Taking time to care for your skin may not top your list of priorities, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important—regardless of gender. The truth is skin care products are just as important for men as they are for women. After all, fine lines and wrinkles and dry skin—and a myriad of other skin care concerns—aren’t problems reserved for only women. In fact, since maintaining facial hair or regularly shaving can take a toll on your skin, it can be extra important for men to stick with a consistent skin care routine. But don’t worry, you can keep it simple! No matter your age or your personal habits, there are three basic skin care products that men should keep stocked near the bathroom sink to help maintain the appearance of their skin.
Men’s Skin Care Product #1: Facial Cleanser
Cleansing: It’s a simple step, and it’s one that’s all too often overlooked. Everything from dirt to pollution to oil builds up on the outer layer of your skin throughout the day, and this accumulation—if not cleaned away—can clog pores and even leave your skin more prone to early signs of skin aging. That’s why beginning and ending your day with cleansing is essential. When you reach for a cleanser, use lukewarm water to wash your face—turning up the temperature may not seem like a big deal, but hot water can actually dry out your skin. As for what to wash with, try the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra Energetic Cleanser Infused with Charcoal. The foaming facial cleanser acts as a magnet on skin to capture all kinds of dirt and fight problems caused by daily city grime, including, oily skin, dullness, and clogged pores. Plus, if you have a more skin care-savvy significant other, they’re sure to be impressed that you’re using a product formulated with charcoal, since it’s one of the trendiest ingredients right now.
Men’s Skin Care Product #2: Moisturizer with SPF
Immediately after cleansing, it’s time to moisturize. To keep your regimen from getting overloaded with steps, opt for a double-duty option, i.e. a moisturizer with SPF. Sun damage is no joke, and when protecting your skin is practically as easy as smoothing on moisturizer—why wouldn’t you? Protect and hydrate at the same time with the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Vita Lift SPF 15 Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Moisturizer, which is formulated with Pro-Retinol A and broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen. Apply a generous layer of the moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid 15 minutes before heading outside and be sure to reapply at least every two hours. And don’t forget to take other sun protection measures! The Food and Drug Administration recommends staying out of the sun during peak hours (from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.), sporting sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat, and seeking out shade.
Of course, you won’t need any sunscreen at night—but you’ll still want to moisturize. After cleansing, but before going to bed, you can apply the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Vita Lift Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Moisturizer.
Men’s Skin Care Product #3: Eye Cream
You may not give the skin surrounding your eyes much thought, but it’s time to start. Your eyes are likely to show early signs of skin aging, like crow’s feet, and can also reveal signs fatigue, like dark circles and under-eye bags, making eye cream nothing short of a necessity. Because your skin is most delicate around your eyes, it needs specialized formulas to replenish and protect the sensitive skin. Roll the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra-Energetic Ice Cold Eye Roller around the eye area from the inside to the outer corner and up to your top lid. The cooling applicator makes application oh so pleasant, while the serum—which is formulated with vitamin C and caffeine—helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles, under-eye bags, puffiness, and roughness.
Looking to upgrade your grooming routine with more than a few skin care products? In that case, don’t forget about hair color! Here’s The Ultimate Guide to Hair Color for Men.