A lot of guys take their skin for granted. While we are all for embracing imperfections it shouldn’t be out of sheer laziness or for the lack of trying. So, if you’ve been skipping caring for your skin, take notes.
Skin-care isn’t only for women. You needn’t buy a truck load of ‘big-bucks’ products either, but HEY, You DO need a basic skin-care routine in place! Saying it louder for the guys in the back! Here’s the how and why you should get started.
Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jaishree Sharad of Skinfinity, Mumbai, says, “I think most men tend to be so blasé about the fact that they have skin that needs care. Your skin will age (albeit slower than women), get hyperpigmentation (dark spots), get tanned or sunburned, develop rashes, adult acne and acne scars.” As scary and melodramatic as these sound, these are all very real problems with simple solutions. Adds Dr. Sharad, “A simple and basic skin-care routine after consultation with a dermatologist can fix all of the above. An expert will be able to figure out your skin type, and curate a regimen specifically to meet your skin’s needs. ”
Head of Education, Dermalogica India, Hinaa Khan says, “No one likes dull, dehydrated and dry skin with an uneven tone. Relying simply on your genes to do the trick isn’t smart or cool.” A basic skin-care routine is crucial for healthy and clear skin.
It’s not hard to win the battle against skin issues or the first lines that show up like uninvited guests on your face with a little love no matter what your age. Follow a few easy-to-follow tips and you’re good.
According to Khan, men should cleanse their skin twice daily—in the morning and at bedtime to get rid of toxins, pollution and excess oils, in order to prevent congestion and blackheads. A splash of cold water does more than wake you up. “Using a gentle, soap-free foaming cleanser will help remove impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance,” she says.
Moisturiser and H20—are the two MVPs in your skin-care loot. Says Dr. Sharad, “Apply the moisturiser immediately after a shower when skin is still slightly damp to help seal in the moisture. If you have an oily skin or are prone to breakouts, look for a water-based product.”
Khan adds, “A moisturiser with SPF 30 and above, will provide broad-spectrum defence against the sun, while preventing future signs of skin damage,” However, lotion is only half of the hydration equation—skin needs moisture from within as well. Six to eight glasses of water will keep you healthy and glowing.
For deeper cleaning that also stimulates the growth of new skin cells, wash with an exfoliating scrub/facewash once a week. Don’t overdo it, and stop if your skin starts to get red or irritated. “Exfoliate with a product that buffs away the dead, dry and flaky skin softly—unveiling a layer of bright, smooth skin beneath,” says Khan.
We live in such a hot and sunny country, yet people tend to avoid using sunscreens. “Nothing damages your skin more than the sun,” says Dr. Sharad. “The sun’s harmful rays speed up the ageing process by slowing down collagen (the protein that keeps the skin youthful and plump) production and cell growth; forcing skin to lose its elasticity.” Your best defence? A great sunscreen. “Look for one with SPF 50 that provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.”
To wrap things up, your basic skin-care kit should include: A mild cleanser or facewash best suited for your skin type, a fabulous moisturiser, a scrub for weekly use, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and above. While these fuss-free products will get you closer to skin goals, you’ll also need to watch out for your—sugar, caffeine, nicotine and booze intake for holistic results.
[Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle