Our Ultimate Men's Guide To Male Grooming
Men's skincare and male grooming can feel like a minefield if you don't know what you're searching for, right?
From as young as 25, our skin slowly begins to start losing elasticity and collagen, which is the reason why pesky wrinkles, expression fine lines, and smile lines can start to form.
On top of this, by your early 20s, your hormones have thankfully started to settle down but you may be left with irritation and scarring from acne, pigmentation from numerous hours spent enjoying the sun unprotected or persistent redness from rosacea. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to rejuvenate your skin and reduce these slight imperfections.
Getting older should definitely feel like a privilege and prevention is always better than the cure but, no matter what your age is, it is never too late to pick up a skincare routine and work to improve what you see reflecting back at you in the mirror!
When it comes to grooming, men tend to want simple, they want easy, and they want quick. This can be easily achieved... you don't have to spend hours on your appearance in the morning if you don't want to! Keep on reading to find out how and what skincare products should be in your shopping basket and end up in your bathroom cabinet within this guide.
Invest In A Proper Facial Cleanser
Unfortunately, a splash of water on your face or the body wash that you use in the shower to clean the rest of your body doesn't cut it! And your skin is crying out for you to put down that bacteria-ridden bar of soap. You can wash your face in the shower (if you must) to cut down on time however, your facial skin type is unique and your face will be desperate for its own cleanser.
Using a cleanser twice daily will effectively remove a build-up of dirt, bacteria, sweat, oil, and anything else that you definitely don't want sitting on top of your skin for a long period of time.
You need to find a cleanser that is best suited to you and your skin type Do you have dry skin? Do you have oily skin? Are you prone to breakouts?
An exfoliating cleanser is great to help slough away dead skin, dirt, and oil, for a softer skin and a closer shave.
If you have dry skin then we suggest Neostrata Restore PHA Facial cleanser
A gentle exfoliating cleanser is formulated with Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), effectively removing bacteria and impurities.
A soap-free cleanser that cleanses and exfoliates without drying the skin which is kind to dry and sensitive skin.
If you have oily or prone to breakouts then we suggest DermaTx Clarify Salicylic Cleanser
A deep purifying cleansing gel formulated with acne-fighting 2% Salicylic Acid. Exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, helping to control acne and prevent future breakouts.
You can read a blog all about finding the right cleanser for you here
You Must Use An SPF, Everyday
Even if the skies are grey and the clouds look heavy, you must wear sunscreen every day. If you can see clearly outside then that means that the sun is out!
Sunscreen does a brilliant job of preserving your good looks and keeping you looking young as the sun gives out UV rays that cause sun damage which over time will lead to the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation, and dullness. Not great. In fact, it's estimated that 90% of all skin ageing is caused by the sun.
If that isn't a reason to plaster on the SPF, I don't know what is... SPF doesn't have to feel greasy either; just make sure to choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula such as Heliocare 360 Gel Oil Free SPF 50 for a lightweight, smooth finish.
Note: don't forget the back of your neck and ears when applying sunscreen - a common area to be missed during application and also the areas which are most prone to skin cancer.
You can read a blog all about finding the right sunscreen for you here
Regular Exfoliation
Regular exfoliation of the skin has multiple benefits. Not only will it help reduce ingrown hairs often caused by shaving but also provide the skin with a healthy glow, effectively removing dead skin cells to enable products to work to their maximum ability as there are no 'blockages'.
You can exfoliate with either a physical scrub (the most known type, a cream with exfoliating grains) or a chemical AHA/BHA exfoliator (often comes in a cleanser or liquid form). It is often personal preference or one may work better for you than the other. A great physical scrub is DermaTx Clarify Microdermabrasion Cream and a brilliant chemical exfoliator is DermaTx Clarify Salicylic Cleanser.
Salicylic Acid is a fantastic ingredient to unblock pores, decongest, and reduce blemishes.
Read our skin guide on how to avoid and treat ingrown hairs.
Hydrate
Hydration is essential for maintaining healthy and radiant skin, especially after shaving. Post-shave hydration is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Shaving can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and vulnerable to various skin issues. By incorporating moisturisers and serums into your post-shave routine, you can replenish moisture, soothe irritation, and promote overall skin health.
Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix works wonders post shaving. With calming properties from an aloe vera base and skin-loving technology from patented Ceravitae®, Hydro-Matrix helps refresh newly shaved skin. Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant in Hydro-Matrix that promotes hydration throughout the day. There is no added water, oil, or preservatives in Oxygenetix breathable topicals.
IS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum soothes and calms irritation and redness. Provides immediate hydration. Provides antioxidant protection. Great for after shaving.
Antioxidant Serum
Vitamin C serum has an important place in everyone’s skincare routine, helps prevent free radical damage and diminishes the appearance of discolouration and improves skin tone and texture. It also stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation.
This vitamin C gel is proven to be well-tolerated by men post-shaving and helps to provide protection from environmental aggressors while refining skin texture and tone. This revolutionary gel-serum contains a trio of strong antioxidants, 2% Phloretin, 10% pure Vitamin C and 0.5% Ferulic acid.
SkinCeuticals Silymarin C F
Vitamin C serums don’t always suit oily or blemish-prone skin. This one, however, is specifically formulated for oily skin and not only provides strong antioxidant protection but also contains silymarin and salicylic acid to help control oil and fight breakouts.
Don't Be Afraid Of A Little Makeup
Don't be afraid of a little makeup... it can look very subtle but make the world of difference to your complexion. If you find that your under-eyes are looking dark and tired then a few swipes of Colorescience 3 in 1 Total Eye Renewal Therapy SPF 35 will help to brighten naturally. It visibly improves the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles while protecting the delicate eye area against photoaging with 100% SPF 35 mineral sunscreen.
If you suffer from redness then pick up some Rosalique SPF 50 and prepare to be amazed.
CLINICCARE Dermo Corrective CC Cream SPF 50++ Medium lightens and evens out skin tone, and minimises the appearance of pigmentation, age spots, imperfections, and discolourations.