Skincare routine for men

If you think that being a man excuses you from taking care of your skin, think again. Continuously ignoring it can lead to acne, dark spots, dark circles and skin ageing issues, eventually causing serious skin problems. The good news is that a simple routine can make a huge difference. Here is what you need to do…

Cleanse

While washing your face with soap seems like the most convenient option, do keep in mind that it can make it dry and itchy. It is best to go for a facewash, such as a mild or a problem specific one depending upon your skin type. Opt for a neem/ antiseptic based one for acne prone skin, oil clearing for oily skin and hydrating face wash for dry skin. Trust us, you will be happy with the results! Wash once in the morning to look fresh and once you come back from outside to get rid of dirt or excessive oil.

Exfoliation

Dead cells and clogged pores can lead to a whole lot of issues such as ingrown hair, wrinkles and acne. Hence, along with cleansing, exfoliation is important too. Do not do it too often though as it will lead to redness. Once a week should suffice. Just gently stroke your face with the product in circular motion. What is revealed will impress you.

Moisturise

This is one of the most essential steps which men often skip. After you cleanse and exfoliate, it is important to hydrate your skin with a good moisturiser. Evenly spread it across the skin with your fingertips all over your face. Ensure that you select the one according to your skin type and problem.

Sunscreen

This provides protection against the harmful UV rays and is one of the most vital steps. To make this routine easier, you can opt for a moisturiser which already has SPF in it. You should always select your sunscreen carefully keeping in mind your skin type. If you have a dry skin you can opt for a moisturising sunscreen and in case you have an oily one, a matte base will be great for a non-greasy effect. Gel-based sunscreens are perfect for soothing the sensitive skin. Also, a range of 15 – 30 SPF works well for Indian Skin.

Lip balm

No one likes cracked and chapped lips. Opt for a simple Vaseline petroleum jelly or a lip balm to keep your lips hydrated and smooth. Use it multiple times to ensure they are completely moisturised. You can also go for balms infused with Vitamin E as they work wonders. Keeping your body hydrated by having water at regular intervals regularly helps too.

If you really like to take care of your skin you can follow the additional steps:

Eye cream

Select a good day/ night eye cream to reduce dark circles and fine lines across your eye area. This helps to lessen the puffiness as well. There are a number of options available in the market from Himalaya, The Body Shop and Biotique. These are easily accessible and also within range. Once you include the eye cream in your routine, try not to miss it as you will start seeing the effects only after a few weeks on using the product regularly. You can also go for eye masks or just slices of cucumber for a soothing effect.

Beard oil

Beard oil is an extra step for men who maintain a beard and wish to take care of it. Just take a few drops in your hands and evenly spread it across. This will not only help in growing the hair but also get rid of the dryness. The scented ones are a bonus. There is a great variety of beard oils available in the market, try out few to check which ones suit you better.

Find a range of products to tend to your beard. 

Aftershave balm

After you shave or trim your hair, you might notice certain bumps or redness on your skin depending upon the sensitivity. An aftershave balm not only soothes the skin but also helps to get rid of itchiness and redness. Spread the product evenly on your skin and massage it for few seconds for best results.

Click here to look into your grooming needs.

-Article by Kanika Bajaj, Makeup Expert and Trainer