It is essential to take care of one’s skin, even us men. Men’s skin care products are designed for men’s specific skin care needs.

Men’s skin care is essential just like it is for women. We share many problems with women such as acne, rosacea and oily skin. However, that doesn’t mean that men and women can use the same skin care products. Men’s skin is different from women’s. Therefore, men need specific skin care products for them. They can be so needy, huh?

Okay guys so where should we start from?

First, you have to determine your skin type. There are four main skin types. Each skin type will have a different solution to fix the problems that comes with it. Lets take a look at skin types to know which is yours.

1. Normal: You have normal skin if you don’t notice any particular skin problems. You might get an occasional pimple or a dry patch in cold weather, but other than that, nothing.

2. Oily: If you have oily skin you will notice lots of acne, blackheads and/or whiteheads. Whenever you look in the mirror you probably look a little shiny. You may feel you have a lot of skin problems, but with the right skin care products, the problems will go away.

3. Dry: Dry skin feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after a shower or after the face is cleansed. Dry skin also ages faster, so premature aging and wrinkles may be noticeable. A good moisturizer will correct dry skin quickly.

4. Combination: Unfortunately, combination skin gets the problems of both dry and oily skin. a little more work is involved in this type. It could take a little trial and error with skin care products. But with patience, and selecting the right products, you can fix everything up!

Now that you know which skin type you have, it is time to go shopping for the right skin care products. Products needed are: Cleanser, Exfoliate, Toner, Moisturizer, plus any skin specific products (yes I am still talking to you guys).

- Cleanser: Men need a cleanser that is fragrance free and detergent free. The best cleanser for oily/combination skin will be one that foams. Foamy cleansers remove the most oil. For dry skin, a creamy cleanser will be best and more moisturizing. Cleanse face in the morning before shaving and at night before going to bed. Never use a bar soap on your face. It is too harsh on your skin!

- Exfoliate: Everyone gets a buildup of dead skin cells on the top of there skin. That is why it is essential to exfoliate every week. Exfoliating will also help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burns while shaving. Also, skin care products work best when they can penetrate the skin instead of lying on top of dead skin that needs to be removed.

- Toner: Toner is not a step for everyone, just for oily and combination skin. This will help close pores, which will reduce the oil on skin.

- Moisturizer: Moisturizer is needed for everyone. For dry/normal skin the best moisturizer is a cream based. While for oily/combination skin the best moisturizer will be an oil-free moisturizer. Because dangerous UVA and UVB rays is always around, a moisturizer with at least a SPF 15 will help prevent sun-damage as well.

- Specific Skin Care Products: This depends on the specific problem one may have. If you have acne problems, you will need a spot acne treatment. If you have severe dry skin you may want an extra creamy moisturizer to combat this problem.

If you start taking good care of your skin now, you will appreciate how it looks like now, and your skin will look younger and healthier as you age. For more on taking care of yourself you can find a good book in our book picks section.

Reference:

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Clarkson Potter/Publishers, New York, 2004.