When it comes to skincare men often get forgotten. Meanwhile, about 60% of men struggle with some form of sensitive skin.
Forgotten no more. This is your complete guide to men’s skincare, from soothing ingredients to skincare routine steps to shaving 101. Guys—this one’s for you.
How common is sensitive skin for men?
Over the decades, studies have suggested that women have more sensitive skin issues than men. But we’re discovering that might not be the case.
A 2013 survey of dermatologists found that the majority have noticed an increase in male patients reporting sensitive facial skin over the previous 5 years. Another marketing survey reported that more than 50% of male respondents claimed they had sensitive skin, specifically on the face.
Perhaps a cultural shift is happening. Men are feeling empowered more than ever to pay attention to their health and take pride in their skincare habits. To recognize sensitive skin and search for solutions instead of brushing it under the rug. Regardless, the fact remains: men struggle with sensitive skin just as much as women do. And it’s time for men to be part of the conversation.
What causes sensitive skin in men?
Men typically have thicker skin than women. You might assume this decreases their risk of sensitive skin. Unfortunately, male skin is also drier than female skin and more susceptible to environmental triggers.
And let’s not forget the facial hair. For many men, simply having hair on their face can cause skin irritation. But shaving adds a whole new level of irritation, redness, and dryness.
Sometimes there’s no clear rhyme or reason for skin struggles. There are many different types of sensitive skin conditions men can develop, from psoriasis to eczema. To learn more about inflammatory skin conditions and which symptoms to watch out for, read our blog.
What skincare ingredients are best for sensitive skin?
Shelves and shelves of skincare products can be overwhelming for anyone, regardless of gender. If you’re not sure what will work best for your sensitive skin, here’s a solid place to start.
Natural Ingredients:
Just because an ingredient is natural does not mean it’s best for your skin. However, natural ingredients tend to be more gentle, calming, and safe than synthetic ones. When you’re shopping for sensitive skincare, keep an eye out for plant-based ingredients that are proven to soothe and hydrate. A few effective ones are aloe vera, shea butter, and calendula.
Facial Oils:
Oils can be a game-changer for sensitive skin conditions. They provide countless benefits, from ultra hydration to anti-inflammation. Many facial oils are also amazing at strengthening your skin’s natural barrier function.
What are the best oils for sensitive skin? We’d start with jojoba oil, rosehip oil, argan oil, and seabuckthorn oil. These plant-based ingredients are known for soothing irritation, hydrating dry skin, and repairing damage along the way. Pro tip: all 4 oils can be found in the Restorative Facial Oil.
Refreshing Waters & Extracts:
One of the worst parts about sensitive skin is the irritation. The dry, itchy sensation that’s almost impossible to ignore. Waters and extracts can provide immediate relief throughout the day and long-lasting benefits.
For example, Rosa Damascena flower water has anti-inflammatory and antioxidizing properties. It’s proven to calm stressed-out skin, protect skin cells from damage, and even reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Other ingredients likeblack oat extract are full of amino acids that support the skin’s natural moisturizing factor. Both can be found in the All-Calm Facial Mist—the perfect product for soothing irritated skin in the moment.
Shaving 101
90% of dermatologists say that shaving products and techniques are important for men with sensitive skin. We agree. Here are our top tips and product recos for shaving sensitive skin.
- Shaveslowly and gently.
- Soften your stubble and bristles with facial oil before shaving. The softer the hair is, the less resistance will be put up against the razor and the easier it will be to shave. We recommend the Restorative Facial Oil.
- Applyshaving lotion generously.Avoid a foamy shaving cream, which often causes dryness and irritation.
- Use a high-quality safety razor. Safety razors can help reduce irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. If you prefer to use disposable razors, be sure to replace the blade regularly.
- Cool, calm, and hydrate the skin immediately after shaving. We recommend a few spritzes of the All-Calm Facial Mist.
- Swap your alcohol-based aftershave for acalming, all-natural moisturizer, like the Soothing Lotion.
What steps are in a skincare routine for men?
Apart from shaving, a man’s skincare routine is the same as any gender—it all depends on the individual’s unique skin and what it needs most.
For dry, sensitive skin, it’s best to adopt a minimalist skincare routine. That means fewer steps, fewer products, and fewer ingredients. The goal is to soothe and support your skin without overwhelming it. Here’s an example of a minimalist skincare routine using Iremia products:
- Wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild, gentle cleanser of your choice. Pat dry.
- While your skin is still damp, spray the All-Calm Face Mist into the palm of your hand and gently pat your skin. This facial mist contains niacinamide to calm inflammation while brightening your complexion and black oat extract to deeply hydrate (the blend we use is even more effective than hyaluronic acid).
- Next, calm and moisturize with the Soothing Lotion. It contains comforting ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, and Manuka honey. Plus a unique extract called African Mahogany tree bark, which is proven to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.
- Nourish any areas prone to dryness with the Protective Cream. This deeply moisturizing formula is a perfect addition to your nighttime routine because it hydrates your skin through the night.
- Gently warm 3 to 4 drops of the Restorative Facial Oil on the tips of your fingers and massage over the face, moving from the middle of your face to the hairline and jawline.
You can mix and match these steps depending on what your skin is craving, but try to maintain a foundation of at least three steps:cleansing, calming, and moisturizing. Your sensitive skin will thank you.
What are the best skincare products for men?
Shopping for skincare products can be a lot. Our best advice? Think less about gender and more about what your skin needs right now and how you can heal it for the future.
Struggling with extreme dryness? Search for products that are designed to not only hydrate and moisturize, but strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier over time.
Dealing with constant itchiness and irritation?Avoid alcohol or chemical-based products that will worsen the situation. Look for natural ingredients that will cool, calm, and soothe the skin.
Suffering from rosacea or chronic redness?Choose products that are specifically formulated to reduce inflammation.
Iremia sensitive skincare was made to target all of the above. Our founder, Elaine, suffered from rosacea and eczema for years and created these products as a solution to her own sensitive skin. Using minimalist practices, effective ingredients, and a commitment to conscious living, Iremia’s skincare collection is made with sensitive and reactive skin in mind—regardless of gender or age.
Explore our Sensitive Skin Essentials and reach out anytime if you have questions about using our products.
