Skin Care For Men

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. For most men, a few basic habits can go a long way toward keeping skin healthy, comfortable and protected as the years pass.

Men’s skin faces many of the same challenges as women’s skin, including dryness, acne, sun damage and signs of aging. Shaving and facial hair can add their own challenges, and years of outdoor work, sports and recreation can leave their mark. The good news is that an effective skincare routine doesn’t require a shelf full of products. A simple routine built around cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection is a good place to start.

Washing your face helps remove excess oil, sweat, dirt and other substances that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. But stronger isn’t necessarily better.

Harsh soaps and overly aggressive scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural oils and contribute to dryness and irritation. Choose a gentle facial cleanser appropriate for your skin type and wash with lukewarm rather than very hot water.

For many men, washing in the morning and again before bed works well. If your skin is particularly dry or sensitive, your dermatologist may recommend adjusting how often you cleanse or the type of product you use.

Moisturizer isn’t just for dry skin. It helps support the skin’s natural barrier and can reduce dryness, tightness and irritation.

The key is choosing a moisturizer that works with your skin. Men with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores. Dry skin may benefit from a richer cream, while sensitive skin often does better with fragrance-free products containing fewer potential irritants.

Applying moisturizer shortly after washing, while the skin is still slightly damp, can help retain moisture.

If you add only one protective step to your skincare routine, make it sunscreen.

Ultraviolet radiation contributes to premature skin aging, discoloration and, more importantly, skin cancer. Sun exposure adds up over a lifetime, including the ordinary exposure you receive while driving, working outside, exercising, golfing or simply going about your day.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on exposed skin. When spending extended time outdoors, remember to reapply according to the product directions, particularly after swimming or sweating.

In New Mexico, where sunshine is abundant throughout the year, sun protection deserves to be an everyday habit rather than something reserved for summer vacations.

For some men, shaving is the part of the skincare routine that causes the most trouble. Razor burn, irritation, ingrown hairs and razor bumps can turn a simple morning task into an ongoing skin problem.

Shaving after a shower or after applying warm water to the face can help soften facial hair. Use a shaving cream or gel to reduce friction, use a clean, sharp razor and avoid repeatedly going over the same area.

Shaving in the direction of hair growth may also help reduce irritation and ingrown hairs. If razor bumps or persistent irritation continue despite changing your shaving routine, a dermatologist can help determine the best approach for your skin.

Whether you maintain close-cropped facial hair, stubble or a full beard, the skin underneath still needs regular cleansing and moisture.

Beard hair and the skin beneath it can accumulate oil, sweat, dead skin cells and residue from grooming products. Gently wash both your beard and the underlying skin regularly rather than concentrating only on the hair. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can make irritation worse.

The skin beneath a beard can also become dry, itchy or flaky. Moisturizing the underlying skin can help maintain the skin barrier and reduce dryness. Men with longer or coarser beards may also use beard-conditioning products to keep facial hair softer and more manageable, but caring for the beard itself shouldn’t replace caring for the skin underneath it.

Pay attention to persistent redness, itching, flaking, bumps or breakouts beneath facial hair. What looks like simple dry skin may sometimes be acne, folliculitis, dermatitis or another skin condition that can benefit from proper diagnosis and treatment.

A beard can also make it easier to overlook changes in the skin. Periodically check beneath facial hair for new or changing spots, unusual growths or areas that bleed or don’t heal.

For a man who currently does little or nothing for his skin, there’s no reason to jump into an elaborate routine.

A good starting point is remarkably simple:

Morning: Cleanse, moisturize and apply sunscreen.

Evening: Cleanse and moisturize.

If you have facial hair, make cleansing and caring for the skin underneath it part of that same routine.

Once those habits are established, additional products can be considered for specific concerns such as acne, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation or sun damage.

Good skincare isn’t only about appearance. Get familiar with your skin so you’re more likely to notice when something changes.

Watch for new or changing moles, spots that bleed or don’t heal, unusual growths or other persistent changes. Men should also remember areas that are easy to overlook, including the scalp, ears, back and neck, as well as skin covered by facial hair.

If you notice something concerning, don’t wait for your next routine appointment to have it evaluated.

Taking care of your skin doesn’t require a complicated regimen. Clean it gently, keep it moisturized, protect it from the sun and pay attention when something changes. And whether you shave every morning or haven’t seen your chin in years, the skin underneath still deserves some attention.

If you have questions about your skin type, persistent irritation, acne, sun damage or other skin concerns, the dermatology professionals at Seeberger Dermatology can help you develop an approach that’s appropriate for your individual skin.

In cases where daily skincare isn’t enough, treatment for specific skin concerns need to be considered. We will explore that in our next article.