Put Your Best Face Forward with Our Skin Care Routine for Men
If you think skin care is just for women, think again.
Men’s interest in skin care is growing, thanks to awareness of the importance of healthy skin for everyone. It’s estimated that 62% of men follow a daily skin care routine, compared with 82% of women. Common skin care goals for men are similar to those for women, including overall health, correcting sun damage and removing unwanted hair.
If you’re a guy looking to boost your skin care game, this article introduces you to the basics. We’ll go over the unique characteristics of male skin, good habits to follow at home and professional treatments for looking and feeling your best. You’ll also want to schedule a free consultation with Cayce Medical Spa, where you’ll get a skin assessment and a personalized care plan to meet your needs.
Men’s Skin Care Needs
There are a number of key differences between men’s and women’s skin. Here are just a few examples, according to dermatologists:
- Men tend to have more collagen density and may experience fewer lines and wrinkles than women. However, excessive sun exposure can cause premature aging in everyone.
- Men have more facial hair and tend to shave more often. Guys must take extra care to prevent irritation after shaving.
- Men usually have oilier skin than women. Cleansers that reduce oiliness are a good choice.
- Men’s skin is thicker than women’s, which may impact the effectiveness of some exfoliants and anti-aging treatments.
It’s also important to know your skin type. That’ll help you shop smarter and choose the best products for getting the results you want:
- Normal skin is generally clear and not sensitive to most skin care products.
- Oily skin appears shiny and greasy and is more prone to acne.
- Dry skin feels flaky, itchy and may have a rough texture.
- Combination skin typically has oily patches in the t-zone of your forehead and nose area, with dryness elsewhere.
- Sensitive skin may sting or burn when using the incorrect products.
At-Home Skin Care
The first step to healthy skin is to make regular care a part of your daily routine. That way it becomes natural, just like eating right, getting plenty of exercise and brushing your teeth. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following tips for men’s skin care:
- Choose cleansers and other products that match your skin type. Read product labels to find ingredients that meet your needs. For example, you may be trying to clear up breakouts. Others may need to reduce or prevent irritation.
- Wash your face daily and every time you sweat – such as after a workout. Opt for a mild facial cleanser instead of bar soap. Use lukewarm water instead of hot or cold.
- Practice healthy shaving techniques. Wet your skin first, and then apply a moisturizing shaving cream. Switch to a new blade every five uses.
- Apply a moisturizer daily. The best times to moisturize include immediately after bathing, shaving or handwashing.
- Perform skin checks. This makes it easier to catch early signs of skin cancer and other issues. Examples include moles that change shape or bleed, along with new, unexplained blemishes. See a dermatologist if you notice any new areas of concern.
- Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater – even in winter and on cloudy days. Apply it to exposed areas, such as your face, scalp, ears, neck and lips. If you’re spending time outside, reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Professional Facials
In addition to at-home care, there are many professional treatments that can address individual skin concerns. A facial is great for assessing your skin’s overall condition and deep cleaning. Your facial may include one or more of the following:
- Diamond-cut microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells and soothes irritation. Using a diamond-tipped wand, the esthetician gently exfoliates to uncover younger-looking skin, deep clean pores and improve overall complexion.
- Perfect Derma™ is a medium-depth peel for all skin types. It involves no prep and requires very little downtime. The powerful antioxidant glutathione lightens and brightens the appearance of your skin and slows the aging process.
You can also receive specialized treatments for concerns like rosacea or skin sensitivity.
Injectable Treatments
Because men have thicker skin than women, they may develop deeper “expression lines,” especially in the forehead area. Injectable treatments such as Botox can help. This FDA-approved treatment is safe, effective and has been popular with men and women for many years. It can also treat frown lines and crows’ feet. Most injectables require little to no downtime, so you can get back to your daily routine almost immediately.
Juvederm is an FDA-approved injectable filler that contains the active ingredient hyaluronic acid. Different formulations can be used for a variety of concerns:
- Juvederm® Voluma® adds volume to the cheek area.
- Juvederm® Vollure® treats “parentheses lines” and nasolabial lines near the nose and mouth.
- Juvederm® Volbella® corrects unwanted lines around the lips.
- Juvederm® Volux® XC improves definition around your jawline.
If you’re concerned about a double chin, ask about Kybella. Formulated with deoxycholic acid, it helps to slim the chin area and improve facial symmetry.
Laser & Light Treatments
There are a number of common skin concerns that can be easily addressed with effective laser or light treatments. The esthetician uses a specialized device to treat problem areas for better appearance and overall condition. Laser and light treatments are non-invasive and require little to no downtime for treatment and recovery.
- Sun damage: Lumecca uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to alleviate discoloration, age spots and other types of sun damage.
- Laser hair removal: The back and chest are popular areas for hair removal treatments for men. Four to six appointments are recommended, although the exact number of treatments will vary. Diolaze XL uses a diode laser beam to pass through the skin to the hair follicle. The laser heats the root, which prevents future growth.
- Tattoo removal: If you have an old tattoo you’d rather not have anymore, laser treatments can help. The Astanza Trinity laser breaks up ink pigment underneath the dermis. The particles are then eliminated by the body naturally. About five to 10 appointments are recommended, with about six to eight weeks between sessions.
Schedule a Free Skin Consultation
Whether you’re new to the world of skin care, or if you have new concerns to address, Cayce Medical Spa is here to help. Our experienced medical professionals offer personalized care specifically geared toward your needs.
The best way to get started is by scheduling a free skin consultation. During your appointment, we’ll closely examine your skin and give you an assessment based on the results. We’ll recommend the best professional treatments and products to use at home to get the results you want.
You can call us at 573-234-6930 or contact us online at any time.