Men’s skincare. Do men need to treat their skin differently?

A man’s skin is actually different than a woman’s skin. The layers of skin are thicker, pores are larger and there are more oil glands producing more lubrication for a longer period of time. Even though men have this extra, anti ageing defence in their favour, proper skin care is important to prevent skin ageing. Daily shaving does not have to accompanied by uncomfortable side effects. Developing a consistent, daily skin care and shaving regimen is important along with using correct products for your skin type. In the following sections, we have addressed the different skin care needs of men including an easy to follow regimen and recommendations for effective products that contain soothing, botanical ingredients.

Shaving your face every day has an enormous impact on your skin and is, unfortunately, at the root of most male skin problems. Shaving does have its advantages: by acting as a sort of mini-massage and exfoliation, it boosts blood circulation and increases the skin's oxygen supply.

There is no one-size-fits-all skin care regimen. Every skin and lifestyle is different and your skin care should reflect this. What you use, how and when is very important for women and men alike.
Use lukewarm water to cleanse and shave. It keeps excess oil production at bay and protects the delicate capillaries under the skin from damage. Hot water signals the oil glands to pump out more oil than is necessary, hot water also causes over stimulation of blood circulation resulting in damage of fragile blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, leaving behind blotchy, coupe rose skin.

• Do not try to get a very close shave as shaving too closely is the main cause of razor bumps and razor burn. Do rinse your skin thoroughly. It is extremely important to remove all traces of the pre-shave and shaving cream, which if left on your skin will result in dehydration, one of the major causes of dull, flaky skin and premature skin ageing.
• Do not use an after shave lotion or cologne high in alcohol on the face. These products are dehydrating and irritating to the skin.

• Do use soothing creams or serums on the shaved area to reduce redness and irritation
• Do not leave you skin unprotected from the sun and elements. Sun exposure is the primary reason for premature ageing and damage to the skin. Exposure to cold, dry air can leave the skin chapped and wind burned.

• Do use a daily moisturiser containing sunscreen if you get even minimal sun exposure or if you use any topical prescriptions on your face. Should your job take you outdoors in a cold climate, switch to a protective cream for maximum protection against the elements. Formulated specifically for post-procedure, sensitive, and very dry skin, Physical UV Defence SPF 30 combines barrier repair and broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. More advanced than traditional sunscreens, Physical UV Defence is proven to increase the expression of essential proteins responsible for skin’s barrier integrity.

• Do not ignore frequent breakouts, premature ageing or problems occurring on the skin. Scarring and permanent damage can result.

The use of an eye cream is just as important as moisturising the face. There are very few oil glands around the eye area making this part of the face more susceptible to signs of ageing. Dab a small amount of eye cream gently around the eye following the orbital bone using the ring finger. This will soften the look of fine lines and prevent premature ageing. For a non-greasy eye moisturiser with a cooling, depuffing action, try the AOX Eye gel from Skinceutical which has a nice light texture.
Now is the time to apply a serum and moisturiser. Skinceutical C & E Ferulic is a terrific daily antioxidant serum. Phyto corrective serum is a light oil-free serum which contains botanical extracts with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to help soothe and calm irritated skin, so an ideal soothing treatment for post-shaved skin or for use under moisturiser. Select a moisturiser with sunscreen if you are getting any sun exposure or using any topical prescriptions for acne.

Skinceutical Face Cream
Lightweight cream to combat the visible effects of collagen breakdown and moisture loss. Specifically formulated to combat the visible signs of ageing and moisture loss in mature skin. This light, rehabilitative cream provides powerful firming benefits and replenishes moisture with emollients.