In the skincare world, it’s no longer a mystery that proper self-care knows no gender limitations. Men increasingly acknowledge the importance of caring for their skin to look and feel their best. Whether you’re new to skincare or want to refine your routine, this blog will help you establish a simple yet practical regimen that caters to your needs. From cleansing to moisturizing and beyond, we’ll explore the fundamental steps to achieve healthy, radiant skin. So, gentlemen, let’s plunge into the skincare world and open the secrets to a confident, radiating you.
Basic Men's Skincare Routine
A basic men’s skincare routine consists of a few essential starter products to maintain healthy skin. Before we delve into specific skincare knowledge, let’s learn the basics. The widespread CTM routine is a crucial skincare regimen that applies to both men and women. The CTM routine consists of Cleanser, Toner, and Moisturiser, so let’s break them down:
Steps to Build a Skincare Routine for Men
Cleanse
Cleansing is done to help you clean any dirt residue, excess oil, and impurities caused by environmental stressors. A good and deep cleansing makes your skin fresh and prevents skin breakouts, clogged pores, etc. There are different face cleansers available in the market for different skin types. Try picking up a gentle, safe, cruelty-free, sulfate, and paraben-free face as per your skin type to remove dirt from your face effectively. If you have oily skin, go with the gel-based cleanser; if you have dry or sensitive skin, you can opt for a cream-based facial cleanser. Firstly, wet your face with lukewarm water and gently apply the face wash using your fingertips. Massage gently in a circular motion for 30 to 40 seconds before rinsing it off with plain water. Make sure to dry your face with a clean and dry towel to follow up with other steps.
Tone
Many people avoid using a toner, considering it ineffective, but toning is crucial to a skincare regimen. Skin toners are formulated with an alcohol-free mixture to help you clean any excess residue and make the skin look fresh. It helps manage the pH level of your skin & tightens the pores, making the skin more prepared to absorb the products effectively. While hunting for a good face toner, make sure it’s made of natural ingredients, is free of alcohol, and has no artificial fragrances. Once you find a suitable face toner for your skin type, you need to take it in a cotton pad and gently swipe it all over your face and neck area. If you do not have a cotton pad, try putting the toner on your face and pat it on your skin with the help of your fingertips. The primary function of facial toners is to soothe your skin and make it supple, so to get the desired benefits, look for ingredients such as witch hazel, rose water, lavender, aloe vera, etc.
3. Moisturize
A face moisturizer is the third main skincare part of the famous CTM routine. The purpose of a face moisturizer is to make your skin nourished and hydrated without the feeling of stickiness. A moisturizer or emollient comes in many forms that serve various skin types or concerns. Mostly, people with oily skin tend to miss applying moisturizers as they think their skin is filled with oil, but this is wrong. People with oily skin should always apply moisturizer as it can lead the skin to build more oil, resulting in breakouts and acne formation. People with dry or sensitive skin should always use a moisturizer and get their hands on rich and high-quality hydrating creams with glycerine, shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Once you tone your face, you can apply the moisturizer directly using your fingertips in an upward stroking direction. Remember your neck area, as it can show signs of aging later if neglected.
Advanced Skincare Regimen for Men
While the basic CTM skincare routine is a perfect starting point, you can take your skincare game to the next level with advanced steps and products. Incorporating a nighttime skincare routine into a more advanced regimen is very important. Apart from using a nighttime skincare routine, you are also required to take care of your skin every week by adding exfoliators, face packs, and sheet masks to pamper your skin a little extra. This additional skincare will only help you achieve more hydrated and desired skin, so stick to the following paragraphs and learn about the other magical skincare products. In an advanced skincare regimen for men, consider adding the following steps:
Face Serum
Face serums are formulated to help you cure specific skin conditions such as wrinkles, dark spots, pigmentation, excess dryness, etc. If you are dealing with a lack of hydration, use the hyaluronic acid serum; if you face uneven skin tone or dullness, use a Vitamin C face serum. For wrinkles and aging, you can try anti-aging face serums containing red wine, grape extract, ceramides, and skin collagen. NutriGlow offers a wide range of face serums that can help you target skin concerns and reveal a brighter, glowy face, so check out the range on the website. Apply a small amount of serum once you have toned your face and neck. Allow it to absorb fully before continuing.
Exfoliate (Weekly)
A gentle exfoliation once or twice a week will slough off the dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, so for all gentlemen out there, exfoliation is also a must-step to take care of your skin. Moreover, using the scrub for specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, excess oil, uneven skin tone, or acne scars, will help you reveal fresh, youthful skin. Face scrubs containing AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid) are gentle and effective ingredients that gently unclog pores and remove dead skin. Exfoliation could be an art as it should be done correctly; over-exfoliation can cause you trouble, such as skin breakouts. Less exfoliation would not be good, so use a gentle exfoliator with mild granules. Look for sulfate-free, paraben-free, and natural scrubs like Nutriglow offers.
Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to akin aging signs, such as fine lines and puffiness. Maintaining a youthful appearance with an eye cream designed specifically for this area can be helpful. Use your finger to dab eye cream around your eyes gently. Be careful not to pull or tug at the skin, which can contribute to wrinkles.
Sunscreen (Morning Routine)
In such hot weather, with the sun blazing so fiercely, people damage their skin by avoiding sunscreen. Regardless of any weather condition, one should always apply sunscreen. Sunscreen with at least SPF 40 is required to get past the damaging UV rays. You can protect your skin and reduce skin aging signs by using a small amount of this product as the final step. Apply the sunscreen on your two fingers (using the two-finger sunscreen application rule) on your face. Ensure complete coverage on your face, neck, or any other exposed skin area. Reapply the application every two hours if you are performing any outdoor activity.
Conclusion
A well-crafted skincare routine is the key to achieving and maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your regimen, the basic steps of cleansing, exfoliating (weekly), toning, and moisturizing provide a strong foundation. For those seeking to take their skincare to the next level, an advanced regimen with serums, eye creams, and sunscreen can target specific concerns and maximize results. Remember that consistency is key in skincare. Stick to your routine and be patient; results may take time, but with time and dedication, you’ll notice the positive changes in your skin. Lastly, remember that a nighttime skincare routine is essential for addressing skin concerns while you sleep, so make it a habit to pamper your skin before bedtime. By following this guide and customizing it to your unique needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving skin that exudes confidence and radiance.
FAQs
- What is a basic skincare routine for men?
A basic skincare routine for men consists of three fundamental steps known as the CTM routine: Cleanser, Toner, and Moisturizer. These steps form the foundation of a simple and effective skincare regimen for men.
- What Makes a Nighttime Skincare Routine Essential?
A nighttime skincare routine is essential because your skin renews while you sleep. You can address specific concerns during this time and maximize the advantages of your skincare products. Your skin is more receptive to active ingredients during this time.
- How should men choose the right sunscreen for their skincare routine?
When selecting sunscreen for your skincare routine, choose a product with at least SPF 40 to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. Ensure that sunscreen is applied as the final step in your morning routine, thoroughly covering your face and neck. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours to maintain protection if you engage in outdoor activities.