As a man, you may have been taught that washing your face with a bar of soap and dry brushing it are the only steps you need to take to take care of your face. Caring for your face shouldn’t be a big ordeal, but adding a few more steps to your routine can make a big difference if you want your skin to look healthy. Cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and shaving will leave your skin looking and feeling great. Be sure to groom your beard if you have one too!
Male face care: the main stages
Step 1: Wash your face once a day
Washing more than once a day can dry out your skin. Decide to cleanse your skin every morning or every evening. If you want to freshen up between cleansing, splash cool or warm water on your face without using a cleanser.
- Do not use hot water. Hot water dries out your skin, so use cool or warm water instead.
- If you have a beard, avoid washing it with a face wash. Instead, wash it with a mild shampoo 2-4 times a week. Follow with beard balm or oil.
- Wipe your face dry instead of wiping it with a towel. Treating your facial skin roughly will cause it to weaken over time.
- If you have facial hair, rub the face wash into the skin under your hair to keep it clean.
Step 2: Don’t go to bed with sunscreen or other products on
If you’ve been slathering on sunscreen during the day, it’s best to wash your face before bed. The sunscreen you use may contain ingredients that can cause breakouts if left on your skin overnight.
Step 3: Exfoliate your face every few days
Using a facial scrub or exfoliating facial brush every few days will get rid of dead skin and dirt that doesn’t come off with your daily wash. Exfoliation makes the skin brighter and healthier. It also helps prepare your face for shaving by softening hair and skin for a smoother, closer shave with fewer scratches and less irritation.
- As you exfoliate with the scrub, rub the scrub onto your face in gentle circular motions, then rinse.
- Dry facial brushing is another very effective way to exfoliate. Purchase a brush made specifically for use on the face. Before cleaning, use a brush to remove dead skin. Make sure your skin is dry when you use the brush, as it won’t work on wet skin either.
Use of male cosmetics and facial care products
Use a daily moisturizer
If you’re using a cream, light oil, or other product, it’s a good idea to moisturize your skin every day after washing. This will help your skin maintain its elasticity and keep it from feeling uncomfortable or too flaky. Choose a good moisturizer that is right for your skin type.
- If your skin is dry, choose a moisturizer with ingredients such as olive oil, argan oil, shea butter, and lanolin.
- If your skin is oily, choose a moisturizer with lighter ingredients that won’t be on your skin all day.
- If you have facial hair, you can use beard oil to keep your beard and mustache soft and healthy.
Moisturize the skin around the eyes.
If you don’t moisturize any other part of your face, at least moisturize around your eyes. The skin there is more prone to sagging over time and using a cream will keep it looking fresh. Hydration in this area is especially important for older men, but it’s never too early to start incorporating it into your daily routine.
- Keep in mind that using a regular moisturizer on your eyes can clog your follicles.
- As you moisturize your eyes, gently apply moisturizer to your orbital bone and skin under your eyes.
Moisturize your lips
The skin on our lips does not have as many sebaceous glands as the rest of the face, so lips are prone to dryness and chapping very easily. Use lip balm or coconut oil wipes to keep your lips in good shape. You may need to use the balm more often in winter.
Use sunscreen
Facial skin can be easily damaged by sun exposure, so it’s important to use sunscreen every time you go out. You can kill two birds with one stone by using a moisturizer with spf over 15 in winter and 30 in summer. Don’t forget to protect your lips from the sun as well.
- Wearing sunglasses in the summer also helps protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
Shaving and trimming hair: step by step instructions
Use a good razor
If you want to be completely clean-shaven or wear a mustache or beard, you will need to shave part of your face every few days. Get a sharp, high quality razor to get the job done rather than the cheapest one you can find. Your skin will feel and look better if you use a razor designed for shaving.
- If you use disposable razors, be sure to choose a brand that makes razors with double blades. They are more efficient and provide a closer shave than a single blade.
- You can take an electric razor if you don’t need a very close cut. These razors should be used on dry skin.
- A straight razor will create a close, precise shave. If you decide to purchase a straight razor, you will need some practice to develop the skill of shaving without scratching yourself.
Wash your face with warm water
The warmth of the water will soften your skin and hair, making it easier to shave. It’s also important to clean your skin to get rid of dirt and bacteria on its surface in case you accidentally scratch yourself with a razor.
Apply shaving cream while your face is wet
This will lubricate your face so that the razor glides smoothly over its surface. Do not shave your face dry or without cream unless you are using an electric razor.
- Try to find a shaving cream or gel without a lot of chemicals that can dry out or irritate your face.
- Leave the shaving cream on your face for a few minutes to further soften your skin and hair before shaving.
Use the right shaving technique
There is no need to apply pressure to the razor as you swipe it across your face. If the blade is sharp enough, the razor will do the job for you. Make sure you shave in line with your hairline, not against it, for a safe and efficient shave.
- If you’re shaving off stubble that’s had a few weeks to grow, trim it first with beard scissors. Make it as short as possible before shaving.
- Dip your razor in warm water to…
