Self-care is genderless. It has to be said because there are still many people who believe that taking care of your skin is considered something that only women can do. As if using various skincare products to manage your acne or reduce the dryness of your skin will make you any less than who you are.
That’s like saying men shouldn’t receive flowers or gifts from women because it should be the other way around. But the truth is that things have no gender; they’re just things that anyone can use. Of course, there are things that only specific genders can use, such as tampons or condoms, but aside from those gendered items, everything is up for grabs.
Don’t think for a second that wanting to take care of your skin will affect your masculinity or your value as a man because they don’t have that kind of power. What you do to your body isn’t definitive of who you are as a person, so try not to listen to the obtuse opinions of people who will tell you otherwise.
That said, there’s a right and wrong way to do skin care. If you’re not familiar with what skincare products to use, what ingredients you should be looking for in the products, or how you can build your own skincare routine, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a basic skincare routine that you can follow:
Step 1: Cleanser
The very first step in your skincare routine should always be a wash. This is because the face has many pores, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands that secrete natural oils called sebum. If you have an oily or combination skin type, you’ll notice that your face can get oily throughout the day, even when you’re not doing anything.
It’s only natural for your skin to get oily on its own, but that doesn’t mean you should just let the sebum accumulate on your skin. If you do, the dirt on the surface of your skin will enter your pores. That’s why it’s important to wash your face with a gentle cleanser before you apply any skincare products.
Step 2: Toner
Once your skin is clean, the next step will be to balance the pH level of your skin, which is especially important if you’re going to use a serum or treatment to address a specific problem area. Toning the skin will not only prep your skin for additional products, but it can also remove the leftover dirt from your wash.
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you can use a toner with salicylic acid to help reduce your inflammations and avoid breakouts. However, if you want to address dryness, you may want to use a toner with aloe vera or glycerin because these ingredients can help moisturize your skin better.
Step 3: Serum
Much like toners, serums are optional skincare products that you can include in your routine if you want to address specific problem areas. This is because serums are filled with concentrated amounts of active ingredients, which means they can help you treat your skin problem faster than any other product.
Serums work hand in hand with moisturizers in addressing problems and locking in moisture. So, for instance, if you want to address hyperpigmentation in your skin because of constant exposure to the sun, you’ll need to use a serum with vitamin C or kojic acid to help you fight against skin damage.
Step 4: Moisturizer
After the serum comes the moisturizer, which can help you keep your skin plump and hydrated. The moisturizer is crucial because your cleanser, toner, and serum may contain ingredients that strip your face of its natural oils, therefore, leaving the skin dry. Your moisturizer will be the one in charge of returning hydration to your skin.
But moisturizers can also help you address skin problems. Borrowing from the previous example, if you have hyperpigmentation or discoloration, you might want to use a brightening moisturizer from brands like Antu. To make it even easier, you can buy Antu online from any trusted seller so that you won’t have to go out of your way to get it.
Step 5: Sunscreen
Lastly, your skincare routine won’t be complete without the right sunscreen. Since this product has the thickest consistency, it should always come last on your routine. You need to mind the order of the products you use because it can affect the final results. That’s why you should always begin with a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and end with sunscreen.
You might think that sunscreen isn’t necessary because you’re not always out in the sun, but that’s where you’ll be wrong. That’s because sunscreen can help protect the skin from intense UV radiation, which is present even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors. So, give your skin the extra love it deserves.
Remember, how you take care of yourself, your body, or your skin is nobody’s business but your own. Besides, it’s already the 21st century, for crying out loud. Stop thinking about what other people will say and start prioritizing your own needs. Don’t be afraid to do whatever makes you happy, such as doing skin care, as long as you’re not hurting anyone or breaking the law in the process.
