Most men, other than those who make a living in front of a camera or happen to have been taught the importance of good skin care, forgo thinking about taking care of themselves in this way. Some of this is likely driven by society accepting wrinkles, lines, scars and a grizzled and more aged look on men as handsome, rugged and/or sexy. However, men’s skin is just as important to their health and well being as it is to their female counterparts and their skin is equally a reflection of their health. For this reason, skincare is not just for women.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and its functionality and health are related to many important systems. The skin is a barrier protecting you from injury. It serves as a sensor to let you know when something in the environment is dangerous or good. It helps to retain the water you need to function in your body and serves as a water-resistant layer to protect you from the elements. It also serves as a conduit for removing toxins from your body and helps you to maintain your temperature. This translates into your skin acting to help you with protection, regulation and sensation. (Source).
The skin’s 20 square feet (approximately and this varies depending on a person’s size) is built in three layers. The deepest layer is the hypodermis, or subcutaneous, and is made up of fat and connective tissue like collagen. The layer above that is the dermis, which contains tougher connective tissue, your hair follicles, sweat glands and oil glands. Above that is the epidermis, which is what you see. This is the layer that waterproofs us and gives us skin tone. That skin tone is determined by melanocytes, which are skin cells that produce the pigment melanin.
Healthy skin is firm with a smooth texture and is void of blemishes. The color is uniform with a glow. Dark circles, lines and wrinkles, acne, inflammation and discoloration are all signs that your skin is not as healthy as it could be. Building a routine that helps men look and feel their best is both focused on holistic lifestyle health and making sure that the skin is targeted for care.
Lifestyle Choices for Healthy Skin
Genetics plays a big role in how your skin looks and how you will age, but your lifestyle is a huge factor in how well your skin will function and how it looks. Every healthcare expert, the internet, and men’s magazine you search will agree that you should definitely do the following if you want to be healthy and have healthy skin:
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day
- Don’t smoke
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to get vitamins and antioxidants
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night
- Minimize the alcohol and caffeine that you consume
- Use a full spectrum sunscreen daily and do not get too much sun (this will not only help keep your skin looking great but will help prevent skin cancers which can be deadly)
- Avoid refined sugars and processed foods
- Exercise and do other activities that help you to reduce stress
Your Specific Skincare Needs
The American Academy of Dermatology, which represents the dermatological community and provides educational information for the public, strongly recommends that you pay attention to the fact that as a man you are an individual with individual skin care needs:
Although there are key differences between men and women’s skin – for example, men’s skin is thicker than women’s – the basic elements of an effective skin care plan remain the same.
First, it’s important that everyone, including men, identify and understand their skin type:
- Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use
- Normal skin is clear and not sensitive
- Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough
- Oily skin is shiny and greasy
- Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others
Understanding your skin type will help you learn how to take care of your skin and select skin care products that are right for you.
Additionally, you are the best source of knowledge on what skin care concerns you have and what skin problems you have that you want to resolve. For instance, are you looking to have smoother skin? To control acne flare ups? To eliminate signs of aging that include lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation? Or are you focused on trying to keep your skin looking as good as it does now into the future?
Skincare Routines for Men’s Skin
For those men who want to really simplify their skincare routine, GQ breaks it down to a three-step process:
- Clean your skin twice a day
- Exfoliate your skin twice a week
- Moisturize your skin twice a day, after cleaning it and use sunscreen
MensHealth.com, an online healthy lifestyle magazine for men suggests that on top of this you add a toner, an eye cream and a face mask to your skincare product lineup.
You will get the best effects from products that are all part of the same line, designed to work together, like those made by MDSUN, which is used by men and women, including those you see on the red carpet at the Oscars and the Emmys.
在整型外科及醫美領域擁有多年經驗的孫博士注意到處方皮膚產品種類繁多，而大多無法長期使用，因為它們可能會有發紅，乾燥，刺激和發炎等不良反應。
孫博士並從豐富的臨床研究發現，光是手術，非手術的整形治療是不能足夠解決全部的皮膚問題，術前和術後的修護保養以及平日的皮膚護理更是不可或缺。
Our products achieve superior skin enhancing functions due to our unique proprietary Ultrapack technology. Each product features a custom formulated base, designed with specialized ingredients that provide clinical efficacy and long-term improvement in the look and feel of skin. At the same time, MDSUN products are mild enough for use on sensitive skin over a lifetime. MDSUN products do not require a peeling or acclimation phase in order to enhance the appearance of skin. They are safe to use pre- or post-treatment, or in conjunction with surgical procedures.
