For Our Lovely Men
Men don't have different structures than women do. They simply have more productive sebaceous glands than women. Men have worse acne than women due to it and because of their thick facial hair. Men's lines were created partially so that the packaging was masculine to make men feel more comfortable and of course to cater to their specific skin issues. Surveys have shown that most men wouldn't go into a department store and purchase something that looked too feminine for themselves. It is vital for men to get the proper skin care and so more simple packaging was created.
Go Figure
In the men's line you might find other types of ingredients from the females versions but they still do the same thing. One thing that is different are the softening agents that are in it. They aim to help with the thick facial hair. If you remember the diagram of the hair follicle you will know what I am referring to. The sebum has a harder time coming to the surface and even when it does it often is trapped. It turns into a blackhead in most cases or even papule. And don't forget men can get dehydrated too! The skin isn't any different just because they are (you are) a man.
So if you are a man and don't give a crap about the look of the packaging of the products you are buying, then great. Just remember there are products out there formulated with you men in mind. While using your counterparts products will do you just fine, you could be getting top notch care if you were using the proper products.
There is something other than packaging and ingredients that I have noticed about our lovely men when it comes to skin care. Men gravitate towards particular scents. It is funny how they can like a scent specifically for women but on themselves? It will be different.
You'll hear a man say: Floral is a nice scent...on a woman. I don't want to walk around the office smelling like roses!
Many men seem to prefer a citrus scent. The scents chosen are either very fresh and clean (so citrus like lemon, lime, orange) or spicey/woodsy in scent. I am not saying girls don't like these scents either of course because we do! But a man clearly has a specific preference and they shouldn't go ignored. After all we want our men to take care of their skin too! ( and buy their own stuff already lol )
Let's Hear It For The Boys
You know what I love about male clientele in the skin care industry? They are so easy going! They aren't picky about their products or routine. They want only what they feel they need to know, clear and concise. They want it straight forward, uncomplicated, A to C and all in one neat package. You tell them: You use this first, this second and then this last.
They go: Great. I'll take it. Wrap it up.
That isn't necessarily the best response because they should be asking a little more questions but they don't usually. Now maybe they are like that because they are in a hell-fire hurry or they are uncomfortable? Maybe they aren't really listening? I can't be for certain but it is in my experience that when it comes to taking care of themselves, as long as the information that they are receiving makes perfect sense, they are listening. Men are so different from some women who want to swap, switch, question every detail, and sometimes act as though they are going to marry their products. Personally, I think it's the damned cutest thing when a male starts getting curious and asking all sorts of questions. I love it. Love it to bits. I wish more men would walk through the spa doors.
When I was in school I was doing research on the male consumers of this industry. I found that males actually can spend more money than females when they got serious about their appearance. They are also more loyal customers. I appreciate the straight forward, uncomplicated approach and way of thinking but that is just me. When Men find something they like and are happy with it, they don't usually question it. They stick to it and for that I love you!
So don't be afraid! To any male that might read this part I encourage you to think about your own skin and skin care needs. Long gone is the day that women think its "gay" for a male to be in a spa, taking care of themselves, or buying skin care. Now a days it's like seeing a man buy cologne. Pretty common.
Just for you
So what is my biggest tip for men when it comes to skin care? It's definitely all about the exfoliation. You need to help your follicles push up that sebum as much as possible and not allowing skin to grow over or clog up the follicle will really help. If you are not comfortable applying a day protection cream just yet, be it because of texture or because you think it's sissy, then please use a toner. Toners are usually a spray and pat kind of deal so it's very easy to use and quick. Men still need to find an even balance for their skin and a toner delivers the same benefits as it does for a woman. Hydration, balancing the skin's PH, and removing any left over product from cleansing and or exfoliating.
The professional skin care lines have also created products just for men after realizing that there was a market for it. Men were interested. I know men were secretly using their counterparts products, don't lie! Lol. Since men need a slightly different care system they answered the call. Now skin care lines even have products for shaving. So men, there is definitely some fantastic stuff out there for you because the term "Love the skin you are in" doesn't apply to just females.
Some Ideas
Here is just an example of a professional line out there that do carry products just for men.
* This cleansing bar can be used for both men and women so it's convenient and cost effective*
The best thing is that Men can also use products from the rest of Dermalogica's line and incorporate it into their regiment. For more please check out their website: dermalogica
Conclusion
Next time we will continue on with our product knowledge for the oily acneic skin type and take a quick look at Toners. Incredibly important in my books. If you have any questions don't hesitate to leave a comment. Or if you just want to talk, share, leave a comment! Show some love and subscribe.
Until next time, enjoy life, Love, liberty, and always yourself.
