Get Flawless Skin in 5 Simple Steps!
Quick, easy skincare tips that anyone can follow!
Skincare is a practice that a lot of men still choose to forego, but have all the more reason to do. Men have thicker, oilier skin that requires frequent cleansing and pampering. To some, these steps may be too time-consuming especially when you have a busy lifestyle. Yet truth be told, these are some of the easier grooming habits to maintain. Let’s squash the notion right now that for you to achieve clear, bright skin, you need a 12-step skincare routine. You can, but it’s absolutely not necessary. All you need is a few products to start with and you’ll begin to see the difference.
We at Man For Himself are huge advocates of simple, yet effective ways of looking your best. And after years and years of constant experimentation and product testing, we have come up with skincare tips that anyone can follow.
Here are 5 easy pointers that you can integrate into your regimen, as well as products to get you started or improve your journey:
1. Wash your face with a cleanser
The first and the most important part of every skincare routine is washing your face. Using a cleanser will do wonders for your face, especially if done every morning and night. There are tons of cleansers in the market right now, and what you use will depend on your needs. However, be wary of brands that claim to be specifically “for men” as the formula can be really stripping on your skin. You want something that will make your face feel clean and smooth, but not tight and almost as if a layer of your skin has been stripped off.
Some MFH favorites include brands like Bulldog Skincare, which cater to those who have oily and sensitive skin. Simple is also a brand that’s going to keep it straightforward and do what it needs to do without the brash, drying effect.
2. Dissolve impurities with a cleansing oil
Before washing your face at night (not needed in the morning), prime it using a cleansing oil. It’s good practice to lather on a few pumps before you go in with a cleanser as it’s going to break down the dirt and SPF on your skin that has been accumulating the entire day. Not only that, some oils have soothing and healing properties that are going to leave your skin looking smooth and clear.
Application is simple: add a couple of drops of oil into your hands and massage it onto your dry (yep, dry!) face in a gentle circular motion. Rinse it off, follow it up with your cleanser, and you’re set.
A few cleansing oils that have our stamp of approval are the Le Labo and Elizabeth Arden oils, which are more premium options. The DHC cleansing oil also gets the job done at a much lower cost.
3. Use serum in the morning
This is very straightforward, but incorporating serum into your routine is a game-changer. It’s a potent shot of ingredients your skin needs. It has multiple kinds for various uses, like moisturizing or controlling the oiliness of your skin.
This step takes place after you cleanse. Right before you apply your moisturiser, you can go ahead and massage your serum in. It’s going to rejuvenate your skin and ensure that it gets the vitamins it needs. Our serums of choice right now are the Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Vitamin C serum, Disciple Triple-C gel which is great for brightening your skin and the Obagi Hydro-Drops that is perfect if you need extra hydration.
4. Apply eye cream
Eye cream is an underrated product that a lot of guys still neglect. But this makes all the difference, especially if you’re older and your bags are really noticeable. Dabbing on eye cream before you go to sleep will reduce discolouration and puffiness under your eyes and lock some hydration in.
Try some out, see what works for you. There are tons of products out there that range from budget, drugstore options, to more expensive ones. We recommend The Inkey List’s Caffeine Eye Cream which includes, you guessed it: caffeine. This helps with relieving puffiness due to the anti-inflammatory antioxidant and its formula is lightweight, so you won’t feel anything on your skin. Just tap a bit of product in with your ring finger under and around the contour of your eye and you’re all set.
5. Don’t forget your SPF!
This is a skincare fundamental that we will never tire of reiterating: never skip your SPF. Sunscreen or anything with SPF in it is what’s going to help your skin look young, and of course, protect it from harmful UV rays that can cause cancer. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles and reduces the appearance of sunspots, especially if you’re out and about the entire day. But even if you’re not going anywhere, it’s beneficial in the long run to put on SPF daily and in the morning. Keep this up and you’ll be thanking your younger self as soon as you hit 50.
Invest in a good quality SPF that feels light and not sticky on the skin. What we’re currently eyeing is the Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops, a more high-end option. All you need is a couple of drops and apply it all over your face and down to your neck. La Roche-Posay also have a more affordable option that goes on with ease and keeps skin looking shine-free.
