Although it is rarely acknowledged, men actually suffer from oily skin much more than women. Scientists believe it is the testosterone in a man’s body which is responsible for stimulating the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands that cause breakouts and oily skin. Fortunately, there are some really good options for men to keep their skin looking clear, clean and refreshed without too much work.
Below are some top tips for men to keep their skin looking great:
Design a skincare routine and stick to it
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it deserves the proper amount of care. Some guys think washing their face on occasion is enough, but to truly keep your skin looking clean and clear, it’s important to establish a regular skincare routine.
Whether it’s in the morning before you head out to work or uni or at some other time, pick a set schedule to treat your skin right. Start with an exfoliating brush, removing the dead skin cells that can leave your skin looking haggard while blocking your pores. As an additional benefit, exfoliating your skin will also keep ingrown hairs from appearing after a shave.
Depending on how oily your skin is, also consider a weekly facial peel. There are some great products out there on the market, but you can also whip up a great peel using just lemon juice and water. This all-natural solution will maintain the delicate pH balance of your skin, keeping it looking glowing and fresh without over-drying it.
To make your own skin peel, take half a lemon and squeeze out its juice, doubling the amount of liquid by adding water. Use a cotton wool pad to apply the mixture on your face before rinsing off with cold water.
Don’t Wash Your Face Too Often
When your face feels oily, it’s a natural reaction to wash it with water and/or soap. While this is definitely a good practice to perform once or twice a day, over-washing can strip your skin of the natural oils it needs to keep your skin soft and supple. Even worse, if your skin becomes too dry, it’ll start producing more oil, thus compounding the problem.
We recommend Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser a face wash designed specifically for oily skin.
Moisturising Is Your Secret Weapon
I know it sounds completely counter-intuitive to add moisture to oily skin, but it’s actually a great way to keep your skin clear and clean. Quality moisturisers will not add oil to your skin but instead work by removing excess grease from your face.
We recommend Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturiser
Clean Your Hands and Devices
One of the hidden causes of oily skin on your face is from bacterial contamination. While many guys remember to wash and use moisturiser, many forget that they’re touching the screen of their smartphones to their face multiple times a day.
Use an antibacterial wipe once a day to clean your smartphone. In addition, try to keep from touching your face throughout the day, especially when you’ve been sweating or touching greasy foods.
In Summary
To keep your skin at it’s best you should establish a skincare routine including exfoliation and moisturisation, don’t wash your face too often, and be mindful of touching your face with dirty hands.