They might not want to admit it, but more men are investing in good-quality skincare. Men's skin has some important characteristics that they need to keep in mind, experts say.
Men's skin produces excess sebum. "Increased sebum production can cause pores to expand and appear more stretched out.
There's alsoa cascading effect that occurs when sebum sits in pores and becomes oxidised from being in contact with oxygen in the air. This process promotes a cyclic inflammation, says Dr Adam Geyer, Kiehl's consulting dermatologist and founder of Tribeca Park Dermatology in New York City.
Men's skin sweats more. "Although men have fewer apocrine glands (sweat glands), they have a significantly higher production rate of sweat itself.
"Because their sweat has a lower pH (which means it's more acidic), it tends to have a more negative effect on the skin's barrier function which is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. As the more acidic sweat evaporates off of skin it can also strip the skin's essential moisture and cause dehydration."
Many men tend to over-dry their skin when trying to combat oiliness. "Men tend to use highly drying skincare products and routines to lessen shine, which can lead to the overproduction of oil and further damage of the skin's barrier function."
Some top picks:
The L'Oreal Hydra Energetic X Magnetic Charcoal cleanser contains charcoal, a powerful active ingredient. The charcoal-enriched formula works like a magnet to trap and eliminate impurities. It helps fight oily skin, blackheads, dull complexion and large pores. $12.99
Kiehl's Facial Fuel No-Shine Hydrator is a super-absorbent formula for oily skin using patented technology to help reduce shine. $50.
The Vita Lift 5 moisturiser targets dark circles, wrinkles and dullness. Enriched with Pro-Retinol, the moisturiser smoothes wrinkles, hydrates and firms skin, reducing puffiness. In just four weeks, the skin is stimulated and regains its vitality. $16.99
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Sky Flyin' Foaming Multi-Gel is a dual-action foaming gel shave cream and an effective cleanser. This lathering, dense foam gel cleanser is packed with bamboo, lemon and orange fruit extracts to deeply and gently cleanse skin. $50.
