Moisturizer has long since been known to be an essential skincare step. Its benefits have been further reinforced in the modern beauty space along with the importance of it for all skin types. Naturally, it has also now managed to carve a spot in many men’s grooming routines and rightfully so. From improving skin appearance to soothing irritation, a humble face cream can do wonders for men’s skin. However, to find the perfect moisturizer for men, it’s important to know how to choose one based on skin concerns and skin type.
Tips On Finding The Right Moisturizer For Men’s Skin
Know Your Skin Type
Though men’s skin is tougher and oilier than women’s, it still falls under five common categories of skin types – oily, dry, sensitive, combination and normal. If you have dry skin, you will notice that your skin doesn’t produce as much natural oils and struggles to retain hydration. It can often feel tight and itchy. If you have oily skin, it generally appears shiny (or greasy) due to excess production of natural oils. This also makes the skin type prone to active breakouts and blackheads. Men with sensitive skin will notice their skin is prone to flare-ups, redness, irritation, and inflammation. Trying new skincare and grooming products can be cumbersome for sensitive skin types. Combination skin is when someone has oily or dry skin with an oily T-zone (centre of forehead, nose, and chin). People with normal skin are considered to have the most low-maintenance skin as it’s not as prone to skin concerns like breakouts, dehydration or irritation as other skin types.
Identify Your Skin Concerns
There are so many common skin concerns that we all face regularly. Sun damage can show up in the form of sunspots, tanning, melasma, and rapid ageing. Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and oxidised complexion are very common with oily skin types. People who have dry and sensitive skin may be prone to itching, dehydration, flakiness, inflammation, and redness. The majority of these skin concerns can be caused by genetics, pollution, harmful sun rays, and lifestyle choices. It’s important to identify what skin concerns you face regularly to find a moisturizer that can nourish and heal the skin.
Understanding Ingredients
Though the moisturizer market is rife with an endless list of ingredients, here are some key ingredients to look for in moisturizers that will suit all skin types:
- Vitamin E: It’s an antioxidant vitamin that removes dullness and restores the skin’s natural glow. It also has photoprotective properties to protect your skin from sun damage.
- Glycerine: Glycerine is an effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin and locks in hydration to soothe dry, dehydrated skin.
- Ceramides: Ceramides are referred to as fatty molecules or lipids that are naturally found in the body. As we age, our body’s ceramide production gradually decreases. Ceramides keep the skin soft and supple while strengthening the natural skin barrier.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a star ingredient that is recommended as a solution for all skin types. It hydrates and soothes itchiness and inflammation, regulates oil production, boosts elasticity, reduces hyperpigmentation, and controls breakouts.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is known as a humectant that draws moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated and plump. If you have dry skin that often feels dehydrated, look for a moisturizer for men with hyaluronic acid and glycerine for maximum hydration.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It’s go-to for those who want to fight sun damage and free radicals which contribute to hyperpigmentation and premature ageing.
Formulation and Consistency
Many moisturizers in the market have different formulations to suit different skin types. Choose a rich cream or lotion-based face cream if you have dry and dehydrated skin. While the same formulations also work for sensitive skin, it’s recommended to look for a face cream that’s fragrance-free to avoid triggering irritation. People who have oily skin should look for moisturizers that have a lightweight watery or gel consistency that will easily absorb into the skin without making it feel heavy or greasy.
Tips To Use Moisturizers To Elevate Your Grooming Routine
- Nourishing Sleeping Mask:
Does your skin regularly feel rough, dry or dull? Give it an intense overnight treatment by adding an extra layer of men’s moisturizer and gently massaging the skin before going to bed. This will soften it and remove signs of dullness.
- Soothing PostShave Balm:
If you have sensitive skin and don’t like the stinging sensation of alcoholic aftershaves, use a thin layer of moisturizer for men with antibacterial properties like tea tree, neem or tulsi to soothe and moisturise the skin in one go.
- Beard Conditioner:
This tip is great for those with thick, curly, and unruly beards. If you’re not a fan of an extensive beard grooming routine, all you need is a moisturizer and beard oil. Mix a small dollop of moisturizer with a few drops of beard oil and gently massage your beard. This will soften the beard strands while nourishing hair follicles and the skin. You can also follow this hack to prep your beard and skin for a smooth shave.
- Use It As Eye Cream:
If you struggle with dark circles owing to fatigue or genes, you can double your moisturizer for men as an eye cream. It will give the delicate eye area as much moisture and hydration as the rest of the face. Use gentle tapping motions with your ring finger to let the cream absorb properly.
- Soothe Sunburns:
Staying outdoors during soaring temperatures is bound to leave you with some nasty sunburns, especially if you have sensitive skin. Applying a thin layer of moisturizer for men over the affected area will instantly soothe and heal the skin without leaving signs of scar or pigmentation.
- Give Your Hands Some Care:
Rough hands and calluses can be common for men’s hands, especially if you indulge in physical activities like rock climbing, lifting weights, or doing floor workouts. In such cases, you can use a pea-sized amount of your face cream to soften your hands and get rid of dead skin cells.
These tips are a testament to how a humble yet effective moisturizer for men can go above and beyond in elevating your grooming routine. We hope this article helps you pick the perfect men’s moisturizer for men to suit your grooming needs and skin type.
