Men’s skincare isn’t a trend. It’s here to stay. And, as trends go… we’re here for it! Having grown in popularity over recent years, men’s skincare is having a well-deserved moment as more and more men – young and older – step up their self-care and face the fact that there’s a difference between “distinguished” and “damaged”.
From figuring out how to reduce the signs of ageing to choosing and combining products that get the job done, it warms the cockles of our skincare-loving hearts to see men confidently proclaim the perks of Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides and the difference between a day/night moisturiser and an SPF.
If you—or the man in your life—are new to the skincare game, picking the right products to get started can seem daunting. So, we’ve put together a list of what's really important to add to the cart while keeping “simple” and “effective” at the top of your mind, starting with just three steps and a treatment.
STEP 1: Cleanse
Often one of the most underrated steps, cleansing is incredibly important. Why? It gets rid of all the excess dirt and impurities you've encountered throughout the day, helping to keep your skin clear, healthy-looking, and primed to soak up all the goodness of the products you apply thereafter. If you don’t cleanse, your skin can’t complain about your skin being prone to breakouts, dehydration, and premature ageing.
Product Pick: Lamelle Nourish Daily Cleanse 150ml is a soap-free foaming gel suitable for all skin types. This copper-coloured active yet gentle wash deeply cleanses pores for more refreshed-looking skin. Marula and Grape Seed Extract support antioxidant defences, while Allantoin keeps your skin fresh and revitalised, and the anti-inflammatory properties keep redness at bay.
STEP 2: Moisturise
Most simply put, when your skin gets dry, it sends a message to your glands to produce more oil, which can clog your pores and cause breakouts. When your skin is properly hydrated, you dodge this breakout bullet, keeping your skin’s oil levels/production just right.
Product Pick: Neostrata Sheer Hydration SPF 40 is an oil-free, daily hydrating moisturiser that helps control and reduce excess oiliness. It reduces pore sizes while enhancing radiance and clarity and, as an added bonus, provides a broad spectrum of sunscreen protection. This product contains NeoGlucosamine to improve your skin's uneven texture and reduce the appearance of dark marks, and Phytotal, a botanical blend, manages your skin’s oil production without any irritation.
STEP 3: Sunscreen (SPF)
Sunscreen isn’t just for the days you play sports or support from the sidelines. It’s a step you need to take every single day, come rain or shine, to protect your skin from damage from UVA and UVB rays. Even if your moisturiser has an SPF in it, when it comes to protection, you can never have too much good-for-your-skin stuff.
Product Pick: SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 is a mattifying formulation that reduces oiliness while delivering high UV protection with a fresh, dry-touch finish. It’s lightweight and residue-free and combines broad-spectrum UV protection properties while absorbing sebum and minimising the appearance of pores.
Take It A Step Further
If a good, consistent skincare routine is the superhero, regular aesthetics and anti-ageing treatments are the indispensable sidekick, the Robin to Batman, so to speak. When it comes to men’s skincare, we love the Jett Plasma Eyelid Rejuvenation treatment.
This treatment, which boasts next-generation technology for skin tightening and collagen production, uses the Jett Plasma Lift Medical Pen (which may only be administered by trained doctors) to deliver safe, high-voltage plasma discharge between the device's tip and the treated area.
The discharge of plasma can also be used to treat skin lesions such as skin tags, small moles, seborrheic keratoses, and Syringomas, but this treatment really shows off when it comes to the delicate eye area. Due to its very thin discharge, it is possible to treat the area around the eye, resulting in what has become known as a “non-surgical Blepharoplasty” – producing a significant amount of collagen contraction and production in the skin areas that were previously not “treatable” as effectively, non-surgically.
Less Is More, At Least For Now
Start with the basics and add to it as you get into the habit of taking care of your skin – morning and night. A serum or two are easy to integrate in between the cleanse and moisturise steps, and an eye cream may start as a nice-to-have but will quickly become a must-have as you see the benefits (excuse the pun). When you feel more like a pro and less like an amateur in the skincare arena, it’ll be time to explore the wonderful world of exfoliators, but no rush. Three steps done right every day beats a 7-step skincare routine you bought and is just gathering dust on your bathroom counter.