Guys: if you haven’t already got a skincare routine, why not?! Now I’m not suggesting you a adopt a lengthy process every evening full of endless tubs of creams and lotions, but adding just a few easy routines into your life promises to improve the look and feel of your skin! Men’s skincare shouldn’t be hard, and I’m here to prove it isn’t!

CLEANSING

Cleansing is just a fancy way of saying washing your face. Cleansing your face every night is a vital aspect of men’s skincare as it washes away the day’s dirt, oil, and any dead skin cells – leaving your skin fresh and clean for the night’s rest ahead. But don’t go thinking using that generic bar of soap is going to be doing you any good, when on the contrary it might actually be damaging your skin. A lot of soaps are quite harsh and can be dehydrating to your skin, making it appear dry and much older. Look out for a hydrating cleanser when making your choice and be sure to wash gently but thoroughly. Failing to do so can leave you with oily skin and clogged pores – not a good look!

EXFOLIATING

Although cleansing daily will drastically improve the appearance of your skin, pores can still fall victim to becoming blocked, and this is not helped by the fact that, commonly, men have larger pores than women! Invest in a granular facial scrub to use 2-4 times a week. Using a scrub will clear blackheads and help to smooth your complexion, whilst also clearing away any dead skin cells, revealing the new ones underneath. Smoother skin means a nicer surface to shave on!

** Not every scrub needs to feel gritty and scratchy to actually do well! Some can actually be gentle; it doesn’t need to hurt to actually work! **



SHAVING

Although stubble and beards may be on trend, for those times you do shave, do not scrimp on the shaving cream and razor! Thick, gel-like shaving creams are best for any skin type as they provide a cushion-like barrier between the razor and your skin, preventing irritation and rashes.

Tip: It is much better to shave during, or after a shower. This is because facial hairs become softer from the hot water and steam (not because of open pores: a common misconception).

Not all razors were created equal so fellas, choose your weapon wisely! Razors can be catered to skin sensitivity as well as hair coarseness, and the right razor can significantly improve your shaving experience as well as skin afterwards so be sure to shop around! Finish off with an alcohol-free based aftershave to sooth and hydrate the skin.

MOISTURISING

Although some cleansers can have hydrating benefits, enough is never enough! Everyone, including those with combination or oily skin, should be moisturising daily. Moisturising at night is essential for men’s skincare and will help replenish your skin from damage caused during the busy day, which means the cream tends to be slightly thicker as it can soak in whilst you’re asleep. A day time moisturiser will often have protective benefits and wake you up for the day ahead, and can include an SPF as well as being much lighter. A basic moisturiser can restore moisture, giving your skin a youthful bounce and glow, as well as reduce razor burn, and has been proven to help with ageing.

BONUS CARE

LIPS

It doesn’t hurt to smooth over a little Vaseline during the day or to invest in a lip scrub. Keep those lips smooth and ready for any impromptu kissing sessions you may have! It’s a life saver during the winter months as well if you’re prone to cracking lips (ouch!).

SUN CREAM

If moisturising in the morning doesn’t appeal to you, be sure to apply sun cream before stepping out. You may not be burning, but the sun is constantly damaging our skin! That may sound over-dramatic, but the sun can dry out skin and age it, cause redness, and can cause scratching and irritation.

FACE MASKS

Mask up! Typically connoting feminine discourses, using a face mask once or twice a week to deep clean your face isn’t something you should shy away from. We brush our teeth everyday but still like a scale and polish from the dentist now and then! Having a clay mask on for 10 minutes can reduce clogs and shine, remove dead skin cells, promote cellular regeneration and leaves your skin looking and feeling incredible! A must have before date night! Why not try Earth Kiss?



WATER

Grapes and raisins: same thing, but what’s the difference? Staying hydrated is imperative for great looking skin! Drinking water flushes out toxins, helps to generate new cells, gives glowing complexion, and helps to reduce dark circles.