Do you also associate skin care as a primarily female activity? Well, gone are the days when it was believed to be so. Nowadays, men have embraced skincare, realising that a solid skin care routine is just as important for them as it is for anyone else. So, this is a guide to all you men out there want to start your skin care journey but are unsure how to do so.
Today, let’s discuss face wash. One of the primary steps in any good skin care regimen is a quality face wash. In this guide, we’ll break down different skin types and face wash ingredients while exploring how each face wash reacts for each type to help you figure out which might be the best one for you so you can keep your skin looking fresh and clean!
Why Men Need a Face Wash
The question here is, what’s wrong with regular soap? Male skin actually tends to be thick, even thicker than female skin, and produces more oil due to higher testosterone levels, which also makes it more prone to larger pores and acne. Moreover, because men frequently shave, it can cause irritation, razor burns, and ingrown hairs. Hence, using regular soap that is not formulated to meet the needs of the facial skin can be damaging, and using a face wash that is gentle but effective enough to address these concerns is of extreme importance.
Understanding Your Skin Type: The Primary Key to Choosing the Best Face Wash for Men
Before choosing a face wash, it’s essential to identify your skin type because you need one that will cleanse your skin while restoring its natural pH levels. Each skin type has unique characteristics and challenges that require specific ingredients and formulations to maintain its health. Here are the primary skin types most men fall into:
1. Oily Skin
Men with oily skin typically experience a shiny face, enlarged pores, and frequent breakouts. The excess sebum, that is, the oil, usually appears in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), giving the face a greasy appearance. This skin type is also prone to black heads and whiteheads.
The key here is to control oil production while keeping the skin hydrated. Thus, looking for a face wash that contains ingredients that help reduce oil while also cleaning out pores and preventing build-up of skin cells is the way to go.
It might also seem like a good idea to go for a harsh scrub to reduce the oil but that might irritate the skin and be counterproductive because it can strip the skin of the necessary oil, making it produce excess oil to overcompensate, beating the whole purpose in the first place.
2. Dry Skin
Dry skin usually feels tight and may be flaky, especially after cleansing. Moreover, the skin complexion might appear dull due to the lack of moisture and can be characterised by the appearance of small, tight pores.
The goal for men with dry skin is to nourish and hydrate the skin, while avoiding products that strip away natural oils. For this type, a gentle, hydrating face wash with moisturising ingredients is the best choice since it lacks the necessary lipids to stay hydrated and needs something that is gentle enough to clean the skin but also prevents water loss.
3. Combination Skin
Combination skin is trickier because it’s a mix of both oily and dry areas. The T-zone is often oily and experiences breakouts and large pores, while the cheeks are dry, with smaller pores and likely flaky skin.
The aim here is to look for a balanced, gentle, and non-stripping face wash formula that cleanses the skin without over-drying the cheeks or increasing oil production in the T-zone. Make sure the facewash is neither too hydrating (which can clog pores in oily areas), nor too stripping (which can increase dryness in the cheeks).
4. Sensitive Skin
Men with sensitive skin deal with irritation, redness, and sometimes reactions to harsh ingredients, or even the sun’s UV rays. The important thing to keep in mind is that the skin care routine should be simple.
Look for a face wash that is fragrance-free, sulphate-free, and packed with calming ingredients like aloe vera so that it can rinse away the impurities while also nourishing the skin.
Note that the sun’s UV rays are damaging for all skin types but especially for those with sensitive skin, and a daily sunscreen is essential to reap the benefits of the rest of your skin care regime. For a quality sunscreen with high protection for a long duration, opt for the Solero Sunblock SPF 100!
5. Normal
If you have this skin type, you do not really have any of the concerns that come with the other skin types- your skin is not too dry or too oily. But this does not mean you neglect your skin! Men with this skin type must choose a face wash thar is gentle and works with its natural formulation, that is, one with a gentle and balanced pH, and containing hydrating ingredients.
The Clariderm Anti-Acne Face Wash
If you're looking for the perfect face wash to suit all skin types, the Clariderm Anti-Acne Face Wash is a standout product, particularly for men. It is formulated to not only combat acne but also deep cleanse the face without drying out the skin, making it ideal for all skin types, and here's why:
For Oily Skin: It regulates sebum production thanks to an ingredient called oleanolic acid which targets excess oil and clears clogged pores, leaving the skin looking refreshed without the greasy shine. In fact, with its ability to fight bacteria while gently exfoliating the dead skin cells, it can also reduce acne breakouts.
For Dry Skin: Unlike a lot of the face washes for men in the Pakistani market, this is designed to be gentle, with a non-drying lather, to protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The vitamin E beads within the formula allow the skin to be hydrated without stripping it of its natural oils, ensuring that the skin feels clean and fresh without over-drying the dry zones.
For Combination Skin: As mentioned above, this face wash helps reduce sebum production and prevents the build-up of bacteria that leads to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. All the while, it maintains moisture in the drier parts of the face, keeping the moisture barrier intact.
For Sensitive Skin: This product is specifically designed keeping those with sensitive skin in mind. Being a gentle cleanser with aloe vera extract helps it calm any inflammation or irritation while also keeping the skin hydrated and soothed, making it safe to use.
For Normal Skin: This facewash has a skin-friendly pH level of 5-5.5, which is ideal for preserving the skin's natural protective barrier, regardless of skin type, making it ideal even for those with a normal skin type.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Face Wash
Check labels: Always look for products labelled with your specific skin type in mind, such as "for oily skin," "for dry skin," or "sensitive skin-friendly."
Avoid overly complicated formulas: Stick to products with a limited number of ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin, and avoid those with excessive fragrances or chemicals.
Test new products: If you’re unsure how a product will react with your skin, do a patch test on your jawline or neck before applying it to your entire face.
By understanding your skin type, selecting an appropriate face wash that addresses your specific needs, and following the tips laid out in this guide, you’ll be able to maintain balanced, healthy skin and avoid common skin issues like dryness, acne, or irritation.
Tips for Maximising the Benefits of Your Face Wash
Choosing the best face wash for men is just one part of the equation. To get the most out of your skincare routine, here are a few pro tips:
- Wash Twice a Day: Cleanse your face in the morning to remove oils and grime that accumulate overnight, and then before sleeping to wash away dirt and pollutants from the day.
- Don’t Scrub Too Hard: Using a face wash doesn’t mean you should scrub your skin aggressively. Be gentle to avoid irritation, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Follow with Moisturizer: After washing your face, apply a moisturiser (and a sunscreen during the day for overall protection) suited to your skin type to help lock in hydration and keep your skin looking its best- one of the best in the game being the Hydra FX Moisturizing Cream.
Conclusion
While soap may seem convenient, it’s not designed to meet the specific needs of your facial skin. A face wash is a far better choice, as it's formulated to clean the skin without causing irritation, balancing pH, and addressing particular skin concerns like oiliness, dryness, or acne. So all you men out there, head over to Rederm Aesthetic to browse out collection and purchase the Clariderm Anti-Acne Face Wash to get vibrant, healthy looking skin like never before!
