Overcoming Masculine Stigma: Why Men Need Skincare Too

Nowadays, more people are talking about skincare, including men. However, it’s difficult for most men to take care of their skin, especially when buying skincare products, because many believe that skincare is only for women. Well, men’s skin needs tender loving care, too! 

Skin plays a very crucial role in maintaining overall health. It protects the body, particularly the organs and tissues, from foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses that can cause a wide range of health issues. Some of these microorganisms may even lead to death. 

This is why it’s important to take care of your skin, even when you’re a man. You might want to consider applying men-based retinoids, serums, cleansers, acids, and moisturizers to strengthen and protect your skin from further damage. 

That’s definitely a good thing. However, men are often stigmatized when it comes to skincare. The truth is, being a man doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think of caring for your skin. In fact, even dermatologists encourage men to practice skincare. Below are the reasons why men need skincare, too.

Men May Have Sensitive Skin

Bacteria, dirt, and other pollutants like smoke can cause serious damage to your skin. This is especially true if it’s sensitive, meaning it’s more susceptible to damage compared to other skin types, such as oily and dry. 

Unfortunately, skin sensitivity also applies to men. That’s why it’s important for men to create their own skincare routine. If you don’t know where to start, ask your dermatologist what steps you should take and what skincare products best suit your skin. 

Also, it’s worth noting that shaving can cause serious damage to your skin, particularly to the topmost skin layer, the epidermis. To prevent further damage, treat your skin immediately after shaving by applying moisturizers like Kingsmen’s Lotion or other creams.

Furthermore, don’t forget to check things that often touch your skin, such as pillows or even your clothes. They may carry dirt that can clog your pores, leading to acne breakouts.

Skincare Knows No Gender

According to a study, there’s a significant difference between the skins of men and women. It also states that men have thicker skin due to higher collagen and elastin content, which is why they don’t look as old as women of similar age.

However, this doesn’t mean that men are invulnerable to skin issues women often encounter. If you do have a major one now, make sure to treat it right away to avoid serious skin complications, such as severe acne breakouts. 

Practicing a skincare routine is a great way to prevent skin issues. Make sure to clean your skin with a gentle cleanser every day and exfoliate it at least twice a week. Also, apply moisturizer if necessary (e.g., dry skin).

Men Also Get Sunburn

Men can also get sunburn due to prolonged sun exposure, which could lead to skin cancer if left ignored. Of course, you don’t want that to happen, so try to prevent it as much as possible.

To prevent sunburn, experts recommend including sunscreen in your skincare routine whenever you go outside, especially when the sun is high. Also, look for a sunscreen that offers protection against the two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, UVA and UVB.

That said, it’d be best to use sunscreen with SPF50 for maximum protection against UV radiation. The higher the SPF rating, the better the protection it offers.

Furthermore, practice applying sunscreen even during winter months. That’s because the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate through a thick layer of clouds and reach your skin.

Men Also Need To Address Signs Of Aging

As mentioned earlier, men and women age differently. Women may look older than men even though they’re of similar age. That’s because men’s skin is thicker due to high collagen and elastin content, giving them firmer skin to maintain a youthful complexion despite their old age. 

However, keep in mind that nothing lasts forever, as they say. As you grow older, your skin’s natural collagen and elastin decrease, causing multiple signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, saggy face, and crow’s feet.

Fortunately, practicing a regular skincare routine can help prevent premature aging. Below is a simple step-by-step skincare guide you can follow to delay your skin’s natural aging process:

• Step 1 Cleanse: Wash your face regularly (morning and evening) with a gentle cleanser ideal for your skin type.
• Step 2 Apply Toner: Dampen a cotton ball with toner to remove excess chemical residues after facial cleansing.
• Step 3 Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer to keep your skin moist and plump. However, this isn’t recommended for those with oily skin as it might promote an excess in sebum production.
• Step 4 Apply Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen whenever you go outside your house, even when it’s fairly cloudy.

This list is a good start. You can expand it according to your skin’s needs.

Final Words

Practicing a skincare routine can protect your skin from further damage due to factors like sunlight, dirt, and microbes. Men also need skincare; however, they find it difficult to practice because of the stigma against men taking care of their skin. If you don’t know where to start, consult a professional dermatologist to be safe.