How to structure a skincare routine

sunscreen for skincare
sunscreen for skincare

Men have long regarded skincare as something geared towards women; however, today things have begun to change and men have started to take care of their skins. If you are in that category, look no further as in this article, I'll be sharing my tips on how to structure a skincare routine.

[Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist or a licensed esthetician. Consult a medical professional before using any product.]

1. Cleanser

A good cleanser is one of the most important parts of a good skincare routine. It removes the dirt, oil and dead skin cells that has accumulated throughout the day.

What I'd recommend most people to start out with is a gentle foaming cleanser. The CeraVe foaming cleanser is a good budget friendly option.

For those who want to level up their routines, you can use the double cleanse method. This is more geared towards people who use makeup or have very oily skin. Start by washing your face with an oil-based cleanser/micellar water then after rinsing, follow up with a foaming cleanser. The oil-based cleanser will dissolve all of the makeup and sunscreen. Double cleanse in the evening only.

2. Toner (optional)

This is more personal preference, however toners can act as the first layer of hydration after washing your face. It may also be soothing to the skin and may feel relaxing.

3. Serums (optional)

A serum is a nifty tool that is used to provide the skin with what it lacks. They contain active ingredients that will go to work as soon as they are applied. Serums are usually quite pricey and are not essential to have flawless skin, so they can usually be skipped when structuring a skincare routine

4. Moisturizer

A moisturizer hydrates the epidermis and prevents moisture and nutrients from leaving the skin.

When the skin is not moisturized, your body will produce more sebum to keep the skin hydrated; however, that substance will cause acne breakouts and oily skin.

For those who have oily skin, use a water-based moisturizer as it hydrates the skin without making it look like you have just spent an hour in the gym.

For those who have dry/damaged skin, use an oil-based cream as it will provide the best amount of hydration and it will also help replenish the damaged skin barrier.

5. Sunscreen

This is probably the most important step as it also impacts your health. Protecting your skin from harmful sunrays will decrease the risk of skin cancer, wrinkles and other signs of ageing. You should also reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

Use a sunscreen that is water resistant and that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Do not worry, not all sunscreens leave you looking like a ghost. You just need to find what works for you and stick with it!