Times have changed. Most people are welcoming the new age of acceptance, tolerance, and being open to new things. Truly, there is no better time to live than now with all the progressive events continuing to happen and steering humanity in a better direction.

For example, men are keeping up with women when it comes to taking care of themselves. Gone are the days of old-fashioned machismo where men only need a bar of soap to make themselves clean. Skin care and beauty routines are for everyone, after all.

If you’re not up to date, there is a rising demand for men-focused skin care and more and more companies are looking to join in. Male grooming is no longer frowned upon and in fact, it is encouraged. A good skin care regimen is essential and men, just like women, have their fair share of concerns. Here are the reasons why men should invest their money and time in skin care:

To Treat Dry, Flaky Skin

Dry skin is a common problem among men and women. Unfortunately, the condition worsens when men with this condition also shave. Using moisture-stripping aftershaves and getting razor burns can exacerbate dry skin which can feel tight, uncomfortable, and even itchy. If this is the condition of your face, you’ll need to switch to alcohol-free shaving products and get a good moisturizer that you should use twice a day.

If your face is dry, there is a good chance that your body is too. You will also need to moisturize your body especially your hands, arms, legs, and feet using a specially formulated body lotion that’s suitable for your skin type. Look for a light and non-greasy formula that protects and soothes skin. Take this as an opportunity to support brands that are vegan and cruelty-free.

To Heal Blemishes or Smoothen Skin

Pimples and acne are common and everyone can get it at any point in their lives from puberty onwards. Some skin types are more susceptible than others and while prevention is always better, it doesn’t mean you can’t take care of the aftermath. The leftover scars and blemishes like blackheads and whiteheads can be unsightly especially for men who don’t wear makeup.

Fortunately, there are ways you can heal blemishes or smoothen skin but it will take some commitment to do it daily to see results. If the pimple is still active, you can use a spot treatment to target those areas specifically by using products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Doing this will help reduce the acne faster or stamp it down before it gets any bigger.

There are various topical creams or gels that you can get to help fade the prominence of scars or lighten them. You can also try home remedies by using rosehip oil or microneedling. It’s best to visit a dermatologist first to address your skin concerns because they know the best.

As for blackheads and whiteheads, spot treatment using tretinoin at night before you sleep can help tighten pores. You can get over the counter variants or go to a derma for the stronger ones that need a prescription. A face mask once in a while can also help unclog your pores to prevent future blemishes.

To Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles Caused By Aging

When we age, our body functions slow down including collagen production. The wrinkles and fine lines in our face can be caused by this and other factors like smoking, not getting enough sleep, stress, and not drinking enough water. Eating unhealthily with not enough fruits and vegetables also contribute to the early prominence of the signs of aging in the face.

To prevent the skin from degenerating faster than it should be, you need skin care that focuses on anti-aging. There are topical treatments like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), retinoids, and vitamin C that you can directly apply on wrinkles. Depending on what you use, these creams or gels can stimulate collagen production, add hydration or smoothen lines and wrinkles.

To Prevent Sun Damage

A reliable skin care routine is more than just washing your face, toning, and moisturizing. It should also include steps to protect yourself from the sun. Continuous and long exposure to the UVA rays from the sun can cause sunburn, sun damage, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.

A little bit of sunshine is good for your mood and health and it’s best done in the early hours of the morning. However, you need to protect yourself by putting on sunscreen to your face and body. If you are very fair-skinned, limit your sun exposure to 5 to 10 minutes. Here are the things you need to know when picking out the right sunscreen.

Better Skin Means More Confidence

You benefit the most when you take the time and effort to find ways to take better care of yourself and it will show. When you look well-kept and groomed, you feel more confident to face the challenges you are facing. Plus, you feel better too because caring for yourself also means eating healthier and exercising.

What are other reasons why men should get into skincare? Share what you think in the comments below.