As a groom, you’re naturally concerned about your appearance. You want to look good on your big day, so you take your time to pick attire and accessories. Yet proper skin care is a detail that some men tend to overlook. Learning a few basics can help you prep for your moment in the spotlight.
Demystifying Skin Care
CNN’s Vivien Jones mentions that the men’s beauty market has grown significantly since 2010. With so many possibilities in men’s skin care products, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, you don’t need a complicated regimen to look and feel great. GQ’s Adam Hurly discusses four key basics: cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and sun protection. These are the building blocks of any routine regardless of gender. Keep in mind, however, that many items are formulated specifically for skin shaped by testosterone production:
- Increased skin thickness
- Rougher texture
- Higher collagen density
- Larger pores
- Thicker and greater amounts of facial hair
The American Academy of Dermatology breaks down the difference between sensitive, normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types. Note that sensitive skin could burn or sting from harsh chemicals. For best results, Men’s Journal writer Mikelle Street suggests plant-based products without sulfates, detergents, parabens, synthetic dyes, or artificial fragrances.
Cleansing and Exfoliation
Most experts recommend washing your face twice per day: once in the morning and again before bedtime. Yet as Street points out, some gents make the mistake of using bar soaps on their faces. These soaps contain ingredients that dry out the skin, prompting it to ramp up oil production that can cause acne.
Fortunately, you needn’t purchase an expensive cleanser to do the job. A facial wash formulated for your skin type should remove dirt and excess oil accumulated during the day and while you sleep without triggering dryness or breakouts. Keep in mind that lukewarm water is best for cleansing since hot water can also dry out your face.
In his GQ piece, Hurly explains the importance of exfoliation. Its primary goal is scrubbing away dead skin cells that can clog pores, allowing the healthy new cells underneath to surface. He recommends using a mild scrub twice a week, applying to a wet face and using gentle circular strokes.
Selecting Your Moisturizer
Your routine should also include a moisturizer made for your skin type. Besides providing vital hydration, a moisturizer can also supply essential nutrients for your skin to stay healthy. Many products also help form barriers against environmental damage from pollutants, ultraviolet ray exposure, high winds, and temperature extremes. Again, you don’t have to pick pricey products to get the job done. Be sure to read labels closely and look at each lotion’s ingredients and skin type designation. Apply your moisturizer after you wash your face and shave, but don’t forget to do this both morning and evening.
Keeping UV Rays at Bay
Excess ultraviolet ray exposure is a key cause of skin cancer, but it also results in other types of damage. Since UV rays mutate skin cells, they can induce or accelerate the development of wrinkles, sun spots, dry patches, and moles. Many men’s moisturizers also include SPF protection, but products specially formulated for your face can be applied as a separate layer over your face lotion. Higher SPF varieties are ideal if you’ll be out in direct sunlight for more than an hour.
Wedding planning focuses on a lot of details, but you and your future spouse are at the center of your celebration. Paying attention to your appearance is an important part of self-care, keeping yourself healthy, and boosting your confidence. Skin care is just one aspect, but it can help bring out the best in you. All you need is a basic routine to accomplish these goals.
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