Men's Skincare: The Real Deal: Two Dermatologists Reduce It to the Essentials

Most men do not want to spend their mornings sifting through a science lab of serums and creams when it comes to skincare, let us face it. And who was to blame? You might be persuaded by a short Google search that "excellent skincare" entails committing to a 20-step routine that seems more like a full-time job than a few minutes at the sink.

The truth is that you can take care of your skin without using a ton of different cosmetics. A good regimen can really be shockingly easy and successful.

In order to get through the clutter, Vogue asked two leading dermatologists, Drs. Brendan Camp and Noah Gratch, a direct question: What does a straightforward, skin-smart routine for men look like? Their responses were pleasantly simple and in harmony.

The Reasons Men Should Take Skincare Seriously

First things first: skincare is more than simply vanity. It has to do with upkeep, such as changing your car's oil or brushing your teeth. Since your skin is the greatest organ in your body, you should treat it as such. Maintaining the health of your entire body depends on it.

Men's skin is typically thicker, oilier, and more vulnerable to problems like clogged pores, UV damage, and ingrown hairs. Therefore, it is not beneficial for you to completely neglect your skincare routine. However, that does not imply that you must become an expert in beauty right away.

The Five-Step Skincare Program That Any Guy Can Follow

1. Clean, but do not go overboard.

The first commandment? Cleanse your face. You have been using that rough bar soap since high school, though.

Dr. Camp advises using a mild cleanser both in the morning and at night to remove excess oil, perspiration, and filth without removing the skin's natural barrier. If you have acne, look for products that contain chemicals like salicylic acid, glycerin, or ceramides.

According to Dr. Camp, "cleaning twice a day eliminates the accumulation of sweat and environmental toxins that can block pores and create outbreaks."

2. Apply moisturizer with sincerity.

Yes, even if you have oily skin. The goal of moisturizing is to prevent your skin from going into overdrive with oil production, not to make your face greasy.

A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that is, one that will not clog your pores is what Dr. Gratch suggests. To fight dryness, you may want something a bit richer during the colder months.

"The skin barrier is strengthened by moisture, which helps avoid sensitivity and irritation," he says.

3. The Holy Grail: SPF

Use sunscreen if you are just going to do one thing for your skin.

The leading cause of solar spots, early aging, and you guessed it skin cancer is sun exposure. Every morning, regardless of the cloud cover or the length of time you plan to spend outdoors, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

"It is the best anti-aging product available," Dr. Camp maintains.

Mineral sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are excellent for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

But take it easy. Exfoliation should only be done once or twice a week. Instead of using abrasive scrubs that might cause microtears on your skin, look for chemical exfoliants that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

Dr. Gratch cautions, "One of the most prevalent mistakes is over-exfoliating; it can create irritation and tear down your skin barrier."

5. Tailor It to Your Skin Concerns

Do you have razor bumps? Spots of darkness? Dry areas? You can add your own touch there.

You might only need the first four stages if your skin is not very dramatic. A specialized treatment, such as a moisturizing mask, vitamin C serum, or retinol, can help if you are battling with more specific problems. Do not add too much at once, though.

"Begin slowly. Dr. Camp suggests introducing new items one at a time to observe how your skin responds.

In summary: straightforward, astute, and sustainable

An excellent skincare regimen does not have to be fussy, feminine, or difficult. All that is required is consistency. You may maintain clear, robust, and gracefully aging skin by following a few simple daily steps.

The 20-step routines are outdated. Cleanse, moisturize, protect, exfoliate, and customize that is all you need to do. That is all.

Sincerely? The skincare regimen that you will truly follow is the best.