3 reasons why men need a different AM and PM skincare routine
When great-looking, healthy skin is the goal, it takes a dedicated routine and positive daily habits to detoxify, condition and fortify your skin over time. That’s why a structured men’s skincare regimen is key. There’s a lot of talk about AM Vs PM skincare routines and how these should differ. So before we delve into the details of how you should care for your skin in the morning and evening or create a simple AM and PM skincare routine, we thought we’d explain just three reasons why it could matter to you.
Sun’s out, skin’s out
Sun can be good for our skin and overall health in (very) small doses. But it is also probably the number one reason you need to care for your skin in a different way during the daytime. Certain stages in a skincare regimen, products and ingredients don’t play nicely with the sun’s harmful rays. Those include many exfoliators, which remove the skin’s surface layer leaving it more exposed to UV rays. For this reason, it’s best to exfoliate in the PM, giving your skin’s cells time to rejuvenate and turnover giving you greater protection from the elements during the day. Essential oils such as lemon and other citrus-based oils can increase the photosensitivity of your skin, too. So it’s best to leave certain oils and serums containing these ingredients until the end of the day when you’re less likely to be heading outside.
Excess oil
Decent men’s skincare products will often contain oils, such as sunflower oil, avocado oil or almond oil, because they help hydrate and nourish the thicker top layer of skin we have. If you have a dry skin type, this can be a god send and relieves many of your symptoms including flaking, tightness and discomfort. But during the daytime men often prefer a less polished, matte look to leave the house. So if you’re using a serum that contains oils or you like a straight-up facial oil for more intense hydration, then keep this skincare step in your evening routine. It goes on after cleansing. Then wait a few minutes before applying your moisturiser.
End of day detox
Whatever you go through each day, your skin is going through it, too. Sweat, stress, traffic smog, UV light and even blue light from your computer screen are all factors you need to consider if you want healthy-great looking skin. It’s even more crucial if you do a more physical or outdoors job. All of these pollutants add up to one giant plate of skin-damaging free radicals, which leave your complexion dirty, dehydrated, feeling a bit ‘meh’ and looking dull. This is reason No.3 for tweaking your AM and PM skincare routines. At the end of the day, your skin has dealt with a lot and now is the time for cleansing, replenishing and repairing. Your nightime routine should include a face wash and some form of antioxidant-rich treatment to help the skin repair, whether it’s a targeted serum, a recovery mask or a nutrient and cermaide-rich moisturiser like Major Hydrator. If you are using an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) in your skincare regimen, now is the time to apply it (not in the morning), because AHAs tend to increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. The classic James + Jake mantra has never been truer than it is before bed: Detoxify, Condition, Fortify.
The above information should be used as a guide only. If you have concerns about the condition of your skin or are unsure about which products to use, visit a qualified dermatologist.
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