Have you noticed that men can spend an hour or two a day in the gym but won’t spend two minutes taking care of their skin? My husband goes to the gym every night to keep his body in shape yet he refuses to invest in his skin. After talking to many patients at Pelle, this seems to be a recurring theme. For some reason, many men don’t think that skin care is a worthy investment.

Skin care for men is just as important as it is for women, sometimes more important. Men traditionally spend more time damaging their skin through participation in outdoor activities and hazardous work environments. Shaving can also really dry out the face.  So in just 3 steps, 3 minutes, twice a day, men can improve the overall health of their skin.

1. CLEANSE
This is the single most important step of a skin care regimen.

Cleansing the skin should take place twice daily: once in the morning upon waking up and once in the evening before going to bed.  It is important to insure that the product being used isn’t so drying that it is going to strip the skin of its natural oils. Most cleansers that produce bubbles with a good lather usually contain too much detergent and can dry the skin out. Using products containing salicylic acids for a person with dry skin can also cause irritation.  A basic gel cleanser tends to work best.

2. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation is the process of getting rid of or shedding dead skin cells.

Exfoliation is important to unclog pores and prevent pimples or acne and is generally recommended at least three times a week.  For men, exfoliation is also important in helping to expose the hair follicles allowing for a closer shave.

3.  MOISTURIZE
If men do nothing else after cleansing it is vital to at least apply a moisturizer.

This step is often skipped because of the myth that moisturizing causes breakouts and blemishes.  The truth is exactly the opposite. When the sebaceous glands don’t get moisture they often produce an excess of oil to make up for it. This in turn can cause unwanted imperfections to appear on the skin. When choosing a moisturizer it’s extremely important to pick one with UVA/UBA protection.  The product should state on the packaging that it protects the sun from UVA and UVB rays. It may also simply say “broad spectrum.”  There are two main ingredients to look for when purchasing a moisturizer with sunblock: titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.  Look for these ingredients on the back of the bottle towards the bottom of the label.

While there are more skin care steps that are beneficial for men, this basic regimen is a good starting point.  The nurses at Pellé Medical Skincare are always available for a consultation to address any specific skin care issues you may have. Call us today at 272-0064!