Skincare tips for men

When it comes to skin care, men have never over-thought it. But with more men now striving for healthier, more youthful skin, now is a great time to rethink your skin care routine and learn how to take care of your body's largest organ. While there are some fundamental differences between men's and women's skin—like men's skin being thicker than women's—the essential elements of an effective skin care routine remain the same.

First of all, it is important for everyone, including men, to identify and understand their skin type:

• Sensitive skin may experience a stinging or burning sensation after using the products (rare)
• Normal skin is clean and non-sensitive.
• Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough.
• Oily skin is shiny and oily.
• Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others.

Understanding your skin type will help you know how to care for your skin and choose the right skin care products for you.

To create a healthy skin care routine, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

• Read product labels and ingredients. The facial care products you choose should be appropriate for your skin type. If you're prone to acne, look for cleansers and moisturizers that are "oil-free" or "noncomedogenic," as they won't clog pores. If you have sensitive skin, use gentle, "fragrance-free" products, as products with fragrances can irritate and dry out your skin. However, be wary of products labeled "fragrance-free," as many of them contain hidden fragrances that can also irritate your skin.
  
  
• Wash your face morning, night, and after exercise. Since traditional soaps often contain harsh ingredients that can dry out your skin, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm—not hot—water.
  
  
• Pay attention to your shaving technique. For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well or cut too close. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burn, or ingrown hairs, use a single- or double-blade razor and avoid pulling your skin while shaving. Before shaving, moisten your skin and hair to soften them. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse your blade after each stroke and replace your blade after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.
  
  
• Moisturize daily. Moisturizer helps your skin retain water, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and give your skin a brighter, younger look. For best results, apply moisturizer to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering, or shaving, while your skin is still damp.
  
  
• Check your skin regularly. New spots or moles that itch, bleed, or change color are often early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Men over 50 have a higher risk of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, than the general population. However, if caught early, skin cancer is very treatable.
  
  
• Use sunscreen when you're outdoors. To prevent sun damage, which can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. Before you go outside, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, ears, neck, and lips. For the best protection, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. To protect your skin, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, such as lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, whenever possible. For more effective sun protection, choose clothing that has a UV Protection Factor (UPF) label.

Every man's skin is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all facial care solution. If you're unsure of your skin type or have questions about how to care for your skin, consult a certified dermatologist.