Breaking Stereotypes: The Importance of Skincare for Men
For far too long, the realm of skin care has been associated primarily with women – something that only women do. Yet, the truth is that skin health knows no gender and it’s prime time that we dismantle the misconception that skincare belongs to the feminine domain and shed light on why skincare is essential for men as well.
Your skin is the largest organ of the human body
Men or women, exposure to environmental pollutants, harmful UV rays and the stresses of daily life can take a toll on the skin. Neglecting to care for our skin can lead to issues such as dryness, acne, premature aging and even skin diseases. By incorporating a skincare routine, men can maintain a healthier skin that looks and feels better.
Preventing premature ageing
Aging is a natural process, and it affects everyone, regardless of gender. While societal pressures may lead men to believe that signs of aging are inconsequential, the truth is that everyone wants to look and feel their best as they age. Skincare can play a pivotal role in helping men maintain youthful and healthy skin even as they age. Proper moisturization and sun protection, for example, can minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.
Confidence Boost
Confidence often goes hand in hand with how one feels about their appearance. Skincare can enhance men's confidence by improving the condition of their skin. When the skin is clear, hydrated and radiant, it can have a positive impact on self-esteem. A healthy complexion can make men feel more comfortable and assured in their skin, empowering them to face the world with confidence.
The bare necessities of a skincare routine
An effective skincare routine for men need not be 10 steps long (we’re looking at you, The 10-Step Korean Skincare Regimen). All you need is these 4 key essentials:
Cleansing: Whether you’ve spent the day indoors or outdoors, your skin has been exposed to air pollution, dirt and grime throughout the day. That, coupled with the excess oil and dead skin that naturally accumulates, makes cleansing twice daily a must. Use a gentle cleanser such as our Mandarin Acai Cleansing Lotion to remove dirt, oil and impurities from your skin's surface.
Moisturizing: Apply a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Suitable for all skin types, our Intensive Skin Renewal Gel is a lightweight formula infused with matcha and aloe vera that heals and replenishes your skin’s moisture levels.
Eye cream: The skin around our eyes typically has fewer oil glands which can lead to excessive dryness and fine lines. Protect and hydrate the delicate area around your eyes with an eye cream like our Cacao Okra Age Defying Eye Serum.
Sun Protection: Men have thicker skin with less fat beneath and tend to have more collagen in their skin than women. Research has shown that these differences make men’s skin more susceptible to receiving more damage from the same amount of UV sunlight. Shield your skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen like our Ultra-Fluid Tinted UV Protector SPF 25.
The belief that skincare is only for women is outdated and doesn't fit today's reality. It's time to leave behind these myths and accept that skincare isn't limited by gender. Good skin and taking care of oneself are things that everyone, no matter their gender, should be able to benefit from and enjoy!
References:
Four reasons why men have a higher risk of melanoma: St. luke’s health (2020) stlukeshealth. Available at: https://www.stlukeshealth.org/resources/why-men-have-higher-risk-melanoma (Accessed: 15 August 2023).