Skin Care for Men & a Side of Zen

Skin is skin and not limited to a specific gender

When you think of skincare, do you picture a woman at home masking? Or two best friends going out for pedicures and facials? Both are great examples of how skincare and self-care go hand in hand. When we take care of ourselves inside and out, we boost our well-being and become more centered and connected with ourselves. These are essential aspects for us all, so why do most of us not imagine a man going for a facial when we hear the term skincare?   

Skin is skin and is not limited to a specific gender. As men, your skin experiences the same concerns a woman would, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, rosacea and skin cancer. The list goes on and on.

Where should you begin? Booking a facial with an esthetician is a significant first step to caring for your skin; let them know it's your first facial and you are looking to get on the best treatment plan for your skin. Generally, your esthetician will perform a consultation and skin analysis during your first visit to determine your lifestyle, skin type, and concerns to create your unique skincare plan. Your plan will include recommended future treatments and products to use at home. Do not opt out of obtaining home care, as this will contribute to 80 percent of the results you see in your skin.

Beginning a home care regimen can be overwhelming at first. If you are not currently using many products at home, request that your Esthetician start you on a simple routine. Naturally, you may gravitate towards products labeled "For Men." These are a good start as they are generally multipurpose and allow for a simple routine with few steps; however, this is not where you want to stay. As you become more comfortable with your regimen, the goal is to incorporate other targeted products to boost your home care.

Your home care should include at least one of the following steps:  

1. Cleanse—A cleanser will remove oil and dead skin cells and should suit the skin's condition. This step will also allow for any following products to penetrate further into the skin.  
2. Treat—A treatment product supplies the skin with active ingredients targeted toward skin concerns such as aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation. It is normal to utilize more than one treatment product. These include serums, masques, astringents, and spot treatments.   
3. Balance—Balancing products supply the skin with essential ceramides, lipids, and humectants, which hydrate and moisturize the skin. This step is vital to maintain the health of our skin and the functions taking place within it.   
4. Protect—Regular use of SPF will ensure long-term protection for cells within the skin while shielding from free radical scavengers and UV rays. This step is crucial for the prevention of skin cancer and damage from other extrinsic factors.

Next to skincare is the importance of self-care. In our society, men often feel the pressure to participate in only those things deemed as masculine, and as skincare knows no gender, the same applies to self-care. Both are essential for all genders to ensure the well-being of the mind, body, and soul.

Self-care ideas for men:  

• Book a morning facial, then treat yourself to your favorite lunch afterward.   
• Go out and connect with nature. Try going for a hike, hammocking, spending a day at the lake, or a weekend camping. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat!  
• Head to the gym for an hour or two; this is great to blow off steam, increase endorphins for a mood boost, and keep your body active. 
• Set aside some time to process and work through any emotions you may have bottled up.  
• Plan a guys trip to spend time doing your favorite activities and hobbies.  
• Soak in the bathtub after a hard day's work with your favorite face mask to ground and center yourself. 
• Allow yourself some extra rest and go to bed early or sleep in the following morning.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.  
• Try a new restaurant or bar with friends for a fun evening out! 
• Treat yourself to a massage or body treatment at a spa. This will help soothe any sore muscles and reduce tension held in the body.  
• Get a pedicure; your feet deserve it! This also is a great time to check and care for any abnormalities such as symptoms of athletes' foot, skin injuries, swelling, cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails, etc.

There are many other ways you can add self-care into your daily and weekly routines, in addition to ways you can combine self-care and skincare. Both journeys will continue to evolve as you and your skin face different circumstances throughout life. If there comes a point when you are unsure what to do next, reach out to your skincare professional for further guidance.