Men's Skin Care Products

Even if you know skin care is important, choosing the right men’s skin care products can be overwhelming. Men can choose from specific products marketed to them, women’s products, or gender-neutral products.

To choose the right men’s skin care products, decide what it is you’re looking for: cleanser, toner, or moisturizer. Then, decide what it is you want it to do: hydrate, provide sun protection, or eliminate wrinkles.

Common Ingredients in Men’s Skin Care Products

To find a good men’s skin care product, you must understand the common ingredients in skin care products.

Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha-hydroxy Acids help with wrinkles, fine lines, skin pigmentation issues, skin texture, age spots, and acne. They may also help decrease the size of pores. However, some people experience severe redness, swelling, burning, blistering, bleeding, itching, and skin discoloration from the use of these products. In addition, the FDA cautions that long term effects of AHAs are not known. AHAs also increase the sensitivity to the sun, so sun block should be a part of your daily skin care regiment if you use AHAs.

Beta-hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid)

Salicylic acid is another popular product. It can help prevent acne and is an exfoliator. An exfoliator is a product that can help remove dead skin cells. The main difference between alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acid is their lipid (oil) solubility. Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only, while beta hydroxy acid is lipid (oil) soluble. Beta-hydroxy acids are better for oily skin. Like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids can increase sensitivity to the sun, so sun block should be worn.

Retinol

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. It’s used to help with wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone, and hydration. It is an antioxidant. Tretinoin (Retin-A and Renova) are stronger forms of retinol. While stronger may seem better, side effects such as irritation are also greater.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is used in men’s skin care products because it helps rebuild collagen and minimize wrinkles or scars. Collagen helps skin keep its elasticity and ‘young’ look. However, because of dosage risks, it is important to talk to your dermatologist before deciding on a Vitamin C treatment.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid is another product that diminishes fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow, and boosts levels of other antioxidants. It is often used as superficial chemical peel to exfoliate the skin. It can cause inflammation. Since it’s relatively new on the market, long term effects are not known.

Shaving Products

Shaving Creams/Gels

It is recommended that men use a gel over a cream, since shaving creams contain air pockets that can lead to razor burn. Men should never use soap as a shaving cream. Soap leads to razor burn, dehydration, and ingrown hairs.

Men should choose a gentle shaving product with natural ingredients such as aloe or oatmeal.

Electric vs. Blade Razors

shaving

There is a very strong debate about which is better, an electric razor or a manual/blade razor. It seems that most men prefer blade razors to electric. Blade razors allow men to get the stray hairs on the neck and around the mouth that an electric razor may miss. Many men feel a blade razor gives them a closer shave than electric.

But, electric razors have some benefits too. They cut down the nicks and cuts common with blade razors. Electric razors are also more transportable, less messy, and quicker.

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