Adopting a proper skincare routine is essential for both men and women, but always keeping in mind that they have different types of skin needs. Herbalife experts review the peculiarities of each type of skin, the main attentions that each one requires, and provide several tips for proper male skincare.
Summer brings longer and sunnier days, inviting us to enjoy the outdoors and activities under the sun. However, this much-awaited time of year also implies an increase in exposure to UVA rays, heat, and humidity, factors that can negatively affect the skin health of both men and women. A proper skincare routine is essential for both genders, but always considering that men and women have different types of skin needs. Herbalife experts review the peculiarities of each type of skin and the main attentions that each one requires.
Traditionally, it has always been thought that skincare products were only for women, but those days are over. A healthy regimen to maintain healthy skin is as important in men as it is in women. In fact, according to Herbalife’s Healthy Habits Panel data, men spend almost the same amount of time as women taking care of themselves, with 32% of men spending almost an hour daily on their appearance compared to 34% of women; and 24% dedicating an exact hour to personal care compared to 25% of women.
The thickness of a person’s skin depends on many factors such as gender, age, and the area of the skin in question. For example, the skin on the eyelids is very thin, while the skin on the palms of the hands is notably thicker. In this sense, a man’s skin is approximately 25% thicker than a woman’s, mainly due to the influence of testosterone. Therefore, his skin will gradually thin with age, while in the case of women, it will remain stable until the age of 50, when it will begin to thin, especially after menopause. This difference also implies that men have a greater amount of elastin and collagen than women, giving them greater resistance to signs of aging.
Another aspect that differentiates men’s and women’s skin is hydration. The greater thickness of men’s skin implies a greater number of sebaceous glands that produce natural oils that help protect the skin, keeping it softer and smoother. In the case of women, the production of these hydrating and repairing substances decreases much earlier than in the case of men. But not everything is bad news for women, since, by nature, they experience more dryness in the skin, especially as they reach menopause, while men, having larger pores, are more prone to have more blackheads and whiteheads.
Men have their own particular “nightmare” which is shaving. This process damages the hydrolipid film on the skin surface, eroding its natural lubrication and protection, as well as causing bumps, ingrown hairs, and sensitivity. Therefore, despite having greater natural hydration, frequent shaving causes greater irritation.
Male skincare, or skincare, has gained increasing importance in recent years, breaking the stigma that only women should worry about their skin. Men also face specific skin challenges, such as excess oil, shaving irritation, and greater exposure to the elements. A proper skincare routine not only improves appearance but also contributes to overall skin health, preventing problems such as premature aging and infections. With the right products and habits, men can maintain clean, hydrated, and protected skin, reflecting overall well-being.
Use a specific facial cleanser. Just because dirt on the skin may not be visible, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. That’s why it’s so important to cleanse the skin every morning and before bed to remove all the external agents the skin is exposed to each day: pollution, car exhaust fumes, smoke, and even deodorant. When deciding on how to do it, a regular bar of soap is not the best option, as they usually contain detergents and fragrances that can be harsh on the skin, altering the pH balance, stripping it of beneficial oils, and causing dehydration. For best results, an effective facial cleanser for normal or oily skin, depending on each individual’s condition, is ideal, in addition to looking for formulas that do not contain sulfates or parabens, but do include antioxidant vitamins and aloe vera for added hydration.
Regenerate the skin through exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface to expose new cells. The skin can exfoliate naturally, but as one ages, this process begins to take longer and needs assistance. Rubbing the dead skin a couple of times a week with an exfoliant containing rough particles will help soften the skin, remove dullness, and reduce irritation during shaving.
Alcohol-free after shave. Most aftershave products contain alcohol, hence the burning and stinging effect when applied to the skin. These unhealthy products can cause the buildup of dead cells, trapping hair remnants in the skin, causing ingrown hairs or irritation. The solution? Use a moisturizing facial lotion, which besides being rich in antioxidants, contains SPF to protect the skin from harmful sun rays and thus prevent aging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
One of the first places where signs of aging appear is around the eyes. Unfortunately, it is an area that many men tend to neglect. The skin around the eyes lacks sweat and sebaceous glands, making it very susceptible to dehydration and causing the appearance of uncomfortable expression lines. How can this be avoided? A small amount of highly moisturizing eye cream applied morning and night under and around the eyes will help hydrate, protect, and keep the skin smooth.
As one ages, the lips lose collagen and begin to compete with the rest of the face. Using lip balms, preferably with SPF, applied frequently, provides extra hydration, eliminating the feeling of dryness and disguising the small expression lines that may appear.
via: MiMub in Spanish
