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This article is originally posted on Proven Skincare.

AS DIFFERENT AS NIGHT AND DAY?

Gentlemen. You may not be as tough as you think. Relax - we're referring to your skin.

A big misconception is that a man’s skin is “tougher” than a woman’s. In fact, while overall, men have 20% thicker skin than women, men’s skin is more susceptible to sensitivity, skin conditions and infection.

Surprised? Here’s why…

YOUR GENETICS DETERMINE YOUR SKIN

Skin sensitivity is a big part of your genetic makeup. Men’s skin tends to have higher sebum production (oilier skin) and larger pores which can lead to skin conditions and irritation. This is related to high testosterone levels. Depending on these levels, everything from skin texture, hydration, pH, aging and more will be affected.

And, of course, another major difference is because of shaving habits and facial hair, something women don’t deal with, at least not on a daily basis. On average, men will shave their faces over 10,000 times in their lifetimes. This leads to more sensitive skin and many men will opt for beards to avoid shaving or to cover irritation or conditions. Daily shaving can also lead to skin trauma, micro cuts and inflammation as well as bacterial and viral infections not normally seen in women.

The American Dermatology Association reports that wounds from skin trauma take longer to heal in men than women due to the additional and daily manipulation of skin. Male skin also has more sensitivity to ultraviolet light than female skin, contributing to more rapid signs of aging as well as an increased risk for skin cancer.

Male skin has higher collagen levels, yet that collagen decreases steadily as skin ages. This causes a more “weathered” look and because of the thicker texture, wrinkles appear more prominently, primarily on the forehead. Expression lines are more pronounced and eyelids tend to droop faster. Female skin, though thinner, has stronger collagen and estrogen levels. These remain steady until menopause when skin thins dramatically, breaking down collagen, elasticity and hydration levels due to dropping estrogen levels.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY SKIN WITH THESE DIFFERENCES IN MIND?

Basically, men need to pay more attention to their skin. Despite the differences in skin, women’s skin tends to look better longer because of their routines and habits. Women seek out targeted skincare, specifically formulated for their skin type and concerns. They have dermatologists on speed dial and research the latest medical and cosmetic procedures. And, they use SPF products. Men rarely do any of these things.

Men need to find products specifically formulated for their skin; skincare for men. Just using a daily moisturizer with SPF can help, but a daily skincare regimen is best. This should consist of a gentle cleanser, a day moisturizer with SPF and a night moisturizer.

WHAT TO AVOID

Menthol

Steer away from skincare that contains menthol, denatured alcohol, peppermint or eucalyptus. These ingredients can irritate skin, so can highly fragranced products. Also avoid facial scrubs as these can cause micro tears and additional irritation on skin. Pass on the all-in-one products. These formulas can also be rough on skin.

Hot Water

When shaving, wash your face with a gentle cleanser first, to help soften hair. Shave at the end of your shower when your skin is most hydrated. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause redness and drying. Use a clean razor, rinsing it repeatedly and replace blade often. Follow with a fragrance free, gentle moisturizer with SPF in the AM, and use a moisturizer, specifically formulated for night use, before bedtime.

TRY PERSONALIZATION

Personalize your Skincare Routine

While there are many skincare lines, in drug and department stores, for men to choose from, finding a personalized regimen is highly recommended. Existing formulas are mass produced and bucketed for normal, oily or dry skin types. We each have an individual skin type as unique as our fingerprints and using a skin regimen that is targeted to your skin and concerns is the best solution.

Proven™ Skincare offers a personalized collection of products, supported by extensive research, and tailored to your unique skin type, issues and needs. By taking a simple and targeted skin assessment that focuses on lifestyle, diet, living environment, etc., gives a holistic picture of a person’s overall skin health and ultimately determines what products would be best suited for that individual.

A daily regimen, tailored to your skin should be part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth. It will become second nature, with a better shaving experience, fewer ingrown hair, less bumps, recurring acne or dry patches. The ultimate result will be smoother skin with better texture and tone and isn’t that worth a few extra minutes a day?

This article is originally posted on Proven Skincare.

Gentlemen.

There is more to a skincare routine than your morning shave.

If your facial care routine consists of a razor and some random shaving cream – listen up. Men's skincare is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Everything from cleansers, moisturizers to sunscreen should be part of your skincare regimen.

You cannot hide behind that beard or scruff forever.

Many men prefer beards to shaving so they don’t have to deal with irritation and skin issues that many experience. Well, skin issues may be rooted in your lifestyle, genetics or how you’re treating your skin, so don’t blame your razor. However, if shaving is the sum of your grooming practice, this can contribute to a build up of dirt, sebum and dead skin cells leading to clogged pores, blackheads, blemishes and ingrown hairs that will further cause that irritation that you’re trying to avoid.

Admit it. You spend more time caring for car or your smart phone than your skin. Getting rid of that “5 o’clock shadow” or trimming your beard should be part of your routine, not your only routine. Just like your car, skin needs maintenance, too.

The most important step of the day – and night.

Cleansing your face in the morning, and at night, should be as routine as brushing your teeth.

The best start to your skincare routine is to open up those pores in a warm shower. The steam will help as well as loosen up dirt and impurities on the skin surface. If you have a fuller beard, soak in that steam for a few extra minutes.

Once those pores have had a chance to open up, wash your face, and your neck, with a daily facial cleanser best suited to your skin. Choose men's skin care products (don't bother with your wife's or girlfriend's brand) as they are specifically formulated for men's thicker facial skin and larger pores. Using a face scrub or exfoliator could prove helpful to your overall skin health, removing, excess oil, stubborn dry skin or dead skin cells.

What type of skin do you have?

Greasy nose and forehead, blackheads? Probably oily skin. A balancing cleanser will remove impurities and help control oil without drying skin. Bar soap is good, but specially-formulated facial cleansers are better. Lather up.

Itchy cheeks, redness? Sounds like dry skin. A gentle exfoliating cleanser, with natural ingredients, will whisk away dirt and dead skin, leaving it feeling nourished and comfortable.

Breakouts? Acne-prone skin can benefit from an anti-bacterial gel cleanser, washing away excess dirt and sebum and clearing clogged pores.

Rashes, irritation? This could be sensitive skin caused by anything from pollution, food allergies, stress or harsh products. Try an all-natural face wash that is fragrance-free.

No skin issues? Well, lucky you. A gentle daily cleanser will keep skin balanced and healthy-looking.

In addition to cleansing, moisturizing is key. Hydrating skin will keep fine lines and wrinkles diminished. A cream or lotion with sunscreen or an SPF 30 will protect skin from harmful UV rays when you're on the beach, slopes or doing other outdoor activities. A retinol-based face moisturizer will address and diminish signs of aging (you call them smile lines). You may also start to notice puffiness or dark circles. Add an eye cream to your skin care routine. Bearded fellows - condition that facial hair. Use a beard oil to keep that fuzzy face in check. A groomed beard is much more attractive and professional. A finished touch? A lip balm, preferably on with sunscreen, to keep lips soft and hydrated.

The shift to personalized skincare

No matter what type of skin you have or cleanser you choose, wash your face, and neck area, in the morning and at night. Showering first will open pores and cleansing skin will hydrate it, and prepped and in better condition for shaving. Complete your routine with a moisturizer with SPF for the AM and a night cream for the PM. Adding an exfoliator and eye cream will add to optimal skin health.

And, since every skin is as unique as your fingerprint, it may be time to research personalized skincare. Customized products focus on your skin’s specific needs and issues; one man’s irritated skin can be the result of an allergy, while another’s irritated skin may be caused by something in his diet.

Proven™ is personalized skincare. By taking a targeted skin assessment that focuses on your lifestyle, diet and other factors, Proven can pinpoint your specific skin type and issues, and formulate a daily (and nightly) skincare regimen, with a facial cleanser and moisturizers, perfectly suited to your unique skin.

Ready to take your Personal Skin Care Assessment? CLICK HERE.