Are men not worthy of using skin care products?

The word "skin care products" is often associated with women. Whether it is toner, lotion or facial mask, these products seem to be exclusive to women. Does that mean men are not worthy of using skin care products?

In fact, this is not the case. With the changes in social concepts and people's pursuit of healthy life, men's attitude towards using skin care products is also constantly developing and maturing.

Image source: Tuchong Creative

Why do men also need to use skin care products?

Obviously, men also have skin health and even beauty needs. Men's skin is generally more oily, and is also affected by many factors such as ultraviolet radiation, air pollutants, and age. Naturally, they also need skin care to maintain healthy skin or prevent some skin problems. Therefore, using skin care products is actually a way to pay attention to your own health.

In addition, the use of skin care products may have some other benefits, such as improving appearance, enhancing men's self-confidence and self-esteem, and helping men relieve stress.

From a market perspective, the use of skin care products by men is also becoming a trend. More and more men are beginning to pay attention to their appearance and are willing to try different skin care products. The male skin care market has thus been born, and it should not be underestimated. According to a research organization, the scale of China's male skin care market is expected to accelerate. By 2027, the market scale of China's male skin care industry is expected to reach 24 billion yuan, with an average annual compound growth rate of 16.26% from 2022 to 2027.

Therefore, the idea that "men are not worthy of using skin care products" is outdated.

How to choose skin care products wisely?

Men using skin care products does not mean they have to put on elaborate makeup like women.

Skin care products used by men are usually simple and practical, focusing on three basic functions, namely cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.

Facial cleansing products: can help remove dirt and excess oil, keep the skin fresh and clean. Choose a facial cleanser that suits your skin type, and pay attention to choosing a mild formula, which is the safest and most secure for the skin. If you have oily skin, you can choose an oil-control cleanser. If you have dry skin, you can consider a mild or moisturizing cleanser. In addition, be careful to gently massage the skin when washing your face, and avoid rubbing it hard to reduce mechanical stimulation to the skin.

Moisturizing products: They can provide the moisture needed by the skin, or reduce moisture loss, prevent and relieve dry and rough skin. Similarly, it is recommended to choose moisturizing products suitable for your skin type, such as cream (thicker) or lotion (lighter). However, it should be noted that if the skin is not dry and is not prone to dryness, you do not need to use it regularly every day, after all, normal skin will also produce natural moisturizing factors.

Sunscreen products: They can block the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin, reduce the risk of tanning and sunburn, and in the long run, they can also prevent sun spots and skin aging to a certain extent. A basic consensus is that ultraviolet rays are the main cause of skin sunburn, tanning, photoaging and pigmentation. Men, women, young and old should be careful to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and prolonged sun exposure. In places where clothing is not adequately covered, such as the face, neck, arms, and back of the hands, it is necessary to use sunscreen as a supplement. It is generally recommended to apply it before going out in the sun.

Functional skin care products? Please use with caution.

We know that there are many kinds of skin care products on the market. In addition to the above three types of products, there are also some functional skin care products that focus on "problem skin", such as removing redness, soothing, whitening, and anti-aging. Their positioning is between ordinary products and medicines. They may have some effects, but the effects may not be very clear, and they cannot be equated with the treatment of skin diseases like medicines.

Our advice for this type of product is to use it with caution. If you really want to treat existing skin problems or prevent skin problems, it is more important to hold on to your wallet and do a good evaluation first, rather than blindly believe in advertisements.

On the one hand, you need to evaluate what problems you have with your skin to avoid misdiagnosis. On the other hand, you need to evaluate whether the products you plan to use are safe, effective, targeted, and cost-effective. Dermatologists have seen many cases of facial dermatitis, sensitive skin, etc. caused by the abuse of various products. The original intention was to protect the skin, but it ended up "destroying the skin", which was not worth the loss.

In addition to skin care products, these measures are also good for the skin

To make your skin better and healthier, the following measures may also help:

Eat a balanced, healthy diet: This makes it easier to maintain healthy, youthful skin, which ages more slowly and has fewer wrinkles.

Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol not only harms the liver, but also the skin. Research data shows that if you drink more than 40 grams of alcohol a day, wrinkles will become more obvious.

Quit smoking: Smoking will mainly accelerate the formation of wrinkles. If possible, it is best to quit smoking.

Good sleep: Sufficient sleep is also important for maintaining skin health. Long-term poor sleep may cause dull skin, eye bags, dark circles, acne, etc.

Reliable medical beauty: Nowadays, medical beauty is developing rapidly, and there is no shortage of reliable methods, such as photon (intense pulsed light), acid peeling (chemical peeling), laser, radiofrequency treatment, etc. Different medical beauty projects are suitable for different people, and different projects also have their own advantages and disadvantages. If there is a need, it is best to find a reliable institution and a reliable doctor to evaluate and deal with it.

In short, men should also take care of their skin, and skin care is not complicated. The key point is not whether you are suitable for using skin care products, but how to choose the most necessary and helpful products, which involves some skin care skills. We recommend that you focus on gentle cleansing, moisturizing as needed, daily sun protection and a healthy lifestyle. In this way, you will most likely be able to maintain healthy skin.

References

[1] Heather L. Brannon. The basics of healthy skin care. https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-care-101-1069529. Apr 16, 2020.

[2] Analysis of the market size, competition landscape and development prospects of China's men's skin care products industry in 2022. https://bg.qianzhan.com/trends/detail/506/220729-204338f4.html

[3] Wong QYA, Chew FT. Defining skin aging and its risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2021; 11(1): 22075.

[4] Hawkins SS, Subramanyan K, Liu D, et al. Cleansing, moisturizing, and sun-protection regimens for normal skin, self-perceived sensitive skin, and dermatologist-assessed sensitive skin. Dermatol Ther. 2004; 17 Suppl 1: 63-68.

The article is produced by Science Popularization China-Starry Sky Project (Creation and Cultivation). Please indicate the source when reprinting.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, attending physician of dermatology, doctor of medicine, popular science author

Reviewer: Feng Jun, Deputy Chief Physician, Dermatology Department, General Hospital of Datong Coal Mine Group Co., Ltd.