Men’s Skin Care Is Health Care

Health care encompasses the prevention, maintenance, restoration and improvement of one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Yet “skin care” is often viewed as purely aesthetic—focused only on beauty and the body’s surface.

But skin care is much more than that. It involves the entire body and even the hair—not just the face. The skin is not only our body’s largest organ; it also reflects what’s happening inside us, and vice versa. Just as we maintain routines to support physical and mental health, we need one for our skin. Hydration, exercise, nutrition and sleep benefit the whole body—including the skin.

Men’s skin has the same issues and complexities as women’s. A consistent skin care routine is essential for everyone. While many women are introduced to skin care at an early age, the same guidance is often missing for men. Everyone benefits from learning how to care for their skin from a young age.

Still, many men believe they don’t need a routine or don’t have time for one—that their skin is fine as it is. But healthy skin requires attention, regardless of gender.

Signs That a Skin Care Routine Is Needed

• Dull, lifeless skin (face and/or body)

• Dry, flaky, itchy, red, sensitive or over oily skin on the face, scalp or back

• Breakouts or persistent dry patches

• Cracked, calloused, itchy, sweaty or fungal-prone skin on the hands, feet or private areas

• Dry, oily or smelly hair or beard

• Razor bumps, ingrown hairs or beard-related skin irritation

• Ongoing physical illness affecting skin health

Exercising, playing sports, wearing headgear or body gear, tight clothing or shoes, going to the gym, or working in environments with poor ventilation or dust all increase the skin’s need for extra care and nourishment. Add to that an unhealthy diet or hereditary health concerns, and it becomes clear why skin requires special attention. As with any aspect of well-being, developing a healthy skin care routine can be challenging at first—but it doesn’t have to be complicated. It helps to think of it like learning a new sport.  With time and intention, we can find the right products and routine to support our skin’s health.

A Simple and Quick Skin Care Routine

Remember: Our skin is delicate, regardless of the problems it might have. Treat it well.

Face

Wash your face at least once a day—always after a workout or before bed. Morning cleansing depends on your skin type. If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, wash in the morning, too.

Use a mild facial soap. Over-cleansing can be just as harmful as not cleansing at all, stripping the skin of its natural oils. Your face is exposed to the elements all day—keeping it hydrated helps maintain its protective barrier. Even oily skin needs moisture. 

Rinse with cold water to finish. It closes the pores and keeps the skin firm and radiant. Pat gently with a towel and leave the skin slightly damp.

Apply moisturizer or serum while the skin is still damp. Follow with sunscreen if needed.

Reapply moisturizer or serum anytime your skin feels dry. Keep a small container with you for on-the-go use.

Exfoliate daily with a soft cloth. This promotes blood circulation and cell regeneration.

Use a deep facial mask based on your skin type: once a week for oily or damaged skin, every other week for combination skin, and once a month for normal or dry skin.

Body

Use a mild soap. Avoid over-cleansing (see number two under face care).

Moisturize immediately after showering. Always.

Exfoliate gently with a soft brush or cloth.

Feet

Treat your feet like your hands. Healthy feet beget a happy body. Don’t hesitate to see a pedicurist when needed. 

Always wash and exfoliate with a separate scrub brush.

Always dry thoroughly and moisturize.

Remember: We are not only what we eat, but also what we absorb through our skin. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to both our diet and how we care for our skin.

By incorporating simple, mindful skin care practices into our routine, we can support our overall health and well-being, ensuring that our skin looks and feels its best, day after day.

Jai Dewith is the co-founder of Rocio Sagrado, a family-owned skin care company based in Woodstock, offering a complete line of all-natural products. For more information, visit RocioSagrado.com