Men's Skincare: An Easy Get-Started Guide

Easy Men’s Skincare Tips by GATSBY

Proper skincare is important for men of all ages, and a good skincare routine can help keep your skin looking healthy, youthful, and radiant. It can also help prevent common skin problems, such as acne, wrinkles, and sun damage. A good skincare routine should be tailored to your individual skin type and concerns. It's also important to use high-quality, gentle products that are specifically designed for men's skin. 

Keep reading for the easiest 2-step skincare routine for healthy, vibrant skin, as well as some more advanced tips and tricks later on!

Why Skincare Routines Are Important for Men

Even for men, most skin problems are exacerbated by a lack of an effective skincare regimen. Failing to moisturise, exfoliate, and even simply wash the skin can lead to a whole host of problems while worsening the skin’s current condition.

In fact, the average man should be paying more attention to skincare than most women. This is because men’s skin is often more prone to dryness. It also suffers damage from daily shaving. This stress can accumulate over time, so it’s essential to have a good skincare routine to offset the effects.

By adding one extra step to your daily routine, you can quickly and easily improve the look of your skin and your confidence, making you feel better about your appearance and yourself.

Knowing Your Skin: Dry, Oily, Combo, or Sensitive

Your skin is as unique as you are. There are, however, four general categories that your skin can fall under based on its texture, how well it retains moisture, and how much natural oil it produces. The four skin types are dry, oily, combo, and sensitive.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is mainly due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors that include dry climate, diet and lifestyle, and hormones.

Someone with dry skin is likely to experience flaking, redness, and a feeling of their skin being tight. If you wear any product on your face — such as concealer that covers spots, acne scars, dark circles and redness — it may look uneven, as your dry skin is flaky and varies in texture.

With dry skin, problems can be avoided by maintaining proper hydration and moisturising the skin. Showering or bathing in warm water instead of hot can also help since cooler water doesn’t suck up as much of your skin’s moisture as hot water does.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is the result of glands in the skin producing too much oil. This excess oil seeps out through the pores and leaves the skin feeling greasy and looking shiny.

Because of its excess oil production, oily skin is prone to breakouts. These breakouts can leave behind dark spots, a condition that is known as PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Combination Skin

Combination skin refers to skin that has features of both dry and oily skin. Most of the time, dry skin forms on the cheeks and around the nose, while oily skin is found on the chin, the tip of the nose, and the forehead.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin becomes easily irritated and reacts negatively to a lot of different cosmetic and skin products. It can turn red or feel sore, hot to the touch, and generally very uncomfortable when irritated.

An Easy-to-Follow, Two-Step Skincare Routine for Men

Committing to a skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. In fact, it can be as simple as following two steps.

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine. The practice of cleansing does wonders for your appearance and the health of your skin, but it’s much more than simply washing the surface of the skin. Cleansing is a process of washing that removes dirt buildup, excess oil, and germs from deep within the pores and various layers of the skin.

Why Cleansing Your Skin Is Crucial

Cleansing is critical to having healthy, youthful skin. When the skin is treated well with deep cleanses, sebum, dirt, and germs are removed, you’re less likely to suffer from acne, enlarged pores, and black and whiteheads.

When Should You Cleanse Your Face?

When it comes to your everyday routine, most men cleanse their faces both in the morning and night. Cleansing twice daily helps prevent excess oil and dirt buildup and keep the skin looking clean. Washing your face in the morning cleanses the sebum accumulated during sleep while cleansing your face at night removes the dirt and sebum that built up during the day.

It’s also a good idea to cleanse the skin well at night after a hot, sweaty day or when you have applied sunscreen.

How to Properly Cleanse Your Face

1. Prepare
   Start by washing your hands with soap and water. Make sure you rinse them well. Wet your face with lukewarm water.
   
   
2. Lather
   Take the facial cleanser on your hand and use your fingertips to lather. Add water a little at a time and whisk with your fingers to incorporate air. Consider using a foaming net for easy lathering! It’s important to lather well to create a firm foam.
3. Here’s why making enough foam is essential:
   
• ● If there is not enough foam, the area where the foam touches the skin is small, and the foam can easily pop, which reduces its ability to cleanse your skin.
• ● A lack of foam also causes more friction between the hands and skin, increasing the skin’s stress. It also makes it difficult to rinse off the product, leaving it on the skin.
  
4. Wash
   Do not rub against your skin. Use the foam to wash your nose, forehead, cheeks gently. Elaborate on the T-zone, chin, and other areas where you are concerned about oiliness. For blackheads on the nose and other regions, move your fingers in a circular motion.
5. Rinse off 

• Avoiding your eyes, use more water or lukewarm water to rinse the cleanser from your skin. Make sure you don’t leave any foam or slime on the hairline or under the chin. Wipe off the water gently with a clean towel, avoiding rubbing. Your skin is more delicate than you think — so don’t rub or scrub it too hard.

If you’re not sure which cleanser to use, consider trying GATSBY’s facial wash products. The brand offers various types of face care products.

Step 2: Moisturize

Moisturising is also essential to any basic skincare routine. Hydration is what gives your skin its texture and appearance and, without proper hydration and adequate moisture levels, your skin can become dry and painful.

Why Moisturizing Your Skin Is Crucial

Moisturising the skin is equally as important as cleansing. When the skin lacks the moisture it needs, it becomes easily irritated, which leads to a host of skin-related problems — most commonly, dryness, flaking, pain, and blemishes like pimples.

Maintaining good skin moisture is a great way to prevent skin problems from appearing in the first place, as well as one of the most basic but effective ways to help reduce skin problems if you already have them.

In addition, moisturising can help ward off wrinkles, keeping you looking younger longer.

When Should You Moisturize Your Face?

You should use a good moisturiser at least once a day. For the best results, though, using it in the morning and at night is more effective when paired with a cleansing routine.

If you have dry skin and have spent a lot of time in the water (at the public pool, in a lake or on a beach etc.), your skin will likely feel very dry and uncomfortable. We suggest applying a bit of moisturiser even if it isn’t time for your nightly moisturisation session.

How to Properly Moisturize Your Face

1. Cleanse your face using the method above. Take moisturising products on your hand, and spread them evenly across your hands.
2. Apply the moisturiser on your face. Progress from cheek to forehead, nose, chin and around eyes. Do not rub or scrub the skin. If your skin is dehydrated and flaking as you add the moisturiser, consider applying the cream in a circular motion.
3. Gently cover your skin with the palm of your hands to let moisturiser soak into the skin and the pores close. While the moisturiser is soaking in, apply more to the area where you have dryness problems, around the eyes or area you have just shaved.

Lip Balm

Lip balm is used to help your lips maintain hydration. As they dry out, they can become flaky and cracked and can even bleed. To prevent this from happening, applying lip balm is always helpful. A quality lip balm will both moisturise and protect your lips from the outside elements.

How Shaving Can Affect Skin Care

Every man’s facial hair grows differently; for some, a beard could take months to grow, while others deal with a five o'clock shadow every day. Whether regularly or for special occasions, shaving is part of almost every man’s life at some point.

Unfortunately, shaving can play a role in poor skincare. You can quickly develop razor burn if you don’t know how to shave correctly or use the wrong shaving products.

The Importance of Shaving Products

One of the best ways to get a clean, smooth shave without razor burn is by using some sort of lubricants, such as a shaving gel or foam that helps the razor glide over the skin smoothly, without it catching on any of the skin’s imperfections or causing irritation and cuts.

GATSBY offers a range of shaving-related products, such as creamy shaving foam and mild, non-greasy clear shaving gel, both of which can be used for wet shaving. With clear shaving gel, you can make sure you don’t have any unshaven hair left while shaving. For dry shaving, look for pre-shave lotion and gel to make the process easier.

Click here to check out GATSBY’s shaving products available in your country.

The Importance of Aftershave

Aftershave is essential when it comes to post-shave skincare. The main reason men use aftershave is that it can protect the skin from post-shave damages. Applying it should replace any heat and irritation your skin may have with a relaxed, cool feeling. It also helps prevent dryness as most aftershaves include a moisturising ingredient.

Extra Tips: Skin Care throughout the Day

Now that we’ve discussed washing, moisturising and shaving basics, it’s time to take your skincare to the next level. There are even more ways to maintain healthy, blemish-free skin that you can be proud of.

Avoid Sun Damage with Sunscreen

Despite what you might think, sunscreen to prevent skin damage isn’t just for women and kids. It’s essential for men, too.

While spending time outside in the sunshine is great for your health, it’s not ideal for your skin. Spending too much time outside under the sun can hurt your skin condition in the long run. Your skin can appear darker, and it can lead to irregular pigmentation and wrinkles. In extreme cases, it can even cause skin cancer.

You can prevent sun damage with sunscreen. Wearing it every day — whether it’s particularly sunny outside or not — can reduce your chances of suffering the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

How to Use Sunscreen to Prevent Sun Damage

1. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, is waterproof or resistant, and provides broad-spectrum coverage and protection. A sunscreen that is broad-spectrum approved will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Using clean hands to apply the sunscreen liberally, and be sure to rub it in thoroughly.
3. Once outside, reapply every two hours. Or, if you sweat a lot or get wet, reapply after whatever activity you’re doing that causes you to sweat or become wet.
4. After you are done with your outdoor activities, cleanse and moisturise your skin with our two-step skincare routine. Make sure you read the back of your product package to find instructions on the best way to remove the product from your skin.

Prevent Oil Buildup with Oil Blotting Papers

Oil blotting paper can be used throughout the day to wick away the unsightly oil, which also does wonders for preventing acne and discomfort. Facial oil blotting paper comes in convenient travel-size boxes, making them easy to use when you’re on the go.

Emergency Cleansing with Facial Wipes

Facial wipes are sheets of wetted paper that can be used whenever you need to get rid of sweat, sebum, and dirt. They are as effective as a daily cleansing routine, but it does not require water and can be done anywhere. This makes facial wipes great for when you are out and about. Some products cool down the skin or give a strong cooling sensation, which is soothing in summer.

Advanced Skin Care Tips

Exfoliate Once a Week

Once you’re used to the basic skincare routine above, you may want to add exfoliating to the mix about 2-3 times a week. It should be done after cleansing but before moisturising. There are benefits to exfoliation, but it can be hard on the skin if done too often. Do check the back of your product package to find instructions on the best timing.

Exfoliation is a crucial step that can be easily incorporated into your skincare routine. It works to remove dead skin cells and prevent them from building up on the skin. This brightens the skin's appearance. Also, the elimination of unnecessary dead skin cells makes it easier for skincare products to penetrate.

You can use various cloths, brushes, or mittens specifically designed for exfoliating your face, but one of the easiest methods is using a facial scrub. 

How to Properly Exfoliate Your Face

You use an exfoliation scrub the same way you would a cleanser. Wash your hands, apply the product, and rinse off. You could use your hands or a loofa to rub the product onto your skin.

Acne Patch or Concealer

When your skin isn’t cooperating, sometimes the easiest way to manage it is to simply cover it up and let your body heal itself on its own time. You can do so using either acne patches or concealer, which work well for this purpose.

Acne patches are typically medicated, meaning that they contain small amounts of medicated ointments that are intended to dry out pimples and relieve the skin of its irritation. They are applied like bandages and stick to the skin.

Concealer is a cream-like product that is used to cover up and mask problem areas. It does not contain any medication and is used to conceal rather than to heal.

When To Use an Acne Patch or Concealer?

Acne patches or concealers can be used whenever you want. They are excellent tools for covering up acne spots and blemishes for photos and for social outings during which you want to look your best.

However, concealer can be irritating to fresh wounds such as those left behind by pimples that have been squeezed or popped.

6 Skincare Products You Should Be Using but Likely Aren’t

Lip tint or Lip Stain

Not only does lip tint or lip stain can prevent dryness and roughness of the lips, but it also leads to a healthy impression with its natural shine and colour. The tinted type allows the pigment to penetrate the stratum corneum before colouring.

Face Mask

Face masks can be used for a variety of purposes. Depending on which face mask you buy, you could potentially reap the benefits of hydration, acne care, or exfoliation.

Toner

Toner is another product that is made to rid your skin of dirt and grime. It’s usually used as the last step of your skincare routine and can help to moisturise and protect your skin.

Night Cream

The night cream is as diverse as the skin it’s applied to. Depending on the formulation, it can be used before bed to help skin’s natural self-repair and regeneration by hydrating the skin cells.

Retinol

You may have heard of Retinol and mistakenly thought it was a product. Actually, it is a popular ingredient for beauty products on the market. It is a vitamin A derivative and plays a role in the maintenance of the skin.

Cica Cream

Cica is the common name for centella asiatica. It is a herb native to the wetlands in Asia from the family Apiaceae. It is also called Indian pennywort or Gotu kola. Historically it was used as a culinary vegetable and medicinal herb, mainly to heal minor wounds. Its benefits made it a popular ingredient in Korean beauty products such as moisturisers, serums, and more.

The Bottom Line on Men’s Skin Care

At the end of the day, your skincare is just as important as your basic personal hygiene. Maintaining an effective daily routine will keep your skin looking and feeling great and make you feel more confident.

While there are many complex skincare regimens out there, our easy two-step routine of cleansing and moisturising, paired with the proper shaving method, is all you need to maintain basic skin health. Apply this routine with the use of sunscreen, oil blotting paper or facial wipes. Your skin will look great — now and for years to come.

Skincare has come a long way, and there are now many products designed specifically for men. If you are interested in improving your skin’s health, we suggest trying our line of GATSBY skincare products formulated to meet your skin type’s unique needs and issues.