Let’s start by reminding you of the obvious: your skincare routine should never be complicated!
Scrolling through Instagram, checking for tips and tricks on Reddit and asking just about anyone for advice, no wonder most men are thoroughly confused. Even the strongest, most self-assured men are often left dumbfounded when it comes to figuring out the basics of cleansing, toning and moisturising. If you are someone who falls in this category, help is right here.
You May Also Like: Does Oil Gritting Actually Remove Blackheads?
When it comes to skincare, less is more. And we’ve got Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, a Delhi-based aesthetic physician and medical director at Isaac Luxe, to give you a fuss-free skincare routine that’s easy to implement and absolutely effective.
Expert-Suggested Skincare Routine For Men
“A man’s skin is biologically different from a woman’s skin. This is why what works for women may not work for men”, says Dr. Gupta, explaining how men have thicker skin due to higher collagen density. “Researchers say that men’s skin is up to 25% thicker than women’s skin. Since the Stratum Corneum (a.k.a. the skin barrier) is thicker, men’s skin appears comparatively firmer and tighter.”
Because men have more collagen than women, their skin is already set up for delayed intrinsic ageing. But even though men don’t age (from the outside) as quickly as women, they’re still predisposed to external ageing due to radiation and free radicals.
Keeping that in mind, Dr. Gupta suggests a simple 4-step skincare routine that can be followed by anyone regardless of their skin type.
Step 1: Cleanser
While this is bare minimum and we really hope you are already doing it, here’s another reminder that cleansing is an extremely important step in any skincare routine (for every man), because it helps regulate excess oil in the skin.
Starting your routine with a good cleanser in the morning and evening is imperative because it also helps penetrate other products you layer on seamlessly. “Having a thicker skin barrier means more dead skin cells building up. These dead skin cells mix with sebum and can cause further breakouts”, adds Dr. Gupta.
Also, it can’t be your run-of-the-mill soap - it has to be a cleanser which is designed for your facial skin.
For Normal To Dry Skin:
Clarins Men Active Face Wash
₹1,900
For Combination to Oily Skin:
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
₹3,200
Step 2: Exfoliator
Exfoliating your skin helps remove dirt, grime, and dead skin cells present on the surface of your skin. This ensures that your complexion looks brighter and healthier. “Men need to exfoliate their skin primarily because having a thicker skin barrier means more dead skin cells”, shares Dr Gupta. Also, men tend to have more facial hair than women, since they shave their faces more frequently. “Since dead skin cells can clog up your razor, it’s best to exfoliate before shaving to get a closer shave.”
There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. While chemical exfoliants are gentle and often reach deeper into your skin, physical ones are just as effective, provided you use them in soft, circular motions.
Use an exfoliant once or twice a week to ensure the build-up remains in control.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Face Scrub
₹4,400
Chanel Le Lift Pro Retexturizing AHA Peel
₹18,000
Step 3: Treatment
If you are someone entering their 30s, it’s time to incorporate a retinol into your skincare routine. Derived from vitamin A, this ingredient has been around for decades and accounts for quick cell turnover revealing newer, healthier skin cells. Not just that, research has proved that retinol also helps reduce acne and improve signs of ageing.
“Slowly building a tolerance to retinol will help minimize any irritation while also ensuring you get its maximum anti-ageing benefits. When using retinol cream for the first time, apply it once or twice a week. If you don't experience any irritation, you can slowly increase it to daily use. Make sure you follow up with a moisturiser”, says Dr. Gupta.
A word of caution, though: retinoids can be harsh on your skin, which is why we recommend that you consult a dermatologist before getting started. Also, use retinol only at night because it can make your skin sensitive to the sun.
iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3
₹10,699
Sesderma Reti Age Serum
₹3,100
Step 4: Moisturiser
Whether it’s day or night, don’t forget to slap on a moisturiser. It will help seal in the products you’ve applied before, while also ensuring your skin gets all the hydration it requires. Even if you have oily skin, don’t sleep on this because hydration is essential for all skin types.
There are different moisturisers designed for every skin type, but a good rule of thumb to follow is if you have dry skin, use a thicker moisturizer, and if you have oily skin, go for a lighter one with a gel-like consistency.
For Normal to Dry Skin:
ILEM Japan Moisturizing Cream
₹2,872
For Combination to Oily Skin:
Clinique For Men Maximum Hydrator 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
₹3,500
Step 5: Sunscreen
“To combat unnecessary sun damage use a sunscreen with minimum SPF30 PA++”, advises Dr. Gupta. This should be your final step, whether it is sunny, rainy, or cloudy ( (the sun’s rays DO penetrate clouds). Applying sunscreen daily helps protect your skin from damaging UV rays which otherwise can lead to signs of ageing, pigmentation, and dark spots.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++
₹2,159
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50
₹2,190
