Myths About Male Skincare

The world of skincare is perpetuated by many misleading myths. Here we look at some common myths about male skincare and offer tips on how men can keep their skin healthy from head to toe.

The world of skincare can be a bit daunting at first. So much information, so many products, so little time. For men especially, the idea of skincare is a relatively new thing, with more and more men adding it to their daily personal care routines. It’s not simply about looking good; it’s about feeling healthy and comfortable in one’s skin. Below we bust some common myths about male skincare and offer tips on how to keep skin vibrant and youthful.

Myth: Men don’t age as fast as women

On average, male skin is slightly thicker than female skin (about 20-25%) and has a slightly rougher texture. It contains more collagen and elastin fibres and hence has a firmer, tighter appearance. Men’s skin also produces more sebum, making it slightly oilier and less prone to dryness compared to women. However, while there are differences between male and female skin and characteristics differ across skin types, all skin eventually shows the signs of aging. Fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, dryness and sunburn show up in men just like they do in women, albeit at a slightly slower rate, hence the myth that they age slower.

When collagen, elastin and sebum production naturally slow down due to aging, skin starts to lose elasticity, thickness and moisture. To keep skin smooth and elastic, apply ChitoCare beauty Body Lotion after showering. Providing antioxidant protection, it reduces redness and irritability, offering moisture and bounce.

Myth: Men don’t need to wash their face

Washing one’s face is important: to cleanse away grime, dirt, pollution and excess oil. It helps to keep skin clear from bacteria, prevents excess oil build-up that can cause acne breakouts, and leaves the skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. However, a simple bar of soap (or even worse, your shower gel!) will not do all that. Instead, it will dry out the skin, strip it of its natural oils, often leaving a feeling of tightness and dryness. This is why it is important to wash your face with a product that is specially formulated for the sensitive skin of the face, ideally containing natural moisturizing ingredients.

For weekly cleansing exfoliation, you can use ChitoCare beauty Body Scrub that is also suitable for your face. It contains natural, exfoliating micro-granules from walnut shells and bamboo stem that gently slough away dead cells, dirt and grime, and moisturizing marine chitosan that covers the skin in a protective film.

Myth: Sunscreen is only for the holidays

The number one cause of premature skin aging is exposure to ultraviolet rays. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to the development of skin cancer, and UVA rays penetrate both clouds and glass. This mean that UV radiation can reach you in winter, on overcast days, inside your car and inside buildings. While the risks of sun exposure are well documented, men do not use sunscreen as often as they should. By age 65, men are twice as likely as women to develop melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer.

Sunscreen is not only for when sitting by the beach, it should be applied every day to protect skin from the damages of sunlight. Apply a sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30, remembering to reapply every couple of hours or after swimming. Especially if working outside or during outdoor activities like sports and gardening, sunscreen is absolutely necessary, alongside correct sun protection: seeking shade, covering up with breathable fabrics, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, and avoiding the sun during its peak hours (10am to 2pm).

To soothe sunburned skin, apply ChitoCare medical Healing Spray. It soothes sore, dry or irritated skin, and supports the skin’s natural healing process. It can be used on breached or intact skin, covering it in a thin film that protects it from external aggressors while locking in moisture.

Myth: Moisturizing creams are only for women

Male skin produces more sebum than female skin. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands of the skin and helps skin retain moisture. While many men have oilier skin than women, this does not mean they do not need to moisturize. Especially after showering or sitting in the sun, it is greatly beneficial for men to moisturize, to ensure their skin remains hydrated, firm and soft. Skin that is never moisturized may either develop dryness, irritation, inflammation or flakiness, even soreness or cracking, or it may overproduce oily sebum in an effort to make up for lack of moisture.

Balance skin moisture by applying ChitoCare beauty Face Cream after showering, to soothe skin from tightness and dryness. Containing natural moisturizing oils from coconut, macadamia and soybean, alongside soothing aloe vera, it is a lightweight moisturizer that supports the skin’s natural repair process and provides antioxidant protection. Remember to apply face cream and sunscreen all the way down the neck as well, as it is often forgotten even though it is just as exposed as the face.

Myth: Shaving with soap is fine

Not all shaving creams are created equal. Many can contain alcohol, chemicals or other ingredients that dry out the skin, causing rashes, redness, itching, stinging, or a sense of tightness and tenderness. As shaving is often a daily habit, it is important to use products that help the skin remain moisturized and soft. A shaving cream that contains hydrating, natural ingredients such as aloe vera can prevent irritation or stinging, and a cooling, moisturizing lotion or cream can soothe and soften freshly shaven skin. Hair is softer after showering, so that is the best time to shave, and rinsing with cool water afterwards will help keep skin supple. Applying a natural oil after razor burn can reduce itching, tenderness or redness and help to keep facial hair soft and shiny. Exfoliating weekly will help prevent spots, pimples or ingrowing hairs that can cause red bumps, swelling, tenderness or itchiness.

To relieve razor burn, apply ChitoCare medical Healing Spray. Containing marine chitosan, it covers the skin in a breathable film that locks in moisture and reduces redness, itching and irritation. Especially if you have a beard, remember to take care of the skin underneath the hair as well, as it is often neglected but of course also benefits from moisturizing.

Myth: Men don’t need to use hand cream

While hand cream might seem like something only women use, it can be greatly beneficial for men to apply when needed. Working outside and outdoor activities can leave the skin feeling rough, sore or cracked. Long-term exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause dryness, sunspots, rashes or scaling. While many men avoid wearing hand cream because they dislike the greasy feeling it leaves behind, many avoid it because they think hand cream is only for women. However, applying hand cream when needed will not only help hands recover from grazes, dryness or roughness, it will help make skin more resilient and soft. Chances are, it will also be appreciated by partners!

ChitoCare beauty Hand Cream contains marine chitosan, that covers the skin in a protective film, locking in moisture. It is absorbed quickly by the skin and has a neutral scent. Containing natural moisturizing oils from macadamia nuts and sweet almonds, and soothing, healing aloe vera leaf juice, it softens and protects the hands without feeling greasy.