Skincare and self care have always been ringing a feminine tone from the time humans can hardly remember! But that’s how our society has been functioning, isn’t it?
It’s a forgotten fact that long back when the kings, queens and dynasties used to rule, skincare and self care were utmost priorities among the rulers, irrespective of gender. Using exotic, organic oils and natural extracts to have that flawless, healthy and radiant skin has been quite a thing back then!
But with the course of time, applying creams and moisturisers, regular grooming and being prim and proper has been associated with the females itself. Just like the pink color!
However, this dissociated idea of skincare and self care no longer serves today’s generation. It is being addressed as gender neutral. Slathering up moisturisers, sunscreens and even choosing to apply favourite nail paint is not limited to just women folks. Men do that too!
Skin on your body does not see gender. It itself is an organ, factually the largest organ! And when the rest of the body can be taken care of, then why induce a gender stigma when it comes to skin? Everyone wants to look fresh and crisp. And it all starts with good and healthy skin which further relies upon a healthy skin care regimen. So there’s no point of gender bias when skin care is in question.
What is the difference between men and women's skin?
The fundamental difference lies in the fact that men’s skin is approximately 25% thicker than female skin. High testosterone levels in males are found to give thick skin and more collagen content. This does not imply that masculine skin is safe from phenomena of aging and skin issues.
In numerous surveys, men have clearly admitted that they also feel self-conscious about their skin and hair. Skin care specialists have revealed that lack of proper skin care regimen is the biggest and sincere cause behind the men’s skin concerns like acne, skin aging, acne scars, and sunken eyes, and so on.
A 2012 research study has explained that apart from intrinsic factors (genetics, and hormonal imbalances), extrinsic factors like sun exposure, environmental pollutants, and lifestyle habits have a huge negative impact on your skin health. Moreover, as you age your skin loses the ability to produce collagen and elastin, which lead to the appearance of prominent fine lines and wrinkles.
Common skin care tips for men and women
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Start with knowing your skin type
To begin loving your skin is to know it. This implies knowing your skin type whether it is oily, dry, combination or normal, irrespective of your gender. And then buying products for the same. Ingredients present in your skin care products react in a different manner for different skin types.
For instance, people with oily or acne-prone skin already have overactive sebaceous glands, hence face cleansers with oil control properties will suit best for their skin type. On the contrary, if you have dry skin, the use of face wash loaded with moisturizing ingredients will help to prevent the dryness and roughness of the skin.
TIP- if you are still confused with how to determine your skin type, you can find out here!
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Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser
No matter your gender, or sexual preferences, everyone desires a clean and clear face. Well, this comes with the regular habit of cleansing the face. Even the dermatologists suggest washing your face twice a day.
- Washing your face will help in keeping the skin away from impurities, dirt, and makeup residues.
- Another benefit of facial cleansing is that it prevents the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin surface, which subsequently prevents blemishes, dull and aged skin.
- In addition, when you clean your face regularly, your skin pores won’t clog, and the risk of acne infection-causing bacteria reduces involuntarily.
Apart from forming this habit, again, it is important to look for the ingredients in your cleansers that suit your skin type-
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Feed your skin with antioxidant enriched serum
A radiant, clear and healthy skin is everyone’s right. This can be achieved by taking an extra step with a serum that is enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C. It can divinely enhance the skin texture and give you that firm, elastic and glowing skin.
We are suggesting serums because scientifically they have lower molecular weight that can penetrate the skin to a deeper level and work at its best. There are various forms of vitamin C available to benefit your skin and its type-
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) - to suit your acne prone skin type
- Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (EAA) - to work up on hyperpigmentation
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (VCIP) - to give you that wrinkle free and brighter skin.
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Use a good hydrating moisturizer
Moisturisers are indeed necessary for everyone alike! Skipping moisturisation is like depriving your skin of water! Skin feels dry and rough. To your surprise, not using moisturiser harms the moisture barrier of the skin causing transepidermal water loss. This can further invite unwanted problems like acne, dry and rough patches on the skin along with fine lines and wrinkles.
The use of moisturiser after bathing or shaving is one of the most effective ways to maintain youthful and healthy skin. Moisturising ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid help to lock in the moisture hence prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, moisturisation helps in skin rejuvenation and improving the natural glow of your skin.
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Wear sunscreen to protect your from sun damage
If you spend a lot of time in the sun due to your work or other activities, your skin deserves a good sunscreen without any negotiation.
Numerous scientific research studies have demonstrated that unprotected sun exposure induces premature aging of the skin. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day is found to be very effective to save your skin from potential harms of UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. Wearing UV protective clothing is also a good preventive measure against sun rays.
Final words
Whether you are a man or a woman, you might feel overwhelmed by negative emotions when it comes to embracing unhealthy and poor skin. Fortunately, following a healthy skin care routine in your early years will not only save you from skin woes like acne, acne scars, and pigmentation marks but also reduce the chances of premature aging. Above all, pampering yourself and your skin is the best form of self-love.
