Skincare for men made easy
Building a daily skincare routine can be seen as expensive and time-consuming, but the benefits far outweigh the effort required, and with a range of specialised men's products now available, achieving great skin is easier than ever. Spending just a few minutes a day on a solid skincare routine will leave you looking healthier and younger. As with anything, consistency is key, so it’s important you get into a daily routine for the best results. To get you started, we’ve made the process as simple and effective as possible, with just 4 steps to follow.
Before starting, it’s essential you identify what type of skin you have, whether it be sensitive, dry, oily or something in-between. The routine you choose and products you select will need to be tailored to your skin type.
1. Cleanse
Washing your face daily lays the foundation for the rest of your skincare routine. For anyone unsure of what that entails – it doesn’t just mean using a bar of soap – you’ll need to purchase a quality facial cleanser. Make sure to wet your skin with lukewarm water and massage the cleanser into your skin for a few minutes before rinsing. Apply once in the morning and again late at night to eliminate oil, dirt and nasty build-up. For a gentle cleanser, we love the Skinstitut cleansing range, from Laser Clinics New Zealand, which removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. We also recommend the range of cleansers at Life Pharmacy and Mac.
2. Exfoliate
If you haven’t exfoliated before, you might be wondering, ‘do I really need to?’. Yes, you do! Basically, your skin cells ‘refresh’ every four weeks, but don’t always come off your face on their own. They can become trapped and seep into your pores, causing irritation and acne. Thankfully, exfoliating takes care of dead skin cells, keeping your skin healthier, younger and brighter. There are two main methods of exfoliating, with a chemical exfoliator or a physical scrub and both should be used just after cleansing and only twice a week. It’s also a good idea to exfoliate just before shaving to help with any potential ingrown hairs. For a great exfoliator, visit The Body Shop.
3. Moisturise
Moisturising acts like a defensive barrier, sealing in the good work you’ve done cleansing and exfoliating. It nourishes and hydrates, trapping moisture inside whilst blocking out nasties such as dirt and air pollution. Moisturising ensures healthy, glowing skin and helps against fine lines and wrinkles. We recommend moisturising twice a day, just after cleansing, to lock in hydration and maximise protection. It’s important to choose the right moisturiser for your skin, for example, gels tend to work for oily skin and creams are usually preferred for dry skin. If you’re unsure, speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice. Check out moisturisers at Life Pharmacy, The Body Shop and Mac.
Image source: Results Laser Clinic
4. Sunscreen
Last, but certainly not least, is sunscreen (we have to assume everyone knows what this is!). Applying sunscreen is essential to preventing sun damage, which is the biggest accelerator of skin aging. UV exposure can result in age spots, wrinkles and even cancer, so it’s best to use daily and in any weather (yes, even when it’s cloudy). Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 30+ and remember to apply on any exposed skin, including your ears and the back of your neck. We love the Skinstitut Protect range from Laser Clinics New Zealand. If you want to multitask, there are plenty of great moisturisers with built in SPF protection, which you can pick up from Life Pharmacy and The Body Shop.
Extra skincare tips
A few extra tips to keep your skin looking happy and healthy:
- Drink water regularly to keep your skin naturally hydrated, preventing dryness
- Use a serum as required, for spots of aging or irritation
- Change your pillowcases regularly to avoid a build-up of oil and bacteria
- If you’re in need of advice, you can visit the Laser Clinics New Zealand team for a complimentary skin analysis where they will discuss product recommendations as well as possible treatments that would complement your skin care at home
Shop all these skin care essentials and more at your local Westfield today. *Not all products and retailers are available in every centre.
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