Men, please note. It's 2023 and skincare is no longer girly. Actually, it never was. Maybe our skewed patriarchal standards made us believe that skincare is only meant for ladies but mind you! Men need it just as much. That doesn't mean you steal your wife's face wash.because what might work for her, might not work for you. This is because men's skin is generally thicker than women's skin, experts caution, making it imperative to use the right ingredients and have a simple routine in place that is suitable to your skin type. So, to get you started on your skincare journey, we reached out to dermatologists to understand the basics of men's skincare. Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, consultant, dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told indianexpress.com, "Skin concerns for men differ from women due to hormonal differences, lifestyle factors and environmental exposures. Men have higher levels of testosterone, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are proteins that give skin its strength and elasticity." Here are some of the common skin concerns men face: Oily skin and acne: Men tend to have oilier skin than women due to higher levels of testosterone, which stimulates the production of sebum. Excess sebum can lead to acne breakouts, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood. Razor burns and ingrown hair: Shaving can cause razor burn, which is a form of skin irritation characterised by redness, itching, and burning. It can also lead to ingrown hair, which are hair that curl back into the skin and cause inflammation. Enlarged pores: Enlarged pores can be a concern for men, especially those with oily skin. Enlarged pores are more noticeable on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Skin dryness: While men generally have oilier skin, they can also experience dryness, especially on the face and hands. Harsh soaps, detergents, and weather conditions can contribute to dry skin. Premature ageing: Men may notice signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines, earlier than women. This is partly due to lower levels of estrogen, which helps to protect skin elasticity. Sun exposure and smoking can also accelerate skin ageing. According to Dr Lall, a good skincare routine can help men of all ages maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. 1. Cleanse: (AM + PM): Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and sweat. 2. Exfoliation (PM): Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times per week to remove dead skin cells. Choose a gentle exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant. 3. Moisturise (AM + PM): Apply a moisturiser to help keep your skin hydrated. Choose a moisturiser that is appropriate for your skin type. 4. Sunscreen (AM): Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Dr Gitika Sanodia Biyani, consultant dermatologist and trichologist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, added that grooming habits, such as daily shaving for men may introduce specific challenges that necessitate specialised products and techniques. "Shaving can be a source of irritation, so using a high-quality shaving cream and following up with an alcohol-free, soothing aftershave can help prevent razor burn and ingrown hair," she said. It's equally important to steer clear of harmful ingredients, particularly if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin. "Ingredients to avoid include parabens, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates, as they can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. High concentrations of alcohol can be drying and harsh on the skin. Mineral oil and comedogenic ingredients can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts," Dr Biyani noted. Ultimately, it's essential to be a vigilant consumer, read product labels, and when in doubt, seek the guidance of a dermatologist to make informed choices for the health of your skin. 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
