Men Skincare: Moisturizing 101

by Groshan Fabiola I try to cover as many topics as I can

Days when men woke up, brushed their teeth and splashed a bit of water on their face are long gone and with the market being filled with more and more skincare products specially made for men, protecting your skin has never been easier. But quickly dabbing a bit of moisturizer from your girlfriend or wife’s cabinet is not always the right way to do it and men should know how important choosing the correct moisturizer is.

Although specialists say men should typically keep their routine as simple as possible, knowing what type of skin you have is the first step in finding the perfect product for you. The best way to determine your skin type is to examine the T Zone at the end of the day. The T Zone is the area across your forehead and down your nose to your chin. If your skin is really matte in that area, this means you have dry skin, while a shiny or slightly greasy surface means your skin is oily. If there is no visible difference, this just means you have normal or mixed skin. If you feel your skin is prone to redness or it stings when applying most products, it means your skin is sensitive, but have no fear, because the market offers a variety of mens skin products for every type of skin.

For dry skin, try using oil-based products, as they are richer and hydrate more. If your skin is oily, try looking for lotions that have an oil-free formula and for normal skin use a balanced product, as you just need to maintain your skin condition and just add a little help to it. For sensitive skin, avoid anything fragranced or alcohol based and look for moisturizers that are specifically designed for your skin.

Now that you know how to choose the perfect product for your skin, to make the most out of it, you also have to learn how to use it properly. Cleanse your skin before using any moisturizer, to ensure your pores are open and your skin will absorb the product. One classic tip that works for all moisturizers is to apply the product on damp skin, so after you wash your face, just pat it dry with a towel, making sure it does not absorb all the water. Apply the lotion using small circular motions, to massage it in and don’t use too much product. Start with a little bit and add more if you feel the need to.

Skincare-experts advice that, to ensure you give your skin the proper care, it’s best to use different men skincare products for your face and body, and don’t forget to take good care of your lips too. A simple lip balm to keep at hand can go a long way in the Winter season, when they are prone to get chapped, and when Summer comes, try incorporating sunblock in your routine or find moisturizers that have SPF in them, especially if you have sensitive skin, to prevent burnings and acne.

Trouble finding time to search your local store for moisturizers or other men skincare products, try these links!