Attention All Manly Men: Steps to Simple Skincare

Gone are the days of men laughing off skincare as too girly or pointless. Now guys want healthy skin, too. In recent years, new skincare lines exclusively catering to male consumers have launched, while traditional beauty houses have also created formulas. With so many options for skincare, how do you know exactly what to choose?

Well, good news for the average guy who wants to take care of his skin, but is overwhelmed with the plethora of products on today’s shelves: Skincare can be simple! Follow these steps for an easy, effective approach to getting a clean complexion.

Ditch the bar soap. Many men mistakenly think that using ordinary bar soap in the shower is sufficient for cleansing the face. However, soap can actually do more harm than good by stripping your face of its natural oils. Instead, use a facial cleanser to dissolve daily dirt and grime for clear, healthy skin.

To save on time, apply your cleanser in the shower while your skin is already wet. Simply massage a small amount of product over the face and neck, rinse carefully and pat dry. After you get out of the shower, apply lotion immediately to lock in the moisture.

Scrub it off. You should exfoliate your face regularly two to three times a week to get rid of dead skin cells. Exfoliating encourages new cell growth, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and makes shaving easier.

With dozens of different formulations and products, today’s exfoliators are sophisticated yet simple concoctions featuring vitamins, minerals, herbs and plant extracts, all designed to soften and smooth without damaging the top layer of skin.

Improve your tone. If you’re like most guys, you don’t want any grease, film, dirt or soap left over on your face after cleansing. This is where your toner comes in. Pour some on a cotton ball or cotton round; then apply it to skin with gentle strokes.

Smooth moves. Although men’s skin is thicker and tends to be coarser than a woman’s, moisturizing is still an important part of your basic routine. Fact is, environmental damage, free radicals and pollution don’t discriminate — every gender and skin type is an easy target. Give your skin the ability to fight back.

Also, try an anti-aging moisturizer with high levels of wrinkle-fighting and skin-smoothing ingredients. If your skin is oily, look for a moisturizer that’s oil-free.

Take cover. Add sunblock to your year-round routine to ward off environmental damage and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. In the morning, you can substitute sunblock for your moisturizer.

Although men have the advantage of being less prone to wrinkles than women, many guys neglect to apply sunscreen daily. This increases your risk for sunburn and skin cancer. So, make sunscreen part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth and checking the sports page.

Know thyself. Before you purchase any products, it’s important you understand your skin. Is your skin type dry, oily or a combination of the two? If you’re unsure, consult a dermatologist or skincare professional (like an esthetician at a salon).

The shopping list

So what skincare items do you need? Check the list:

Cleanser. For a simple, multi-purpose product, try a cleanser and toner in one, like MD Skin Care All-In-One Facial Cleanser w/ Toner. Need a daily cleanser without the frilly scents? Pevonia FOR HIM Aqua-Gel Foaming Cleanser cleans and moisturizers with a natural, masculine scent.

Exfoliator. For powerful exfoliation, try Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish, formulated with fine micro-exfoliators to lift dry, dull skin, leaving the face smooth. For a milder scrub, try Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Buffing Beads. Featuring jojoba beads, this scrub gently dissolves dry, rough skin and can be used on the body.

Toner. Looking for a deep clean without dryness or burning? Then try Anthony Logistics Alcohol-Free Toner, a botanical formula that soothes and moisturizes your skin while removing traces of impurities. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for SkinMedica Acne Toner.

Sunscreen. Choose a formula that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, such as Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense SPF 30. It’s even ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

Moisturizer. Oily skin will benefit from a moisturizer that’s oil-free, featuring ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel or retinol. Check out Dr. Brandt Poreless Moisture.

In addition, numerous products not only keep your skin hydrated and healthy, but minimize the signs of aging as well. Try MD Formulations Men’s Moisture Defense Antioxident Serum for intense age-fighting, wrinkle-reducing moisture, suitable for any guy.

For dry skin, use formulations that include vitamin C, shea butter or olive oil, such as Philosophy Hope In A Jar For Dry/Sensitive Skin.