When we talk about skincare it’s easy to assume that we’re speaking about women – but all skin needs some TLC too, including men’s skin! Indeed, we’d go so far as to say the gents deserve some serious skin TLC too.
According to a Mintel report, 49% of men are willing to use hair and skincare products in their daily routine – and while the figures are increasing, it seems that some men would like to understand more about skincare products for men before feeling confident about establishing a skincare routine. That’s fair enough – it can all seem a little complex, and it’s best to know what you’re doing and why.
We don’t want to ignore the skincare needs of half the population – so we’ve put together some helpful men’s skincare advice to debunk some of the myths about male skincare and discover all you need to know for the best men’s skincare routine. Indeed, as our regular UpCirclers will know, we believe in gender neutral skincare. We don’t believe skincare needs to be as complicated as the beauty industry would have us believe.
Myth 1: Men only need one bar of soap
Men may not need (or want) as many skincare products as many women, but using one bar of soap for the body as well as the face is a one-way ticket to irritation and redness. It causes extra problems down the line so it’s best to think about the bigger picture.
Facial skin is more delicate than the skin on the body and using harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, so choose a natural soap that moisturises and brightens the skin, while helping to prevent breakouts too.
Must-try product: Cleansing Face Milk made from upcycled oat powder which is renowned for brightening skin and restoring the skin's moisture barrier. Suitable for all skin types.
Myth 2: All shaving foams are the same
If you’ve been using the same shaving gel for years – and have never really given your choice of product a second thought – it’s time to take a careful look at the ingredients list to see if you’re getting the best shaving experience. Chances are that you’ll be pretty horrified once you realise the truth about what you’ve been slathering on your face!
Choose rich shaving foams that contain ingredients such as aloe vera or glycerin to give a smoother shave and minimise shaving rash and irritations. Look for natural products that are good for your skin.
Must-try product: Combine your shaving gel with our award-winning plastic-free safety razor for an incredibly smooth shave.
Myth 3: You only need sunscreen on hot days
Not true. Harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause skin damage even on cloudy days, so always apply sunscreen every day as part of your male skincare routine.
Men’s skin will suffer the effects of premature ageing from exposure to UVA and UVB rays just as quickly as women’s skin. So choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 25 or higher for maximum protection.
Must-try product: SPF 25 Mineral Sunscreen – a fast-absorbing cream that hydrates the skin as it protects, leaving no messy white residue. Simply use it every day and you’ll keep hold of youthful fresh looking skin.
Myth 4: Men don’t need to moisturise if they have oily skin
If you have an oily skin type, you may think you can skip the moisturising stage of your men’s skincare routine – but don’t even think about it! Oily skin should never be the reason to skip moisturising.
Oily skin is often mistaken for hydrated skin – but oily skin can also suffer from dehydration. This increases the risk of breakouts as a lack of moisture can actually cause your skin to create more oil to protect its barrier function.
Instead of turning your back on moisturisers, you just need to know which one to choose if you have oily skin. Opt for a fast-absorbing cream, rich in Vitamin E and nourishing aloe vera to naturally hydrate the skin without oiliness.
Must-try product: Add our Vitamin E enriched moisturiser to your list of male skincare products and discover the difference in your skin when it is properly hydrated. It’s non-comedogenic meaning it won’t cause outbreaks, so you can banish that myth too!
Myth 5: Only teenagers suffer from acne
That’s not the case. Men can suffer from acne in later life – long after they’ve waved their adolescence goodbye. It’s frustrating, but something many men do battle with. It’s important to remember that skin with acne is not ‘bad skin’ – all skin does a wonderful job at protecting us and should be celebrated.
But that doesn’t mean you have to live with acne in your thirties, forties and beyond, as there are plenty of products that are worth investigating if you are prone to pimples and breakouts. Adding a gentle exfoliator with antibacterial properties to your skincare routine will help blitz the breakouts and keep acne away.
Must-try product: This coffee face scrub is designed with acne-prone skin in mind. Buff away dead skin cells to leave your skin nourished and protected. It also has a delicious coffee aroma, thanks to the inclusion of Arabica coffee grounds which are packed with antioxidants.
Myth 6: Men’s skincare routines take too long
We get it. You’re busy. And let’s not add in the socialisation that’s made you believe you’re not ‘man enough’ if you spend time on your skin. By setting just five minutes aside every day, you can establish a basic men’s skincare routine and notice the difference almost immediately.
- Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser
- Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells
- Moisturise to deliver intense hydration to your skin
- Apply sunscreen – whatever the weather
And there you have it – a fast, effective skincare routine for men that delivers happy skin for men who care about their appearance and skin health. It’s not complicated but it does make sense, and it will ensure you look and feel your best.
Not sure what skin type you have? Take our UpCircle skincare quiz and discover the best products for your skin.