The sun beating down, sweat, shine and grime, we all know the feeling. Acne, blackheads, shaving rash and itchy skin are common complaints during summer months and no, it isn’t unmanly to give your skin the TLC it deserves as the temperatures rise. In fact, men’s skin tends to be thicker and pores larger. than women’s are, making it all the more necessary to have an enhanced cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating routine so that you sail through the summer with a smile.
1. Cleansing comes first
Most men wash their faces in the morning but get by with just a splash of cool water before bedtime. Big mistake! Daily cleansing in the night. is very important during summer because the day’s grime, sweat and oil settles into pores, causing blackheads, pimples and worse. Choose your facial cleanser with care. The goal is to thoroughly remove oil build up without being overly harsh. We recommend Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. If your skin tends to be more oily than usual, it’s a good idea to use a mild exfoliating scrub like The Man Company Charcoal Face Scrub With Lemongrass & Eucalyptus a few times in a week. Regular, harsh exfoliation can cause rebound oiliness, so keep scrub sessions restricted to twice a week.
2. Dry skin protection
Many men find regular facial cleansers too harsh, especially because regular shaving also irritates skin. In such cases using a cleansing cream like Kaya Soothing Cleansing Gel does the trick because they deep cleanse without exfoliating or drying out your skin. Such cleansers also work well after a day out in the sun because they restore the skin’s moisture balance.
3. Moisturize! Yes even in the summer
Sun exposure can increase sebum secretions and dryness, itching and flaking are common complaints too. It’s a good idea to use light moisturizers containing Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. Apply moisturizer to damp skin to seal in as much moisture as possible. We love Mamaearth Aloe Vera Gel With Vitamin E For Skin and Hair and WOW Skin Science Aloe Vera Gel.
4. Shave with care
Shaving daily forces your skin to work overtime, and being out in the sun all day causes even more trauma. Bacteria tend to form a biofilm on old razor blades, making acne worse. Besides, dull blades are harsh on skin, causing nicks and cuts. One way of lowering skin pressure is skipping a shave every now and then. The other easier option is changing razor blades more frequently. Doing this will not only make your shave smoother but will also make it easier to remove dead skin, bacteria and oils. Get your hands on the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Normal Cartridge 6.
5. Wear sunscreen
This is stating the obvious! In fact, studies suggest that using sunscreen can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn, heat rashes, sun spots and pigmentation. However no two sunscreens are alike. When in doubt, use one with at least SPF 20 and reapply every few hours, especially if you sweat a lot or enjoy swimming. Take your pick from Sebamed Multiprotect Sunsreen Spf 50+ or Nivea Sun Protect & Refresh Invisible Cooling Spray 30.
Drink up
Staying hydrated is important, especially in the summer. And no, tea, coffee and sodas don’t count because they’re actually dehydrating. Drink at least 10 glasses of water daily to keep your skin healthy and flush out toxins, especially during summer. Studies have revealed that a lack of adequate hydration can cause skin to feel dry, flaky and scaly.
Eat right
Starchy, oily and sugar-rich foods—vada pav, cheesy sandwiches and mithai—can take a toll on your skin in summer when digestion naturally becomes more sluggish. Breakouts and heat rashes are common fallouts of heavy, greasy meals. Instead focus on getting your fill of salads, fresh fruit, lassi, whole grains, daals and vegetables. Then sit back and enjoy all the compliments you get for your smooth, radiant complexion.
