A Beginner’s Guide to Skincare for Guys
If you're a guy and are looking to get started on your skincare journey, you've come to the right place!
Not sure what products to get? What should you do when you get a pimple? We talked with Sephora Squad member and dermatology PA Amy Koberling, and she gave us all of the tips and tricks for guys who are just getting into skincare.
Sweety High: What advice do you have for guys just getting into skincare?
Amy Koberling: First things first, skincare is unisex. If you love a product or think one might work for you but it's marketed primarily toward women, it does not matter! The differentiation in skincare needs is based on skin type and concern, not gender!
(via Shutterstock)
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SH: What products should guys just getting into skincare use?
AK: I think it's best to keep it simple to start. A cleanser with some active ingredients like salicylic acid for oily skin or glycolic acid for dry types and a moisturizer with SPF can go a long way. Once you're able to consistently use those things and want to add more, opt for a vitamin C serum for morning and perhaps a gentle retinol for nighttime.
SH: Do you have any specific product recs?
AK: I love The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash by Naturium because it can be used on both the face and body. The Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF is a favorite of my husband's because it's lightweight and has SPF built-in. One of my favorite beginner retinols is the IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream because it's gentle and can double as your nighttime moisturizer!
(via Shutterstock)
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SH: How do guys find out their skin type? Will that play into the types of products they should get?
AK: Skin type is the largest factor that should drive your skincare choices. To find out your skin type, wash your face with a gel cleanser and wait about 30 minutes. If you feel oils starting to reach the surface of the skin or you appear shiny in the mirror after 30 minutes with no products on your skin, you're likely an oily type. If your skin feels tight or dry when moving your face, you're likely a dry type. Combination skin may be oily in the T-zone and dry in other areas.
SH: What should guys do if they notice a pimple?
AK: If you notice a pimple, you can apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatment. Be sure not to pick as this can cause scarring.
(via Shutterstock)
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SH: Is there anything else guys just getting into skincare should know?
AK: Have fun! Don't let anyone tell you that you should or shouldn't be interested in skincare. Choose a regimen you know you will use and don't feel like you need a five-step regimen or a specific product just because it's all over TikTok!
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