Taking proper care of your skin can boost your confidence and improve how you feel about yourself when you look in the mirror. Many men spend just as much as women on skincare and all of their grooming needs. However, women typically spend more than men as a whole because men lack the education and understanding they need to improve their skin health.
If you’re a man with a skin problem, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, men simply talk about their skin woes less than women, making it difficult for them to find the right products. Men’s and women’s skin have vastly different needs. Men have facial hair, and their skin is different due to testosterone stimulation, making their skin thicker. Men also have a tougher texture of skin than women because they have more collagen. Men and women may face similar skin problems, but men must use products designed specifically for them to enhance the appearance of their skin. Here are the most common men’s skincare problems.
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Wrinkles
As we’ve already mentioned, men produce more collagen than women. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t have wrinkles. Your body makes a lot of collagen when you’re young, but the production declines as you age. Women typically deal with skin aging earlier in life, so they already have a healthy skincare routine in place by the time men start worrying about wrinkles.
Men are less likely to wear sunscreen than women, damaging skin and making it look older. Additionally, men don’t typically find products with antioxidants to repair sun damage after it has happened. If wrinkles and fine lines are a concern of yours, try red light therapy.
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Acne and Oily Skin
Men typically have oilier skin than women because of their hormones. For example, testosterone signals the skin to secrete oils that can lead to acne and enlarged pores. Unfortunately, acne is something that plagues many men even after puberty has ended. Factors including stress, humidity, and sweating can make acne worse, and if serious enough, they may have to see a dermatologist to control their skin.
For less serious acne, men should regularly wash their face, especially on hot and humid days when they might sweat more. They should also avoid products that dry out the skin as this can signal it to produce more sebum. Instead, men should cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate their skin regularly.
The way you sleep can also have a significant effect on your skin. Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase and sheets can cause dirt and oil to become trapped in your skin as well as all the sweating you do while asleep. It’s important to wash your face before bed time, as well as regularly washing your sheets. Try out some cooling sheets that prevent dirt and grime from growing to help minimize sweating and promote cleanliness.
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Sensitive Skin
Men have thicker skin than women, but they can still have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin may appear red or feel itchy or dry. This condition can be brought on by changes in diet, weather, stress, and skin care products. Men with sensitive skin should identify the cause of their skin reactions. For example, a man who tried a new laundry detergent might have a reaction to fragrances.
Even though some instances of sensitive skin can’t be controlled, men can control what they put on their skin to reduce issues associated with sensitivity. For instance, a man allergic to fragrances can use gentle, fragrance-free products that cleanse and moisturize the skin without causing unnecessary irritation.
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Rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammatory disease that results in a rosy face. While it’s not life-threatening, it can impact someone’s confidence and self-esteem. If left untreated, this condition can get worse over time. Rosacea can be mild with occasional redness, or it can be more serious and lead to permanent redness and an enlarged nose.
Luckily, rosacea can be treated with prescription drugs and self-care. You can pinpoint the reasons for flare-ups to avoid them later. Common culprits of flare-ups include sun exposure, certain foods, and stress.
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Dark Circles
Dark circles plague both men and women, especially after a late night out. However, some dark circles are genetic, while others are due to lack of sleep and poor diet. The skin around your eyes is much thinner than the skin on the rest of your face. As you age, your skin loses elasticity, which can make under-eye circles darker. Diet changes have been proven to improve the appearance of dark circles, so reaching for nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables instead of junk food can help.
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Razor Bumps
Razor bumps can appear anywhere, but they most commonly plague men on the face due to improper shaving. Razor bumps are painful and embarrassing. They occur when hairs curl into the skin and force the body to produce an inflammatory response. When razor bumps arise, men should stop shaving for a few days to let the hair grow out.
Many treatments are available to prevent and reduce razor bumps, resulting in calmer and more soothed skin. For example, aftershave can help prevent razor bumps after improper shaving to help soothe the skin.
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Dry Skin
Dry skin is another common problem for men. Air pollution, detergents, and stress can cause dry skin. Additionally, as your skin ages, it loses elasticity and produces less oil to help the skin retain moisture. Dry skin can be uncomfortable, but you can prevent it by using gentle creams to help put moisture back into the skin. Taking supplements to support skin health can also improve the appearance and feel of dry skin. For example, vitamin E supplements can help keep skin hydrated, and you can also break capsules open and put the oil on your skin for immediate relief.
Keeping your skin hydrated is key, so you must drink plenty of water every day to improve hydration from the inside out. Additionally, you can use creams and moisturizers to help soothe dry and itchy skin. Use an unscented cream on dry skin to prevent further irritation from fragrances and other harsh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Men and women suffer from many of the same skin care problems. However, the structure of their skin is different, so they must use different products. Additionally, a skin care product that works wonders for someone else can irritate your skin. If you’re unsure what products to use on your skin, talk to a dermatologist to learn what skin type you have and how to properly care for it.
Julia Olivas
Julia Olivas graduated from San Francisco State University with her B.A. in Communication Studies. She is a freelance writer where she loves sharing her passion for digital marketing and content creation. Outside of writing, she loves cooking, reading, painting, and her pup Ruby.