The last time I discussed skincare for men, it was an introduction to the three-step routine, and how and where to start. If you haven’t already begun some kind of skincare regime, I urge you to do so, at least with some moisturiser and sunscreen. After all, let’s not forgot that regardless of gender, our skin is our biggest organ and we need to treat it with some respect. If you have, I applaud you and your commitment. Here are a few more products that can both update and provide a boost to your regime.
The weekly mask
No, I’m not asking you to slap on a nightmare-inducing sheet mask. Instead, I would suggest something a little more intense. The Ordinary’s AHA + BHA Peeling Solution (₹460 on Cult Beauty) may look intimidating with its beetroot red colour, but this 10-minute face mask helps exfoliate the skin deeply and aids pore congestion, resulting in brighter skin and fewer breakouts. Even if you aren’t the kind of person to use an acid-based toner during the week, this product can help you save face (literally) over the weekend.
The life-changing serum
Pigmentation (unlike most beauty products) doesn’t discriminate based on gender. As you grow older, you will notice that scarring takes longer to heal and parts of your face tend to get darker than others. An effective way to combat pigmentation is a good topical Vitamin C based product. The Ren Radiance Perfecting Serum (₹2,950 on Cult Beauty) rejuvenates the skin and targets unevenness. If you’re the kind that worries about your skin, do yourself a favour and start with this one product.
The superhero product
If you haven’t got on the toner bandwagon yet, Thayers Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera Toner (₹1,270 on Amazon) might change your mind. Witch hazel is an unsung hero ingredient that can soothe razor burn, help with dry and itchy scalp, calm sensitive and acne prone skin, and even disinfect wounds. Its anti-inflammatory nature makes it quite the multi-tasker and a bathroom cabinet staple.
The overnight miracle
Much like pigmentation, acne doesn’t discriminate either. Unless you would rather use concealer, the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (₹1,095 on Beauty Bay) is a skin saviour. Formulated with salicylic acid and calamine, it manages to shrink or dry out your spots overnight without drying the skin. This makes it especially great for sensitive skin, preventing that three-dimensional redness that usually comes with a breakout.
The lip saviour
Sometimes you need a solution that is a lot stronger than petroleum jelly to deal with dry, chapped lips. This is where the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask (₹1,500 at Sephora) comes in handy. Filled with wonderful ingredients such as agave nectar and jojoba oil, this emollient balm helps hydrate the lips and repairs broken skin without looking obviously glossy. Instead, its satin finish leaves the lips looking healthy and soft. A major bonus? It smells and tastes great!
As always, honorary mentions to The Ordinary EUK 134 and the Aesop Purifying Facial Exfolaint.
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