Skincare 101: Tips for Healthy Skin
- Rodney Doss
- Apr 8, 2019
- 4 min read
Skin care tips for men
Us men have kept it simple when it comes to skincare. But today, more men are in search of healthier, younger-looking skin. So, I thought it was time to talk about how to upgrade my skin care routine and learn more about how to take care of my body’s largest organ. The Key difference between men and women’s skin, is that men’s skin is thicker. However, the basic elements of an effective skin care plan remain the same for both men and women.
Before everyone, including men, get started, we must first identify and understand the different skin types:
To take care of your skin by selecting products that are right for you, understanding your skin type is step one.
Dermatologists recommend the following tips for men to develop a healthy skin care routine:
Read product labels and ingredients:Choose products made for your skin type. Avoid ingredients you are allergic to or irritate your skin.
Wash your face daily and after exercise: Commercial bar soap often contains harsh ingredients that can be drying to the skin, wash your face with a natural handmade soap with lukewarm – not hot – water.
Watch your shaving technique: For some men, multi-blade razors shave too closely to your skin. If you get razor bumps, razor burns or ingrown hairs, like me. Use a single- or double-blade razor, or clippers instead and do not stretch your skin while you shave. Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth, at least that is what dermatologist recommend.. I actually shave in four directions. (An OG. taught me that trick.) It works for me. Rinse after each swipe of the razor, and change your blade after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.
Moisturize daily: What we want to do is trap moisture in the skin when we use moisturizer. This can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and younger. Its best to apply moisturizer to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering or shaving while your skin is still slightly damp.
Check your skin regularly: Keep an out for any new spots or moles that itch, bleed or change color. This can be an early warning sign of skin cancer. Always consult a doctor in any case. Men over 50 have a higher risk of developing the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma. Skin cancer is highly treatable, if caught early.
Wear sunscreen whenever outdoors: When going outside apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your scalp, ears, neck and lips to help prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. Most people should use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing, including sunglasses that have UV protection and wide-brimmed hats are all boss moves.
Every man’s skin is different, so there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to skin care. If you're still unsure what skin type you have, or if have questions about how to take care of your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Skin Care Tips for Black Men
It's the melanin. The amount your body produces determines your skin tone and ultimately, how you should care for your skin. Our skincare involves the usual daily care prescribed for everyone, but some additional measures need to be taken that relate to the characteristics of melanated skin and hair..
Cleansing and moisturizing is number one. Use only natural soaps and luke warm water . Bathing in lukewarm water, and limiting bathing time to 15 minutes once a day and using a natural soap will keep dry, flaky skin away. Pat dry do not rub after bathing so moisture remains on your skin, and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp to retain the moisture.
Skin Protection
While melanated people are less likely to develop skin cancer than our lighter-skinned brothers, we do have a higher mortality rate from skin cancer because of late detection. The melanin in our skin does give us some sun protection, or SPF, of about 13.4; however, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone follow the same guidelines for sun protection. We still need to apply one ounce of SPF 15 sunscreen every day over the entire body at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply the sunscreen every two hours, especially to your neck and the exposed skin on your head. Take time to look over your skin at least once a month to check for moles, discoloration and spots, pay more attention to your feet, hands and fingernails.
Put an end to Razor Bumps
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, pseudofolliculitis barbae, or razor bumps, affects about 60 percent of black men. Razor bumps often occur when tightly curled facial hair results in ingrown hairs. The ingrown hairs cause painful razor bumps, which can result in inflammation and sometimes scarring. To help avoid razor bumps shave less often. Shave in all four directions using a clipper for a less close shave or using special razors designed to prevent razor bumps. To treat existing razor bumps do not shave for about four weeks and use a prescription cortisone cream on the affected areas of your face.
Avoid Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Acne keloidalis nujchae, or AKN, is a form of razor bumps that occur on the back of the neck. According to Healthline.com AKN is probably caused by close hair trimming. Close shaving on the back of the neck can cause nicks and cuts that contribute to the problem. Getting a Fade hair cut can , also cause AKN. Avoid repetitive rubbing from shirt collars or from wearing helmemts. You can treat AKN with topical retinoids or antibiotics. Cortisone injections can also help with keloids.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
https://blackdoctor.org/3094/skin-hair-tips-black-men/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/many-blacks-are-unaware-of-a-skin-cancerthat-primarily-affects-dark-skinned-people/2014/08/04/14164ada-e68a-11e3-afc6-a1dd9407abcf_story.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605
https://www.healthline.com/health/acne-keloidalis-nuchae
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072149-overview
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