Most men are oblivious to their skin. Although men's and women's skin differ significantly, for example, men's skin is thicker than women's, the fundamental elements of an effective skincare regimen remain the same.
Before diving into the skin problems in men, it is first important to understand and identify different types of skin types as follows:
Sensitive. This skin type is very delicate and often gets irritated after using a product.
Normal. This skin type is clear and does not need any special care.
Dry. This skin type is flaky or rough and often itches a lot.
Oily. This skin type is bright and greasy due to excess oil produced by your oil glands.
Combination. This skin type is a combination of both oily and dry skin, i.e. dry in some areas and oily in others.
Identifying your skin type is important for understanding skin problems, especially when it comes to men’s skincare.
Here are some of the most common skin problems you may face along with their solutions.
1. Dry Skin
Your skin may lose its moisture and become dry due to many factors like pollution, weather changes, stress, medical conditions, occupation, etc.
Dry skin is responsible for itching, irritation and cracking of your skin. It is often temporary but you may have it for a prolonged period of time.
Solution
The key is to restore the hydration of your skin.
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Follow a good skincare routine that includes applying moisturizer multiple times a day.
Try to cover your face while going out or adjust your home temperature/humidity to make the air cool or moist.
2. Problems While Shaving
Razor burn is one of the most common skin problems in men. It leads to rashes, bumps, irritated skin and in some cases, acne (pimples) too. If you are too casual while shaving, you can have long-term side effects on your skin.
Solution
To avoid the discomfort of razor burn, start shaving smarter. Here are some useful tips:
Before shaving, always wash your face with warm water.
Use sharp and clean blades.
Sterilize and change your blades regularly.
Use high-quality shaving cream.
Shave in short strokes in the opposite direction of hair growth.
After shaving, apply an aftershave lotion containing aloe or vitamin E to help reduce irritation.
3. Dark Circles
You might experience puffy eyes and under-eye bags due to poor diet, lack of sleep and exercise, and stress.
This can make your skin dull, which allows the darker tissues and blood vessels underneath it to show. These dark circles can make you look tired and older which can affect your self-esteem.
Solution
If you want to rid of dark circles, try:
Drinking plenty of water.
Exercising regularly.
Managing your stress better.
Eating happy and healthy food.
Getting enough sleep.
4. Oily Skin
Your skin can get oily also as sebum (oil) production is naturally higher in men, as compared to women. Although higher sebum production keeps your skin hydrated, it can make your skin greasy, which can lead to other skin problems like acne.
Solution
To remove excess sebum from your skin, wash your face with water at regular intervals.
Use wet wipes also to wipe off the sebum.
Watch your diet and reduce deeply fried and junk food as they can also contribute to higher sebum production.
Apply a moisturizer that helps in controlling oil on your skin.
5. Acne
Men are prone to acne too. There are many reasons why you can have pimples, ranging from poor diet to hormonal imbalances.
Acne develops when your hair follicles get clogged with sebum and dirt. It can also get infected with bacteria which can complicate your acne.
Solution
For mild cases of acne, you can:
Wash your face 2-3 times a day
Change your diet
Maintain personal hygiene
Remember, everyone’s skin is different. There is no “one size fits all” solution for skin problems in men.
If you are unsure of your skin type and condition or if home remedies are not benefiting you, consult your doctor. Your skin condition may be a sign of any underlying medical condition that requires immediate attention.
References:
1. Aad.org. 2021. Skincare tips for men. [online] Available at: <https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-for-men> [Accessed 14 October 2021].
Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.