This post about what you really need to know about skincare is the fourth in a 10-day blog skincare routine for men series that is created just for you.
It highlights the basic skincare routine and how to manually create your very own beauty regime even as a guy!
What’s Skincare?
If you’re entirely new to
skincare or skin support and how it works, then you may not know what exfoliation or hydration
means either.
Both terms- exfoliation
and hydration describe the work each skincare product performs on the skin (face, body, and foot).
In general, basic
skincare is simply a way of intentionally taking care of your skin from head to toe so as to
optimally upgrade the way your skin feels and looks (texture and tone).
It is the key to looking
naturally attractive even on simple casual outfits.
That’s why every guy or
man is recommended to dive into this regime of skincare that was once portrayed
to be a woman’s thing.
Although there are still
some myths about men having a skincare regime which is totally a devastating skincare routine mistake for guys
that absolutely need to be corrected.
Why Do Skincare?
Though doing skincare is not a compulsory thing to do as a guy but it is also an absolute necessity!
And you will come to understand why this is so, as this post walks you through some of the very basis of each skincare terms (exfoliate, moisturize, toner, and more!) and how to use them to keep your skin healthy and eventually cure or prevent skin related problems due to lack of proper skincare regime.
Are Skincare Routine Still
Relevant For Men?
Research has it that, men are more prone to skin cancer.
Prior to these and after
this research, there are guys who still buy the idea that skincare is
traditionally a women’s headache hence they don’t lay any emphasis at all on
skincare.
And you know what?
That’s totally a bad
mistake!
Skincare, just like any
form of hygiene is so critical to any group or age of individuals. Failure of
this has its own obvious consequences like aging, burns, drying or peeling off skin cancer, and other skin-related diseases in men.
As the research explains,
men really need to incorporate skincare into their lifestyle so as to avoid
such problems since they are more prone to skin diseases than their female counterparts.
So, the answer is yes,
skincare is very much relevant to men as it is in females.
Another hike here is that,
not that bathing, using creams or doing everything as a guy such as smelling good and looking attractive
is not the right thing to do.
The thing is that maybe
you are not doing it right. You probably are taking your shower, every morning
and night, shaving every two weeks, or using an epic deodorant to tame body odor but that’s not all!
Ouch, that was a little
bit straightforward, right?
You are feeling somehow
that you are guilty of these skincare mistakes.
But you know what?
I was not exempted from
such either.
Take my bath. Rub or not rub cream.
Put on my clothes. Head for my business.
*me when I knew absolutely
nothing about skincare and why I needed one.
But do you know what the
good thing is?
You are reading this post
which is about the terminologies of skincare and this would really help you to
know why you do what you do- SKINCARE and
have fun doing it as well!
So, don’t you think you
might need some help to understand these terms and decide why skincare is
absolutely necessary for you as a guy?
Well, let’s talk about
them!
The Easiest Skincare Routine Explained Quickly In 7 Steps
#1 Exfoliate
If you are truly serious about looking naturally attractive both in the morning and all through the day and getting to know what skincare for men is all about then you really need to take exfoliation to the core.
But what's exfoliate meaning on the skin?
It's the way the body skin repairs and replaces itself by removing the cells on the topmost layer of the skin (oldest skin cells). Without these, it only means one thing- your skin is dead!
Ouch, hurts to read that right?
On the other way round, you will have lots of dead cells lying invisibly on your uppermost skin- your skin is alive and active!
But don't celebrate yet.
You can have the most expensive and the best of skincare products lined up on your bathtub but if you don't exfoliate at a minimum rate, you may not get the best out of your skincare routine.
It's 100% true and proven!
Exfoliating regularly will make a difference to your skin glow and general health, but knowing the benefits, how to exfoliate naturally your face and body will help you do it correctly.
Benefits of Exfoliating
Like I mentioned earlier, your skincare product will not be effective if you don't exfoliate because you have lots of dead skin obscuring its penetration into the skin.
Here's why it rocks!
1. Accelerates skin cell turnover which in turn improves acne and black spots
2. Prevents skin aging and clogging of skin pores as it breakdown dead cell that dulls your skin appearance
3. Easier topical penetration of your skincare products (serum, moisturizers, toners) hence your skin appears brighter
4. Exfoliating completely sheds off dead cells and reduces hyperpigmentation which is the cause of drying, black pigmentation, redness, flakiness of your skin, and other skin discoloration
5. It clears debris or makeup that remains on the face prior to bedtime or face washing so that your skin
How to Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally
Instead of combining different ways of exfoliating, and blindly finding which one works for you, take a look at your skin type.
Oily. Flaky. Sensitive. Dry. Rough. Smooth. Acne. Sores. Greasy. Normal. Combination.
Knowing this will help you exfoliate properly with maximum skin results.
Remember, don't exfoliate if you have sores or any open cuts on your skin as this would lead to other skin problems.
At first, I got lost as to what type of exfoliation and exfoliators to use.
Whether it is:
Physical exfoliants like exfoliating mitts, cleansing scrubs, micro derma roller, loofahs, dry body brushes, or DIY scrubs.
Or,
Chemical exfoliants like retinoids, chemical peels, lactic acid or glycolic acid treatment (very effective!)
Or,
Go to the professionals
But guess what?
I realized that all these depend on your skin needs and what you want to get out from exfoliating your skin at the end.
Want to know which exfoliate product I eventually used?
DIY scrubs and a dry body brush!
It's a natural way to actually exfoliate without indulging in chemical exfoliators.
P.S: You will come to see how I use it below- how to exfoliate naturally :)
But WHY DIY facial scrub and dry body brush, instead of just using one for them both?
Exfoliating your body is quite different from exfoliating your face because the layers of each skin cell are not the same.
How to Exfoliate Your Face Naturally At Home
Since my skin type is sensitive I have no problem doing a natural scrub.
So, the DIY scrub I used was coffee and sugar facial scrub.
Which I mixed in a container using a combination of brown sugar, honey, coffee, buttermilk.
I then moisten my face with water before applying the DIY mixture.
After which I gently rub against my facial skin for about 5 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water, and dry gently.
#2 Skin Tone vs Tone Skin
Both skincare terms can be misunderstood for being the same. But here's their difference.
Skin tone refers to your skin surface (uppermost skin layer) color as a result of the amount of melanin your body produces (a body pigment responsible for your body color).
That's why you can observe the various skin tone variations in people.
What Are The Four Types of Skin Tone?
Light skin tone
Deep skin tone
Warm skin tone
Medium skin tone
Tan skin tone
Even / Normal skin tone
This skin tone chart should help you understand better:
While tone skin on the other hand, simply refers to the process of making your skin pigmentation (melanin) even out thus preventing skin discoloration such as black spots, and redness.
Can I tell you a secret?
The key to having an even skin tone is to properly EXFOLIATE!
And you know what exfoliation does, right?
One of which is that it prevents hyperpigmentation of the skin.
What Causes Uneven Skin Tone On Face?
Skin texture and its color make your skin tone uneven.
Never thought about it, right?
But the following factors are what contributes to you having an uneven skin tone:
1. Hormonal changes
2. Overexposure to sunlight
3. Oily skin
4. Hyperpigmentation
5. Skin redness
If that's the case our focus would be on treating your skin concerns so as to improve the skin texture and its color, right?
So, how do we achieve that?
How to Get Even Skin Tone On Face Naturally At Home (Step By Step)
1. Exfoliate Regularly With (Facial scrub or Chemical exfoliators)
Pros: New skin layers dominant removing dead uppermost cells making skincare products penetrate your skin easily
Cons: Failure to exfoliate results in hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration
2. Use Anti-oxidant Serum (Vitamin C)
Pros: Prevents build of free radicals that potentially leads to melanin synthesis and hyperpigmentation
Cons: Skin ages quickly
3. Apply Moisturizer
Pros: Skin remains hydrated for long with an added barrier against wrinkles
Cons: Skin would remain dry, flaky, or chalky hence peeling off
4. Use Sunglasses Often
Pros: Absorbs sunlight and prevents unevenness
Cons: Prevents direct sunlight that causes skin injuries
5. Don't Pick Your Skin For Pimples
Pros: Prevents inflammation and reddening of face skin
Cons: Hyperpigmentation and redness may set in
6. Drink Water Regularly
Let's go over to the next skincare routine.
#3 Face
#4 Moisturize
As we mentioned earlier, moisturizing prevents skin dehydration and dryness.
#5 What Does Serum Does to Your Face?
It has a range of functions depending on the type. They come in the form of gels or liquid.
For example, an antioxidant face serum works by preventing build-up free radicals which prevent premature aging.
And you know what?
It is ideal for most skin types!
So, it's a win-win. Let's look at why serum rocks.
Serum for Face Benefits
1. Hydrating serum keeps the face constantly moisturized thus very ideal for people with dry skin
2. Color correcting serum helps to tame hyperpigmentation thus ideal for people who want to even out skin tone
3. Anti-aging serum does the work of giving you that forever 21-year-old look, especially if you started using it earlier than now.
Disadvantages of Using Face Serum
1. Serum weakens skin barrier in people with eczema hence irritation may occur
2. Poorly stored serum will cause the embedded vitamins in it to quickly oxidize and if used on your face, can cause skin discoloration
3. It is quite pricey but can be left out among the basic skincare products ( face cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream)
How to Use Face Serum At Night For Glowing Skin
#6 Is Eye Cream Really Important?
Do you know that, each time you wink, laugh, blink, smile or cry, you subject your eyes to micro movements that could dehydrate that area?
Well, now you know.
Generally, the area of skin under the eye is a bit thinner with a lower maintenance requirements than the rest of the face.
That's why when you look into mirror after waking up from a very deep sleep or after being stressed, you will notice that the skin tends to puff and bulge out around the eye with obvious dark circles.
*me every Saturday morning!
But one of the best ways to prevent crow's feet and lines (premature aging) from being obvious beneath the eye, is to consistently make use of a supplemented eye cream.
And you know why?
That's because eye creams provides moisture and nourishment (as it contains aloe Vera, vitamins, retinol, and more!) to the eye area, that eventually maintains the skin from dehydration.
In addition to this, eye creams are very important for achieving an even skin tone on your face.
Perhaps a trick most ladies use while prepping their skin even before applying makeup!
But that's not all.
Eye creams are not really necessary.
*But I thought they have formulated ingredients made specifically for the under eye?
It's 100% true.
What if you were like me then as a beginner guy into skincare then with no extra cash to spare for such product?
Would I just fold my hands in amazement and say I don't need that for my eyes yet, maybe when the wrinkles start appearing I'll get serious with it.
No, I would not.
But what if I tell you that there are other alternatives to eye creams that works similarly?
Cheap DIY Under Eye Substitute for Sensitive Eyes and Dark Circles
How to Create a Workable Skincare
Regime That Makes People Stick to You like Butter!
#1 Know Why You Need a Skincare
Do you know what the first
thing to do before starting out on a skincare journey is?
Is to have a reason or
need!
As humans, we always work
towards achieving something that can solve a specific need we have.
That’s the same thing that
happens when it comes to skincare. You probably won’t be happy finding out that
the expensive skincare product you bought was the wrong one or maybe it
irritates your skin instead of repairing it, right?
Know why you need one not
because it’s a fanciful thing that everyone does in order to look good or
attractive.
This might help you
decide:
Is it because you have
some facial problems like acne that trouble you?
Or,
You totally care and
you’re so obsessed about your image,
Or,
Maybe you want to build
your confidence as a guy and learn a lot about your body and yourself?
Or,
Are you scared of aging
and want to remain 21 forever?
Or,
Do you just want to spoil
yourself a bit by doing a home spa?
I mean all these self-care
prompts can go on and on.
But your reason for having
a skincare routine all depends on you and what your skin needs.
Remember, whether or not
you have a fanciful or genuine reason for doing so, skincare is a total
necessity in any guy's life.
#2 Use Complexion-Based Products
Perhaps you are dark-skinned in complexion your choice of skincare product will depend on this.
Like we explained earlier,
under skincare terminologies the first thing you really need to grab is your skin makeup-complexion, tone, color, and feel.
What’s your skin like?
Dry, oily, light-skinned,
dark-skinned, rough, tough, or soft.
The most likely products
you will get are products that resonate with your skin type.
And, guess what?
We already explained the
functions of these common and popular men skincare products under #... in the
skincare terminologies above, you may need to reference it again!
But whatever your reason
for doing a skincare regime is, take time to understand your skin so as to
decide which complexion-based products are right for you!
You know what?
If you find this a big
task to do, consult a dermatologist to walk you through the things you need to
know about your skin as a guy.
The juicy part!
Here are some amazing
brands for shopping your best deal skincare products (exfoliators, :
1. Sephora
2. The ordinary
3. Glossier
4. Neutrogena
#3 Don’t Over Think It!
I do my skincare under zero pressure but can I
tell you a little secret?
Confused. Felt like stopping. Forget the names of the
products. Not consistent. Doubts. No change on my skin.
*me when I first got started in my skincare
regime!
But guess what?
It’s all in the past now!
I do wonder why I acted that way but I guess it’s
this fear that comes whenever you are trying out something new for the first
time and I guess you must have had such experience, someday?
Anyways, what I am trying to say is that don’t be
all tensed up at the first day of your skincare, whether you forget to apply
your moisturizer or eye cream it’s all good.
You get better at remembering as you keep doing
it!
#4 Handful of Consistency
#5 Yummy Journal
Looks like this tip is the odd one here, out of the skincare regime, right?
I got you.
But here’s the thing behind me choosing it.
You can remember how losing weight can be HARD. Waking up in the morning and the first thing you’re doing is to drink green tea, you’re restricted from eating what you crave because it’s a weight-adding meal.
Let me stop at this.
Now how do you think you can keep up with all the rules and games of losing weight, if not by writing it?
The same thing applies here- the key to being consistent at your skincare routine is by keeping a record of it even if you don’t want to journal about it.
Trust me the last thing you need right now is to look back and regret why you started a skincare routine in the first place because the accountability is just not there to fuel the whole process!
Now you know why, right?
What A Dose of Skincare Regimes!
Now you know what skincare really means and am sure you have decided that you absolutely need one too!
No more dull face, dry skin, or even wrinkles to stop your glow.
Let us know which skincare regime you are finally taking on to beat down blackspot and other skin problems, so as to naturally glow your skin even as a guy.
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Skincare Routine Blog Series for Men:
Get all the tricks and tips you need to optimize not only your skincare routine but every routine you need as a guy to get more attractive not only on outfits but also in good breaths and nice body fragrance.
Sounds good, right?
So, here is a quick glance at all the 10 posts in the skincare routine series that you can't afford to miss out on as a beginner guy:
3 Ridiculous Skincare Routine Mistakes Guys Seriously Need To Fix
10 Actionable Ways On How To Look Naturally Attractive As A Guy Without Expensive Outfits
How To Use Good Mouth Wash To Stop Bad Breathes For Good
What You Really Need To Know About Skincare (Exfoliation, Hydration, Skin Complexion, and More!)
The Best Checklist For The Guy Obsessed With Skincare Routines
27 Trendy Haircut For Guys That Are Truly Viral-Worthy
15 Easy To Use Shaving Kit Every Beginner Guys Needs To Know About