Do You Know Your Skin Type?

It’s a simple - but important - question. To properly care for your skin you need to identify which type it is. Then you can select men’s skin care products specifically designed for you.

Does that seem needlessly complicated? Maybe you’re thinking, “I already know how to wash my face. I don’t need some fancy goop made just for me.”

Wrong. Here’s an example to show you why:

Imagine you need to change the tires on your car – a mid size sedan. You already have new tires at home. They’re good quality and come well recommended. Only... they’re heavy duty truck tires designed for hauling.

Would you just use them anyway? Hopefully not.

Something similar happens when - instead of choosing randomly - you choose men’s skin care products based on your skin type. You prevent frustration, stop wasting money on products you don’t need, and get noticeably better results.

Basic Men’s Skin Types

There are three basic skin types that most men fall into:

1 – Normal Skin.  --  Not too oily, not too dry. Just right. You experience light acne from time to time but it clears up without trouble.

2 – Oily Skin.  --  Big pores, lots of shine. Your body produces too much oil all by itself. Acne is a major problem and you seem to constantly be breaking out.

3 – Dry Skin.  --  Flakey, dry, and tight. Your skin always feels dehydrated and stretched out too thin.

Other Skin Types

If you don’t feel like you quite fall into the big three, no worries. There are specialty skin types too, including: 

-- Combination Skin.  --  Dry, but also oily… kinda. Your cheeks seem to fit into the dry skin category but your T-zone – your nose and forehead – tend to be oily.

-- Sensitive Skin.  --  Everything is irritating. If all kinds of cleansers and moisturizers seem to bother your skin, this is your category. Exposure to the sun and even face washing can be a problem for some guys.

-- Aged Skin.  --  Wrinkles and fine lines. If you’re in your late 30’s or 40’s – and sometimes even younger than that – you might fall into this category. Your skin is starting to show clear signs of aging. You notice that your skin is looser and less bright than before.

Knowledge is Power

Were you able to identify your skin type? Feel like you fall into more than one category? No problem. There are a variety of products and men’s skin care routines that you can use – regardless of your skin type.

If you have normal skin:

 Wash your face twice daily – when you wake up and before you hit the sack – with a men’s face wash. Always use warm water and apply the wash with a gentle rubbing motion. Rinse with cool water to shrink your pores and keep them clean. Your face should feel clean and refreshed afterwards, not tight or dry. 

Scrub once or twice weekly – exfoliating your skin with a natural face scrub  removes dead skin cells and other deep-seated grime. But scrub too often and you’ll do damage. Think of it like a light sanding – you want to remove the outermost layer, not leave permanent marks.

Moisturize daily after washing - this will keep your face hydrated. The best face moisturizer for men slows the aging process and offers your skin a natural, healthy glow.

If you have dry or sensitive skin:

Wash your face – but just once daily. Too much of a good thing quickly becomes a problem for these skin types. Make sure you are using the best face wash for men – with natural ingredients that won’t irritate or cause excessive dryness. 

Scrub just once per month. Scrubbing away at your dry or sensitive facial skin is a bad idea. Resist the urge to exfoliate more often. Add it to your shaving routine one day each month for the best results.

Moisturize daily – up to three times. Your skin needs to stay hydrated. Dry pores are easily clogged and irritated. That leads to blemishes, blotchiness, redness, and flakes. For the best results, use facial moisturizer for men with natural and organic ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin.

If you have oily skin:

Wash your face once or twice daily, using a high quality face wash for men. Follow the same methods described above. 

Use a men’s face scrub up to three times weekly. The exact frequency depends on your skin. Remember, don’t overdo it here. If your skin starts to feel dry or tight, take it down a step and exfoliate less often.

Moisturize daily. This might seem counterintuitive. But your skin needs to stay hydrated, even if it’s naturally oily. Be careful not to use too much moisturizer – just a small amount will provide the benefits you’re looking for.

If you have combination skin:

Combine the above approaches to develop a personalized routine. Use the dry skin approach where you feel tightness and see flakes forming. If your T-zone is especially oily, use men’s face scrub there more often than on the dry parts of your face.

If you have aged skin:

Don’t assume that it’s too late. Start a daily skin care routine based on your skin type immediately. Hydrating your skin is especially important, as is protecting it with SPF 15 or higher whenever you are exposed to the sun for 30 minutes or more (if the sun is especially intense where you live, any exposure warrants sunscreen).

Use anti-aging products to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Anti-aging cream for men smooths the skin and (with continued use) makes a significant difference in your skin’s appearance. Eye cream promotes healthy circulation and reduces puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

Treat Skin Right - Know Its Type

Knowing your skin type doesn’t require a trip to the dermatologist. It’s not complicated. So there’s no excuse to use any old skincare products on your face, ignorantly hoping for the best.

Educate yourself on your skin type, the best products for it, and a skincare routine that fits your needs. That small effort will translate into a healthier face now and in the future.