3 Things Every Man Should Do for Great-Looking Skin

The first step in getting—and maintaining—great, healthy-looking skin is by following a proper skin care routine—and a proper skin care routine knows no gender! Just like their female counterparts, men need to care for their skin daily in order to look their best. But, while many men are seasoned skin care addicts, many others are just getting started with their grooming routine. If you fall into the latter category keep reading! Below we’re sharing the three essential skin care steps every man should take for great-looking skin! 

1. Cleanse

Every day your skin comes into contact with pollution, dirt, impurities, and other germs that—if not removed—can result in a dull looking appearance and even clogged pores. To remove these pore-clogging suckers, you’ll have to do more than just splash some water on your face and why trust your mug to plain bar soap either. Use a gentle facial cleanser to help rid your skin of dirt, impurities, and excess oils so it can finally say “ahh” without dryness or irritation. Repeat morning and night. Always rinse with lukewarm water (not hot!) and pat—don’t rub—dry with a washcloth. If you exercise or sweat excessively, it’s important to rinse away any sweat or bacteria lingering on your skin.

2. Shave Correctly

If your skin is prone to razor bumps or burns, there’s a high probability that you’re shaving incorrectly. And since shaving is a weekly—even daily!—ritual for many men, it’s important to know how to do it properly. After cleansing your face, apply your normal shaving cream. We like Baxter of California Super Close Shave Formula. Next, glide your razor in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Rinse after each pass with lukewarm water before stroking again. Be careful not to go over any areas more than once. After you’re done shaving, lather on a soothing aftershave balm, like L’Oreal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic After Shave Balm. Steer clear of alcohol-based formulas that can irritate or dry out your skin. Instead, look for soothing and cooling ingredients like cucumber or aloe vera in your aftershave balm or cream formula.

3. Moisturize

Not only can moisturizer hydrate your skin, it can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and reveal younger-looking skin. The best time to moisturize is immediately after cleansing, shaving, or showering while your skin is still slightly damp. Your daytime facial moisturizer should offer broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. Try Kiehl’s Facial Fuel SPF 15. In the evening, reach for a night cream with anti-aging ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, and/or hyaluronic acid. Place a little bit on the palm of your hand and gently massage it into your skin—just be sure to extend the love down to your neck as well, since this areas can also show signs of aging! 

And that’s all she he wrote!