Times are changing…no longer is it uncommon for men to be as discerning when it comes to their beauty regimen as women are. In fact, my father is MORE of a Beauty Snob than my mother, and I have countless male friends who regularly pamper themselves with spa treatments, manicures, and an assortment of beauty products. There is still, however, a lot of misinformation out there. I was at an event recently for Dollar Shave Club, a subscription-based company that sends razors and grooming products to men’s doors for a few bucks a month, and they just launched an SPF product purposefully in the winter because their research showed that most men still don’t know that it’s imperative to wear sunscreen all year round! We asked Man Cave to help us break down some myths to ensure that your man has the best skin possible (and kissable lips…).
Myth #1: It’s okay for men to use the same bar soap for both the body and face.
Nope! Body products are typically formulated with less beneficial ingredients than face products. Using a traditional bar soap on the trunk, legs, and feet can work, but using that same soap on the face does not! Conventional soap can be very drying and can even lead to an overproduction of oil (as well as some skin irritation). If you’re looking for a soap that is safe to use on both the face and body, palm oil free skincare soap is one of the best choices.
Myth #2: Men don’t need to exfoliate.
Absolutely not true! Exfoliating the skin prior to shaving gives your face a smoother surface to work with, so you lower the risk of ingrown hairs, redness, and inflammation with a good scrub. It also helps prevent blackheads and clogged pores as you buff away dead skin cells for a bright, clean complexion.
Myth #3: Men and women should use the same skincare products.
You might already know, but men’s skin tends to be somewhat thicker, rougher in texture, and slightly oilier than a woman’s, which is why when it comes to most products, men need ones designed specifically for them; and ideally the products should be free of skin and earth-harming chemicals in order to achieve clear, healthy, fresh-looking skin. The best routine is one that addresses personal concerns, especially when it comes to skin that regularly meets a razor.
Myth #4: It doesn’t matter which cleanser a man uses.
Cleansers are actually one of the most important products to pay attention to as a good one will help ensure the razor has a clean shaving surface (this prevents ingrown hairs and razor burn). It’s best to opt for an exfoliating cleanser, and as men tend to be on the oily side, any product that helps combat oil, such as an astringent or facial moisturizer that is lightweight and oil-free, is a great option as well.