KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE (MEN SKIN)

Why is it important to know your skin type? If you’ve ever been troubled by bumps, rashes, or spots, figuring out the best skin routine for you can really help. Read on to learn about the best products to use for your skin, and tips for each.

“Normal” Skin

Normal skin looks even and soft, without visible pores. Blemishes aren’t common, and even better than that, normal skin virtually glows with health and from good circulation.

To keep your skin the way you like it, wash your face twice a day with a mild soap—you won’t need any harsh cleansers or scrubs. Apply an oil-free moisturizer in the morning, and balance your skin with a low-alcohol toner during the day, if necessary.

Tips
• Don’t forget to treat your skin for oily or dry tendencies as they arise. Don’t ignore them because your skin may usually seem “perfect.”
• Avoid direct heat on your face to avoid drying out your normal skin.
• Always use a sunscreen to protect your normal skin.
• Use products to keep your skin healthy. Use special masks and scrubs regularly to slough off dead cells and get your circulation going.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by some sensitivity. The good news? You may not suffer from oily skin and pimples, but you probably will suffer from other setbacks due to dry skin, like tightness and dullness.

Treat your dry skin with creamy products formulated for dry skin. Wash your face with tepid water in the morning and at night, and apply a moisturizing cream with natural oils like avocado. Shaving can also affect the skin, so look for shaving products formulated for your skin type, such as Kiehl’s Close Shaver’s Shaving Oil, which works on very dry skin.

Tips
• Use night creams to hydrate your dry skin while you sleep.
• Be careful in the winter, when your skin is the most sensitive.
• Watch your intake of vitamins and nutrients. If you don’t get enough Vitamin A and B, your skin can become even more dry.
• Know that genetics can play a part in your dry skin.

Oily Skin

Oily skin may most commonly affect teenagers, but adults often have the same symptoms. The sebaceous glands work overtime and—lucky you—can contribute to pimples and blackheads. You can control your oily skin with a careful regimen, though, and keep everything under control.

Look for washes and moisturizers that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, and use them in the morning and at night. You may be tempted to wash your face frequently throughout the day, but one of the most important things to remember is that your face can produce too much oil with overwashing. Even if your skin feels oily during the day, one quick rinse at lunchtime, followed by toner, should be enough to get you through the day. Invest in oil-absorbing sheets for touch-ups, and hide them in your car or in the office washroom. They’re so good, it’s worth the investment.

Tips
• Know that oily skin isn’t all that bad. It has been said that oily skin doesn’t age as fast as other skin types.
• Pay attention to your diet. Try to get enough B12 from natural sources in your diet like eggs and dairy products, and increase your intake of leafy green vegetables and fruits.
• Wash your face after working out. Try a wash with camphor or mint to wake you up even more, and apply a little non-comedogenic moisturizer afterwards, which won’t clog your pores.
• Apply a special acne-fighting cream to your skin at night if necessary. If you like natural products, try a dab of diluted tea tree oil.