women is not bad for your skin, but it’s unnecessary. Men’s skin is different, primarily due to the presence of facial hair.
In order to sustain those hair follicles, a man’s facial skin is thicker, and the blood supply richer. Follicles secrete more natural oils. When men shave, it acts as an exfoliant, getting rid of dead skin cells. And men’s skin is not exposed to the same hormonal variations as women’s.
All these factors make men’s skin less susceptible to signs of aging. This is most obvious on the upper lip. Virtually all women of a certain age have vertical lip lines, but it’s rare for men. Expensive anti-wrinkle ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids, peeling agents, and peptides, are unnecessary.
There are, of course, some needs that are the same. Men’s facial skin loses elasticity in a fashion similar to women’s, so products that help build collagen, particularly vitamin C serum, should be used daily. A moisturizer with sunscreen is also a good idea. Few men need to apply moisturizers more than once daily, and a two-in-one makes it easy.
Embrace a low-maintenance routine. In the morning, wash your face and shave, then apply a serum, followed by a moisturizer with SPF. The key is sticking to it.
