FROM BEARDS TO MOISTURIZERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO MEN'S SKINCARE

Welcome to your ultimate guide to men's skincare! Whether you're sporting a stylish beard or prefer a clean-shaven look, maintaining healthy skin is easily within reach. This guide will help you learn everything from selecting the perfect moisturizer to incorporating simple, effective habits into your daily routine to ensure you look and feel your best.

MEN'S SKIN VS. WOMEN'S SKIN

Before diving into the specifics of men's skincare, it's important to understand the differences between men’s skin and women’s skin. While there are certainly similarities, there are also key distinctions that affect how men’s skin reacts to products and treatments.

THICKER SKIN

One major difference is the structure of men's skin. Men generally have higher collagen density, which can make their skin up to 20% thicker than women’s. This thickness makes your skin more resilient to damage but also more resistant to treatments.

HIGHER OIL PRODUCTION

Men’s high testosterone levels frequently stimulate the sebaceous glands, so they produce more oil than women’s skin. These active oil glands tend to cause a higher quantity of large, prominent pores. While more oil often leads to shinier skin that’s less prone to dryness, men also face an increased risk of acne and clogged pores.

RAPID SKIN HEALTH DECLINE LATER IN LIFE

Men's skin also tends to age differently than women's skin. Because the collagen in their skin is denser and breaks down at a steady rate, men may not have wrinkles and fine lines until later in life, but once they start showing signs of aging, they experience a more rapid decline. The higher collagen density even makes men more prone to drooping skin. Also, shaving can cause micro-damage that can irritate the skin and accelerate the aging process.

FACIAL HAIR CAN INCREASE SKINCARE CHALLENGES

For those sporting beards or mustaches, it's important to take extra care of the skin underneath. Facial hair can introduce unique challenges that require dedicated attention and specialized products. Here are the most common concerns:

• Dry Skin: Dryness is a common concern for many since beard hair can wick away moisture from the skin underneath and cause a flaky, itchy complexion.
• Ingrown Hairs: Shaving can cause hairs to curl back into the skin, leading to painful bumps that can become infected.
• Oil Buildup: Beards can trap oils from sweat, food and environmental pollutants, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
• Irritation: The act of shaving can cause irritation and inflammation, especially if using a dull or dirty razor.
• Dandruff: Similar to the scalp, beards can develop dandruff due to dry skin or an overgrowth of fungus.

PROFESSIONAL TIPS FOR FACIAL HAIR & SKINCARE

So how do you address the skin issues that stem from facial hair? The best foundation is a properly crafted men's skincare routine. Follow these steps to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

CLEANSE & EXFOLIATE

Start by cleansing your skin daily with a gentle cleanser, then follow up with exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub, such as our Peptide Micro Scrub. For those with thick, dense facial hair, use a shampoo specifically designed for your beard.

HYDRATE & NOURISH

Next, keep your skin and facial hair healthy by moisturizing. Many men only use a facial moisturizer when their skin feels dry or tight, but a daily application can actually prevent many skin concerns and keep your beard looking neat and healthy. Try our Daily Repair Cream for a non-greasy, fast-absorbing moisturizer that hydrates and soothes the skin.

If you're struggling with dry skin underneath your beard, start using our Vitamin E Cream to increase your skin hydration by 25 percent. Vitamin E can replace lost lipids and help prevent moisture loss, so it's perfect for soothing dry, flaky skin.

CONDITION & OIL

Don't forget to condition and oil your beard as well! Just like the hair on your head, facial hair needs some TLC too. Use a specialized beard oil or balm to soften and add shine while keeping it smelling fresh.

GENERAL MEN'S SKINCARE STEPS TO ADD TO YOUR ROUTINE

Not every man needs a routine tailored to facial hair, but every man should have a basic skincare routine to keep their skin healthy and glowing. Here's a list of steps to add to any regimen.

1. TARGET RAZOR BURN, BREAKOUTS & OILY SKIN

Alleviate common skin concerns by following these tips during your skincare routine:

• Use a Clean Razor: Shave with clean, sharp blades to reduce irritation and ensure a closer shave.
• Apply a Pre-Shave Cleanser: Our Gentle Gel Cleanser with Amino Acids softens hair follicles and offers antioxidant protection to minimize skin irritation.
• Use a Gentle and Nourishing Shave Cream: Ingredients like Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil go a long way to clean and moisturize the skin during shaving. Try our Essential Shave Cream for a fortified shaving experience that will prevent inflammation and ingrown hairs.
• Target Oily Skin with a Serum: Loosen dead skin cells and unclog pores by combining Astringent No. 2 with our Ultra Hydro Gel. The Salicylic Acid in the astringent will unclog pores, exfoliate and control excess oil, while the Hyaluronic Acid in the serum will prevent any dryness by adding essential moisture to the skin.

2. USE EFFECTIVE ANTI-AGING STRATEGIES

Once you reach your mid-20s, it's a good idea to start thinking about incorporating anti-aging products into your routine. Moisturize daily with Peptide Cream to target fine lines and wrinkles or use our powerful Age Defying Masque 2 – 3 times a month to minimize pores and reduce advanced signs of aging.

3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLEANSER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Without the right cleanser, your routine can be rendered useless. Make sure to choose a product that's tailored to your skin type and concerns.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle cleanser like our Mega Cream Cleanser to calm and soothe the skin. A great option for men with oily or combination skin is our Exfoliating Cleanser with Salicylic Acid; it targets excess oil and clogged pores while also nourishing with Aloe Vera.

4. AVOID OVER-CLEANSING AND OVER-EXFOLIATING

It can be tempting to scrub away at your skin or use harsh products in hopes of achieving a flawless complexion, but this can actually do more harm than good. Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating can strip your skin of natural oils and lead to dryness, irritation and even breakouts. Avoid using multiple exfoliating products at once.

5. MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN EVEN IF IT'S OILY

Moisturizing is key for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Even if you have oily skin, you still need to moisturize daily to prevent potential damage and premature aging. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy product that won't clog pores but still provide essential lipids to lock in moisture. Our Oxygen Cream is a great example of a pharmaceutical-grade moisturizer that also targets acne.

6. USE DAILY SPF

Daily sun protection is a non-negotiable part of any men's skincare routine. Exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Look for a non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) product with an SPF of at least 15. The best options are broad-spectrum to filter both UVA and UVB rays. We recommend our Oil-Free Protective Moisturizer with SPF 50 for the added benefits of anti-aging and moisturizing ingredients.

7. SPEAK TO A PROFESSIONAL

There's nothing wrong with seeking advice from a skincare professional if you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. Our GlyMed Pros can help you understand your specific skin type and concerns, then recommend tailored products and treatments for optimal results. With the right knowledge and products, you can confidently achieve healthy and happy skin. Find a GlyMed Plus Professional near you to start!