If you’re the kind of guy who skips out on moisturizing regularly, we’re here to be the bearer of bad news: This is actually really bad for your skin! That being said, you shouldn’t just pick up any ol’ moisturizer (say, the one your girlfriend has laying around in her bathroom). Why? Well, men’s skin is actually 25-percent thicker than women’s, notes cosmetic chemist, David Pollock. Men also produce more oil and experience acne for longer periods of time than women, adds Pollock. Your skin care routine doesn’t have to be complicated, though. Pollock recommends focusing on cleansing and moisturizing twice a day. Furthermore, because many men shave daily, it’s important to make moisturizing a priority in order to prevent excessive dryness, explains Dr. Sonam Yadav, a dermatologist in New Delhi, India.
How to Pick the Right Moisturizer
As far as moisturizers go, look for one that is lightweight and absorbs quickly. Here are some of the best ingredients to look for in a moisturizer, according to Pollock:
- Hyaluronic Acid: holds 1,000 times its weight in water and binds moisture to the skin
- Green Tea: an antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radical damage
- Omega Fatty Acids: replenishes and nourishes skin
- Peptides: stimulates collagen and firms skin
- Retinol: it exfoliates, fights acne and boosts collagen production
Avoid oils, which can clog pores, says Pollock.
The Importance of Using SPF
Regardless of your gender, sun protection is also a must—even when it’s cold outside. “Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean that you can stop using a daily sunscreen,” says Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D., a dermatologist in Beverly Hills. “UV rays pass through clouds and window glass, and they reflect off of snow and ice. They can cause cellular damage that can lead to skin cancers, and they can cause oxidative and direct damage to the structural collagen in the skin, leaving it looking prematurely wrinkled, spotty and thin.” Eek! For everyday use, look for a moisturizer with SPF, preferably one with antioxidants to help ward off aging and free radicals.
To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up the best moisturizers for men. Keep reading for our top face moisturizers, then get to slathering one on your skin!