Skincare for Men

Everyone can benefit from adopting a skincare routine tailored to their specific needs and concerns, and we are seeing men adopting high-quality, evidence-based skincare more and more. Taking care of your skin is an investment in your overall health, appearance, and self-confidence.

While there are many skin conditions shared by both men and women, there are some that are typically found in just men.

Hormones

• At puberty, both men and women start producing testosterone but men produce approximately ten times more of this hormone than women
• Testosterone has an effect on the pilosebaceous unit – the hair shaft turns from thinner vellus hairs to darker, thicker terminal hairs
• Sebaceous glands become larger causing bigger pores as well as producing more sebum, which makes skin oily

Shaving Rash

• The hair follicles under the chin and upper neck are more oval-shaped and therefore the hair tends to curl
• This may lead to a very distressing condition called Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
• After a close shave, the hair grows out but curls back on itself, piercing the skin which can cause infection and inflammation
• Pseudofolliculitis may result in small keloid scars being formed or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation where the infection leaves behind small dark marks

Skin

• When it comes to the skin, men have thicker, more oily skin with larger pores
• Even though the darker terminal facial hair protects the skin from the sun, men have a higher incidence of skin cancer than women. This may be because men are often more reluctant to use sunscreens or because they are involved in more outdoor activities such as sports and work
• As a man ages the testosterone levels in the bloodstream slowly decline and this leads to a loss of muscle tone, decreased bone density and thinning of the skin
• Men are often more in the habit of washing their faces and body with a more old-fashioned, alkaline bath soap or doubling up their shampoo to wash which can be very drying on the skin
• Some men are often reluctant to use facial and body moisturisers regularly and this may lead to dry skin or eczema on the face and body

Acne

• Men, as well as women, develop acne or pimples but men are more likely to develop more severe, deeper adult acne on the trunk
• Men can also develop a type of acne called Acne Mechanica. This usually occurs in the sporty males and is often due to the type of clothing they wear. If the fabric is non-breathable, tight or pressurises certain areas on the body causing heat and friction, this can lead to folliculitis in these occluded areas

Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that occurs when people sweat excessively. This can be a very embarrassing condition, especially for men during business meetings or in social situations. Thankfully there are some solutions which can help this underarm condition:

• • Regular use of an antiperspirant containing aluminium salts
  • Botox injections into the axilla or underarm. This is usually performed by a Dermatologist and results in an 80-90% reduction in sweating for 6-12 months

Treatment Tips for Treating Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

• Grow a beard or keep it to a stubble using a clipper
• Avoid close shaves to prevent the hairs from curling back on themselves, puncturing and injuring the skin
• Always shave with the grain of the hair – shaving against it cuts the hair follicle just below the surface of the skin and this can cause ingrown hair and inflammation
• Laser hair removal. This works best in people with dark hair and pale skin

Skincare and lifestyle advice for Male Skin Health

• Use a gentle foaming cleanser with the correct pH and suited to your skin type
• Use a moisturiser to suit your skin type with lightweight lotions being a more popular choice for men
• Use a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen that is usually oil-free with a matte finish
• When outdoors a man should wear a broad-brimmed hat (a peak cap does not give enough protection, especially over the ears and the back of the neck) and protective clothing
• It is also important to reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day, especially after swimming, heavy sweating or towel-drying

Skincare Ingredients for Male Skin Health

• Salicylic Acid
• Mandelic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Cucumber Extract
• Azelaic Acid
• Retinol
• Menthol

Skincare products that can help with male skin health

Dr Webster recommends:

Cleansers

Using a gentle facial cleanser suitable for your skin type. This removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the skin, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. Dr Webster recommends:

• Obagi CLENZIderm Daily Care Foam Cleanser
• Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash

Exfoliators (2-3 times weekly)

Helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, promoting a smoother complexion. Use a facial scrub or exfoliating cleanser once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity, to achieve a fresh and revitalized appearance. Dr Webster recommends:

• Exuviance Professional Glycolic Polish
• MartiDerm Facial Scrub

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

NeoStrata® Gel Plus 15 AHA is a fast-absorbing gel containing, a high percentage of Glycolic Acid.

Cleanser to help with Shaving

ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser

Calming Shaving Burn

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque soothes, calms and immediately relieves redness (does not sting).

Facial Serums

• Kiehl’s Age Defender Power Serum
• Beaut Face Juice

Facial Creams

To help keep skin hydrated and maintain its natural moisture balance. Look for a moisturiser that suits your skin type and provides adequate hydration without leaving a greasy residue.

• NeoStrata® Bionic Lotion
• Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment For Men
• Hyaestic NMF Light-Weight Hydrating Cream

Body Care

Targeted care for acne on the chest or back.

• Lamelle Clarity Active Body Spray

Dry Skin on the Body

• CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
• Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion

Sun Protection

Apply generously to your face, neck, and other exposed areas, especially when outdoors.

• MartiDerm Active [D] Fluid SPF 50+
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body Mist SPF 50+
• Hyaestic Skin Fusion SF64 Sun Protector SPF 50+