Dare to Care: Four Step Skin Care RegiMEN

Among other things, skin is yet another differentiator between men and women. For starters, men are genetically thick-faced. Their skin is 20% thicker than women’s skin. Men also have larger pores, and more facial and body hair. Also, men do not glow as women do, they s-w-e-a-t.

Article by By Ana Santos

All these are reasons why men need to take special care of their skin and use products that are specifically formulated for a man.

If you’re a regular Joe whose skin care regimen is good old soap and water—or worse, you just use the soap your girlfriend or wife uses—it’s time to declare a “men’s section” in your bathroom for your own version of the deeply respected mantra: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize.

More after the jump.

Four Step Skin Care RegiMEN

1. Shave
Once past the pre-pubescent stage when men start growing facial hair, they spend about 3,000 hours or 140 days of their lives shaving.

That may not seem like a lot in the span of a lifetime, but considering that after a certain age hair recession sets in and men want to save as much of their hair as they can, this is enough.

Shaving is like exfoliation. It removes the upper layers of skin and exposes the lower skin layers which are more sensitive.

Your choice of shaving cream should act as a lubricant that will soften the glide of a razor sharp blade grazing your skin. It should protect against nicks and cuts and prevent dried out skin which feels harsh.

2. Apply after-shave
After shaving, skin is vulnerable and extra sensitive. You need after-shave balms to condition the skin and soften it after it’s been under a razor.

3. Cleanse
Male skin is oilier than women’s, which means blackheads and acne are more common.
Regular exfoliation is required since skin regeneration is slower and there is more dead skin.

You need to cleanse to remove dirt and excess oil. And if you’re one who is still prone to break-outs, it is important to use a cleanser that will unclog pores.

4. Moisturize
Men’s skin is more resilient so the onset of wrinkles may not start until the age of 40. At the age of 40, this resilience lessens.

That’s no excuse for complacency though, because while this may be scientifically true, time knows no man or woman. Father Time will, at some point, show up on your skin. And while it may seem unmanly to use a moisturizer, it’s more unsightly to look your age.

You need moisturizer to strengthen your skin’s resilience to daily stress and help tighten pores for skin that appears smoother and close to wrinkle-free.

If you’re in your 30s, choose a moisturizer that prevents premature aging.

(If this article still doesn’t prove that men use skin care products, take a look at these actual case studies. — Ed. Note)

Real men on Nivea for Men

Byron
Skin Care RegiMEN: Uses designer brand aftershaves because of their perfumed scent
Tried: Nivea for Men Cool Kick Post Shave
Says: Had no stinging feeling compared to his usual after-shave. Had a softer, milder smell which his wife and son loved.

Rod
Skin Care RegiMEN: Uses soap and water morning and evening. Said that this dries his skin. On his drive to work, when exposed to the aircon, he feels his skin drying and chafing. Has regular facials to counter this.
Tried: Nivea for Men Energy Invigorating Face Scrub for Normal Skin.
Says: Liked the feel of the beads on his skin, felt like his skin was really being cleaned, but with no dry after-feeling. (Also tried the Nivea for Men Whitening Moisturizer, but washed it off after applying thinking it was the same as a facial wash. Ooops.)

Elzon
Skin Care RegiMEN: Uses a moisturizer that his wife bought for him in the evenings.
Tried: Nivea Revitalizing Moisturizing Cream
Says: He noticed that the substance was more “creamy” and thick compared to his usual moisturizer [female cosmetic brand], but said that he noticed it made his skin softer and smoother.