When it comes to the topic of skincare, most of the content and discussion you’ll find pertains to women. In fact, the majority of products are created for and marketed to women. But as a man, healthy skin is just as important. Do you know how to properly care for your skin?

 

If healthy skin is a goal of yours – and it should be – you have to be intentional about creating a daily skincare regimen. Here are some recommended steps to take:

 

 

Washing your face before going to bed isn’t just for women. In fact, it may be one of the single most important things you can do to prevent clogged pores, acne, and other skin issues. 

 

The best time to wash your face is when you’re in the shower. The steam from the hot water helps open up pores and results in a better wash. Wait until after you’ve washed your body and hair to give your face some attention. Once you’re ready, take a small amount of your preferred face wash product and work it into your skin in small circular motions. Let it sit for roughly 15 to 20 seconds and then rinse it off with warm water. 

 

The best time to apply a skin moisturizing product is directly after you’ve showered and immediately before you lay down to sleep.

 

“While you sleep, your skin naturally repairs and restores itself, and cleaning it before you turn in maximizes this effect,” Sleep.org mentions. “During the day, your skin fights off all sorts of assaults, from UV rays to pollution; at night, there’s less damage control to do, so the beauty products that you apply may be more effective. Applying night creams to clean skin in the evening is the best time to soften your face—not to mention, it can feel soothing and relaxing as you prep for sleep.”

 

 

Shaving is something most men have to do regularly. And unfortunately, few men use the right shaving techniques or products. This results in painful cuts and irritating razor burn.

 

In terms of protecting your skin when shaving, Shave.net recommends using a safety razor with a single blade. These razors have a way of gliding across the skin and effortlessly cutting hairs as close to the skin as possible without causing unnecessary irritation. 

 

 

Regardless of the type of razor you use, it’s imperative that you apply some sort of after-shave product to soothe any irritation that occurred during the shave.

 

According to Lifehack, “Aftershaves can be divided into two broad categories: balms and splashes. Balms are heavier-feeling on the skin and typically provide more irritation relief and more moisture to the skin, particularly in cold or dry climates.  Splashes are more watery-feeling and generally contain a combination of toners, astringents, and hydrosols to cleanse and provide a degree of antiseptic or antibacterial protection to the skin.”

 

It’s up to you to decide which type of after-shave you like the most. As a general rule of thumb, stay away from anything with alcohol as these products have a tendency to dehydrate the skin. 

 

 

Your diet and nutrition play an integral role in your skin’s health. Without the proper balance of nutrients, any skincare regimen will leave something to be desired.

 

As you optimize your diet, try to eliminate as many processed foods and refined sugars as possible. The best foods for skin health include fatty fish, avocados, walnuts, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, soy, dark chocolate, green tea, and red wine.

 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, protect your skin from the sun. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach or pool. You should wear it every single day. If you can find a moisturizer with built-in SPF, this is the best and most convenient option.

 

 

While there will always be uncontrollable factors in your health, you have significant influence over your skin. The smarter you are about the products and processes you use, the younger and more vibrant your skin will become. It’s never too later to implement a skincare regimen. Are you willing to give it a try?