Caring about your skin is not reserved for one gender. We all have skin that needs quality treatment to keep us looking our best.
When men adopt a professional skincare regimen, they achieve a healthy complexion that reflects their true, confident selves.
If you're a man that's new to skincare, starting an unfamiliar routine can seem daunting. Thankfully, skincare doesn't have to be complicated to be effective.
Here are essential tips to help you begin your skin health journey.
Everyone's skin is different, so each person needs different treatment plans or products to produce the desired results.
To take the best care of your skin, you'll first want to find out your skin type. Men typically have oily skin, but that might not be the case for you.
Here's an easy way to determine your skin type at home:
The GlyMed Plus 4-Step System was created to achieve and maintain skin health with simplicity. Take a closer look at this four-step system that any man can fit into his morning and evening routines.
The first step to maintaining a healthy, youthful complexion is to cleanse your skin with a facial wash. Cleansing removes dirt, oils and other impurities your skin encounters throughout the day. Without regularly washing your face, your skin becomes prone to breakouts, dehydration and premature aging.
We recommend cleansing in the morning and at night using the right cleanser for your skin type.
Oily – Use a foaming, gel-like cleanser with active ingredients like the Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Facial Cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid.
Dry – Choose a creamy cleanser that moisturizes and hydrates while cleansing, such as the Vitamin C Cleanser or Mega Cream Cleanser.
Combination – Either use a gentle creamy cleanser in the morning and a more active cleanser at night or use the fan-favorite Foaming Cleanser with Amino Acids for your morning and night routine.
Normal – Choose any of the above cleansers or use the Gentle Gel Cleanser with Amino Acids, a mild-lathering facial cleanser packed with anti-aging botanicals.
After you've cleansed your face, the next step is to apply a treatment product. Remember your skin goals? This step will help you reach them.
If you're the kind of guy that likes to keep things simple, you can easily use one treatment serum or cream. If you're interested in adding more treatment serums or creams, consult your skincare expert to ensure the products work well together.
Here are common skin goals and the products to use for them:
Reduce acne breakouts – Some of the best acne-fighting ingredients are benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, BHAs and retinol. You can find these ingredients in Astringent No. 2 with Salicylic Acid, Retinol Rejuvenation Serum, Blemish Control No. 5 with Benzoyl Peroxide and Beta Gel with 10% Glycolic Acid.
Age management – Peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants can stimulate collagen production for a younger appearance. Peptide Serum, Bio-Renewal Serum, CBD Soothing Serum with Micro-Silver, Restoring Fulvic Elixir and Retinol Rejuvenation Serum are some of our best-selling anti-aging products.
Lighten hyperpigmentation – Vitamin C, AHAs and Tyrosinase Inhibitors are great solutions to hyperpigmentation. You can find these ingredients in Vitamin C Serum, Daily Skin Clarifier, Diamond Bright Skin Illuminator, Pigment Brightening Serum and Beta Gel with 10% Glycolic Acid.
Treat rosacea – Horse chestnut, antioxidants and niacinamide help reduce the appearance of rosacea. Our top products for treating rosacea are Rosacea Relief, Restoring Fulvic Elixir and CBD Soothing Serum with Micro-Silver.
You can use treatment products morning and night in many cases; however, some products can cause sun sensitization and are therefore meant only for nighttime routines. Make sure to read and follow the directions on the package, and if you're still unsure, consult with your skincare provider.
The next step in your skincare routine is moisturizing. Applying a moisturizer morning and night protects and repairs the skin's barrier from daily environmental stressors, allowing you to achieve excellent skin health and a closer shave that leaves your skin feeling smooth and less irritated.
We've found that most men prefer a lightweight moisturizer because it sits better on their facial hair and won't feel heavy on the skin. The Age Delay Cream and Oxygen Cream are three lightweight moisturizers suitable for all skin types.
Sunscreen is essential to a skincare regimen to prevent premature wrinkles, sun damage, sagging skin and, most importantly, skin cancer.
Sunscreen only works if you use it properly. Make sure you apply a liberal amount to the face and other exposed areas of the body at least 20 minutes before venturing out into the sun.
If you plan to stay outdoors for longer or are sweating or swimming, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
GlyMed sunscreens are lightweight and suitable for all skin types. The Oil-Free Protective Moisturizer with SPF 15, Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 30 and Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 30 are all fan favorites and GlyMed Guy approved.
For men who love clean-shaven skin, shaving is a day-to-day ritual that helps them feel and look their best. However, many still deal with irritation and ingrown hairs.
Here's how to care for your skin so you get a great shave every time:
Hydrate the skin by washing your face, showering or wrapping your face in a damp towel before applying shaving cream to soften the facial hair. Doing this will allow the razor to glide over the skin.
Since men generally have thick skin, you can exfoliate more often, preferably every time you shave. Exfoliating regularly can help clear pores, reduce oil and lift dead skin cells to prevent razor drag, ingrown hairs and clogged pores. The Peptide Micro Scrub is an excellent physical exfoliator for kicking off your shaving routine.
Apply your shaving cream in an upward motion, lifting the hairs up and away from the skin's surface for a more precise shave. You want to find a rich, creamy formula that contains hydrating and calming ingredients like those found in Essential Shave Cream.
Using clean, sharp razor blades will reduce nicks, cuts and ingrown hairs. Rinse the razor under warm water before shaving and between strokes. Once you're finished shaving, clean the razor thoroughly and store it in a dry place to avoid rust and bacteria. Change your blades after 4 – 5 shaves.
One of the best things you can do for your skin is to consult with a licensed skincare professional. They will help determine your skin type and suggest routine maintenance and services based on your skin goals or any skin conditions you may have.
It's all about achieving an outer appearance that matches your inner confidence. If you want real, long-lasting results, a regimen with high-quality skincare products through a professional skin care provider is the best way to go.
Whether you're new to skincare or GlyMed, finding a GlyMed Professional in your area will give you access to GlyMed's Retail Products and personalized skincare advice. Get in touch with a GlyMed Pro to book a consultation and get started on the road to clear, healthy skin.