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Table of Contents
- What is Skin Exfoliation?
- There are two main methods of exfoliation
- Why Should Men Exfoliate Their Skin?
- How Often Should Men Exfoliate According to Their Skin Type?
- How to Exfoliate Skin the Right Way: Step by Step
- To make it clear
- FAQ’s
Today's skincare world is very inclusive. Having a skincare routine isn't just a gender thing anymore. Everyone wants clear skin that glows and makes you feel confident. I know it can be tricky to understand all this but it's high time to up your skincare-game.
Exfoliation turns over the fresh skin cells and helps you look like a major heartthrob. This blog will dive into understanding what exfoliation is, why and how men need to incorporate exfoliation in their grooming routine.
What is Skin Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface contributing to a brighter and fresher layer of skin. Dead skin clinging to the skin can make your face look dull. When exfoliation is done correctly, it can keep your skin fresh and soft. Exfoliation for men can help with clogged pores, rough texture, acne and ingrown hair. It also helps soften the facial hair follicles for a super smooth shave. It further helps other facial treatments to penetrate the skin more effectively improving the overall appearance of your face.
There are two main methods of exfoliation:
Physical Scrubs
Physical scrubs contain gritty particles that are made from fruit seeds, sugar, salt or coffee grounds. These particles can either be coarse or fine that manually scrub away the dead skin cells when massaged on the skin. Physical scrubs are the most known and widely used by all.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants contain active acids in the form of AHAs & BHAs. AHAs are water-soluble acids that remove impurities from the surface of the skin. They include glycolic acid and lactic acid. BHAs are oil-soluble acids that penetrate deeper and remove impurities from the pores. A common BHA is salicylic acid. Chemical exfoliants are comparatively gentler on the skin.
Why Should Men Exfoliate Their Skin?
Exfoliation is super beneficial for everyone. Lets see how men's skin benefits from exfoliation:
Men’s skin is biologically more prone to getting oily and breaking out more. Men have slightly thicker skin and larger pores than women. All these characteristics can cause dullness, rough skin texture and early signs of aging. Exfoliation improves overall skin health and appearance.
- Exfoliation gets rid of the accumulation of dead skin and prevents acne, blackheads and breakouts by clearing the pores.
- With dead skin gone, it becomes easier to shave the skin smoothly. It provides a closer shave without causing any irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hair.
- Exfoliation stimulates the skin's natural skin renewal process making the skin look more fresh, radiant and youthful.
- It reduces roughness and dryness of the skin and improves skin texture. This makes the skin more soft and smooth to the touch.
- Exfoliated skin helps better absorb other skincare products making them more efficient for your skin.
- Exfoliation promotes the production of new skin cells which reduces fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and improves skin complexion.
- It boosts blood circulation and retains moisture in the skin which contributes to a healthy and hydrated skin.
How Often Should Men Exfoliate According to Their Skin Type?
Exfoliation for Men with Oily Skin
Men with oily skin have larger pores, excess oil and sebum production which can cause clogged pores. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week helps keep oil production under control. Both physical scrubs and chemical exfoliants are suitable for oily skin so you can choose either.
Exfoliation for Men with Combination Skin
Men with combination skin generally have an oily t-zone area (forehead, chin and nose) and dry skin in other parts of the face. Exfoliating twice a week is enough to cater to combination skin. You can use a physical scrub with mild particles or a chemical exfoliant.
Exfoliation for Men with Normal to Dry Skin
Men with normal or dry skin can become irritated if exfoliated too frequently. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week helps remove unwanted buildup on the skin while also not stripping the skin's natural oils. Choose a gentle chemical exfoliant which is hydrating and does not cause irritation.
Exfoliation for Men with Acne Prone Skin
Men with acne prone skin have clogged pores caused by excess oil and dirt buildup. Exfoliating twice a week is sufficient to clear out pores and reduce breakouts. Avoid using physical scrubs and opt for chemical exfoliants that are ideal for acne.
How to Exfoliate Skin the Right Way: Step by Step
Step 1 - Cleanse
Exfoliation works better when your skin is clean. Wet your face with lukewarm water and use a face cleanser suitable for your skin type. Rinse it off and leave the skin slightly damp.
Step 2 - Exfoliate
Physical scrubs - Take a small amount of the best exfoliator for your skin type and apply it to your damp face. Start massaging in circulation motion avoiding sensitive areas like the eyes and lips.
Chemical exfoliants - Take the product on your fingers and gently press it on your skin. Let it sit on your skin for a few minutes so it is thoroughly absorbed.
Step 3 - Rinse
After massaging, use lukewarm water to rinse off the scrub from your face. Once done, pat your skin dry. If you are using a chemical exfoliant, you do not need to rinse your face afterwards.
Step 4 - Moisturise
Exfoliation can make skin feel a bit dry. Moisturising helps nourish the skin, locks in moisture and strengthens the skin's barrier.
To make it clear,
Skin exfoliation for men tackles a range of skin issues from clogged pores to acne. It smoothes and freshens the skin and once you start exfoliating, you won't go back. Finding the right formulation for your skin type and maintaining a proper routine including exfoliation, will refine your skin in no time.
FAQ’s
What percentage of men exfoliate?
Research shows that only 30-40% of men exfoliate their skin. Exfoliation needs to be added to your skincare routine regardless of gender.
Do boys need to exfoliate?
Yes! Younger boys and men tend to have more oily and acne prone skin due to biological reasons. Exfoliation helps maintain healthy skin by unclogging pores and improving skin texture.
Does shaving exfoliate skin in men?
Shaving removes the outermost layer of skin along with hair, providing exfoliation to some extent. But do not look at it as a substitute for actual exfoliation.
Do dermatologists recommend exfoliating?
Dermatologists recommend exfoliating the skin 1-2 times a week depending on skin type.
How to exfoliate a beard?
To exfoliate a beard, you can use a physical scrub. Dampen the skin and beard hair and massage the scrub. Rinse it off properly and dry it off.
Do men have thicker skin?
Yes! Men’s skin is thicker and oilier than a woman’s and thus requires different skincare formulations and routines.
