Why Great Skin Care Isn’t Just for Women
Contrary to popular belief, women aren’t the only people who can benefit from having a regular skin care routine. In fact, more and more men are now taking steps to achieve and maintain healthy, younger-looking skin than ever before. While there aren’t many differences between the ways in which women and men care for their skin, there are a few common skin concerns among men that can be challenging to treat without the right skin care regimen.
Understanding Your Skin Type
Before purchasing any products or creating a skin care routine, the first step is to determine your skin type. This goes for both women and men, although fewer men seem to know their true skin type than women. The problem with deciding your own skin type, however, is that it can be very difficult to tell whether your skin is dry or oily. Also, these two characteristics aren’t the only ones that set your skin apart from someone else’s.
The best way to go about discovering your skin type is to talk to your dermatologist. If he or she is a Skin Type Solutions physician partner, you’ll have access to the Baumann Skin Type System Questionnaire, which will match your skin with one of 16 possible skin types. Once you know your true skin type, you can then make well-informed decisions about the products and treatments that will be the most effective for your needs.
Cleansing
Cleansing your skin at least once a day is an important step in anyone’s skin care routine, including men. Studies have found that pollutants in the air that constantly surrounds our skin can lead to many of the same cosmetic concerns as can UV rays, including discoloration and other signs of aging (Frontiers in Environmental Science). Because of this, you don’t want to go to bed without washing away harmful microscopic particles.
Just be sure that you choose a cleanser that fits your skin type. Men with dry skin, for example, should avoid foaming cleansers because they can increase dryness. Oily skin types, on the other hand, don’t typically do well with creamy or oil-based cleansers.
Moisturizing
Not everyone needs to moisturize their skin, but even some oily types can benefit from light moisturization. PCA Skin Clearskin can be a good choice for most oily skin types and can be used as needed. People with very dry skin, on the other hand, should moisturize frequently throughout the day. You may choose to use a lighter moisturizer during the day and a heavier barrier repair moisturizer like Zerafite at night.
Acne Control
Many men who struggle with adult acne have difficulty getting clear skin primarily because they’re either not treating their skin at all or are using the wrong products. There are three causes of acne: excessive oil production, bacteria, and clogged pores. Therefore, the most effective approach to treating acne will include three different ingredients: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and a retinoid.
Sunscreen
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, men over the age of 50 are more than twice as likely as women to die of melanoma. The reason behind this seems to be that fewer men wear sunscreen and practice good sun protection habits than do women. In fact, an astounding 70 percent of American men report not knowing the warning signs of melanoma and other skin cancers.
To greatly reduce the risk of melanoma, men and women need to wear sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine. Thus, sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be the final step of everyone’s morning skin care routine.
Cosmetic Treatments
Cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone and texture are certainly not just for women. Most people are surprised to learn that around 30 percent of my cosmetic patients are men, and many of the same treatments used for women can have equally great results for men.
Belotero and Voluma are injectable wrinkle treatments that can produce excellent results for men to help fill in lines and restore lost facial volume. For men who are bothered by the appearance of skin discoloration, dullness, or sagging, laser skin rejuvenation or nonsurgical skin tightening procedures can be very effective.
Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. and her team at Baumann Cosmetic Dermatology believe in proof, not promises. World-recognized for both cosmetic and general dermatology, our treatment strategies rely exclusively on evidence-based, scientifically verified products and procedures that promote skin health and a natural appearance. We combine effective medical procedures with individualized instruction on proper skincare, nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle in order to maximize the health of the skin and body as a whole while minimizing the effects of aging. For more, visit Dr. Baumann’s blog for daily updates Monday through Friday, or inquire about an appointment through Derm.net.
